About Us: Learn more about CaPS
For more than 70 years, CaPS has been addressing the mental health needs of the university community by providing confidential treatment to students and collaborating with staff, faculty and family members. CaPS helps students improve their psychological health by facilitating insight and fostering deeper understanding of their personal struggles needed to make better choices for themselves. Services at CaPS are developmental in nature, aimed at supporting students in the moment and in their personal growth and maturation over time.
CaPS is attentive to issues of diversity and equality. We respect and value each person as a unique individual. We offer a safe and supportive space for students who identify as LGBTQ+ to navigate the challenges of exploring and integrating their gender and sexual identities.
Our Purpose
Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) addresses the mental health needs of the CMU community through a variety of services. We provide a safe, confidential environment to talk about personal or academic concerns. We assist students who need to connect with mental health resources in the community and support staff, faculty, and family members who have concerns about the well-being of a student. We strive to promote students’ capacity for psychological growth and maturation through greater self-awareness and psychological insight.
All counseling center services are provided at no cost.
Keep up with the latest events, announcements and programs at CaPS by subscribing to the CaPS Event d-list. You can also follow us on Instagram
Our Staff
At CaPS, we are dedicated to the psychological growth and emotional well-being of all Carnegie Mellon students. Our team is made up of highly qualified:
- mental health professionals
- advanced-level doctoral trainees
- support staff
Dareen Basma, Ph.D, LPC (University of Tennessee)
DEI Initiatives & Research Coordinator | Psychotherapist
Jeff Beyer, Ph.D. (Duquesne University)
Psychotherapist
Shubhara Bhattacharjee , Psy.D. (Chicago School of Professional Psychology) Psychotherapist
Melissa Bilski, Psy.D. (Argosy University)
Psychotherapist, Practicum Training Coordinator | Licensed Psychologist
Lindsey Bond, BA, MA, MS (Meadaille College)
Psychology Intern
Kristine Cannata, L.C.S.W. (University of Pittsburgh)
Triage, Consultation, and Case Management Clinician|Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Psychotherapist | Licensed Psychologist
Viviana Ferrer-Medina, Psy.D. (Chicago School of Professional Psychology)Psychotherapist and Outreach Coordinator
Aysia Hunter, M.Ed. , L.P.C. (Indiana University of Pennsylvania)
Triage, Consultation, and Case Management Clinician
Allison Jedinak, Psy.D. (Chatham University)
Psychotherapist
Kym Jordan Simmons, Ph.D. (University of Pittsburgh)
Psychotherapist|Licensed Psychologist
Rebecca Kallis, M.S.W., L.I.C.S.W. (University of Pittsburgh)
Triage, Consultation and Case Management Clinician | Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Sara Mark, M.S., L.P.C. (Chatham University)
Triage, Consultation and Case Management Clinician| Licensed Professional Counselor
Susan Morine, MD (University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine)
Psychiatrist
Debra Reich, MA (Chatham University)
Psychology Intern
Briana L. Root, Ph.D. (Case Western Reserve University)
Psychotherapist | Licensed Psychologist
Chris Romagni (Penn State University)
Screening and Information Coordinator
Casey Schall (Univerity of Pittsburgh)
Administrative Assistant
Nadiya Tucker, LCSW, BC-TMH (University of Maryland, Baltimore)
Triage, Consultation and Case Management Clinician|Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Sara Troupe, Psy.D. (Indiana University of Pennsylvania)
Psychotherapist
CaPS Leadership Team:
Shane Chaplin, Ph.D. (Duquesne University)
Executive Director | Licensed Psychologist
Michele Keffer, Ph.D. (SUNY Buffalo)
Assistant Director of Psychotherapy Services|Psychotherapist | Licensed Psychologist
Jessica R. Maga, M.A., L.P.C. (Towson University)
Assistant Director of TCC Service | Licensed Professional Counselor
Sharon L. Mannella, Psy.D., L.P.C. (Capella University)
Assistant Director of Administration | Licensed Professional Counselor | Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor