LGBTQ+ Support Group
Facilitated by Grace L. Abear, M.S., AMFT, APCC
Day: Thursdays (Start date: February 9th & End date: June 29th)
Time: 2:00PM to 3:00PM
Location: CAPS Group Room
The CAPS' weekly support group represents our dedication to the holistic support and development of our campus community. Currently, this service is reserved for UC Merced students who identify within the LGBTQ+ community and/or are questioning their sexual orientation/gender identity.
Confidentiality
Both clinical and administrative personnel of CAPS are trained to maintain confidentiality of all student/client information as well as meet the requirements of the regulations governing HIPAA compliance. Confidential information includes but is not limited to name, contact information, physical description, date(s) of service, presenting problems, diagnosis and verification of client status.
Clinicians may disclose confidential information ONLY during the following circumstances:
- Signed release of information from the client stipulating information to be released and specified time frame
- The client presents an imminent danger to herself/himself
- The client presents an imminent danger to an identifiable person or group of persons
- The client has shared information regarding abuse (physical, sexual or neglect) of a child (under the age of 18), elder (i.e. person over the age of 65) or dependent adult, which staff are mandated to report to the proper authorities.
Consent Information
UC Merced Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
LGBTQIA+/Pride Center Drop-In Group Acknowledgement
Please be aware that conversations that you have during CAPS LGBTQIA+/Pride Center Drop-In Group, are consultations for students in need of personal support and/or assistance with life planning. They do not constitute professional counseling, psychotherapy, and/or mental health treatment. They are not individual consultations and other fellow students may also present as additional group members. You will not receive clinical care, a psychological evaluation, a diagnosis or a treatment plan. You will not complete any mental health or medical assessment, history, or consent forms. Other than this Acknowledgment Form, no documents or medical or mental health records will be retained.
Because these conversations do not constitute professional counseling, psychotherapy, and/or mental health treatment or services, the privacy of the conversations will not be protected as medical records. They will be covered by applicable sections of the standards for university students under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Therefore, the content of the conversation(s) can be disclosed to university employees for purposes related to their job duties. In addition, information can be disclosed to others (such as family or friends) to help protect a student if there is a health or safety emergency.
The university staff that you speak with, may recommend professional counseling, or other mental health or medical treatment. If you decide to receive counseling or mental health treatment at CAPS, the records related to that interaction will be covered under more stringent confidentiality laws.
- I understand that I will be provided with limited consultation services in a group.
- I understand that although my consultant may be a psychologist, he/she is not providing psychological services during Drop-In Group.
- I understand that my records will be protected under FERPA.
- I understand that I can receive professional counseling and/or mental health treatment, by calling CAPS at (209)228-4266 to make an appointment.
- I understand that if I am in an immediate crisis, I should call CAPS at the same number (209)228-4266 during regular office hours (8:00am – 4:30p pm, Monday-Friday). For an urgent need after office hours, call the same number (209)228-4266 to immediately speak with a ProtoCall mental health counselor. If anyone is in danger, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
CAPS LGBTQ+ Support Group Facilitator:
Grace L. Abear, M.S., AMFT, APCC
Psychological Intern
University of California, Merced
Counseling and Psychological Services
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
