CAPS Community Response Team (CRT)

Support During Campus or Community Crises

The CAPS Community Response Team (CRT) provides timely, trauma-informed mental health support to students and campus communities impacted by significant or distressing events, such as a student death or other communitywide crises. 

CRT support is offered in collaboration with campus partners to help students feel supported, grounded and connected during difficult moments. 

What Is the Community Response Team?

The Community Response Team is a group of trained CAPS staff who respond following significant campus or community events. CRT offers brief, supportive interventions—not therapy—focused on emotional support, coping and connection. 

CRT may provide support directly in campus spaces where students already live, learn and gather. 

How CRT Supports the Campus Community

CRT services are designed to: 

  • Normalize emotional responses to trauma and loss 
  • Promote resilience and healthy coping 
  • Strengthen connection to personal, academic and campus supports 
  • Provide outreach to students who may not otherwise seek counseling 
  • Reinforce care and trust during times of crisis 

What to Expect From a CRT Response

When activated, CRT support may include: 

Drop-in support (passive presence)
  • CAPS staff available in common campus spaces 
  • Informal support over multiple days during designated times 
  • A space to talk, ask questions or simply sit with support 
Targeted outreach
  • Support for impacted student groups, such as:  
    • Directly affected students 
    • Resident advisors or student leaders 
    • Classroom or organization-based outreach 
Support sessions
  • Brief, trauma-informed sessions focused on:  
    • Coping strategies 
    • Trauma and grief education 
    • Self-care and grounding tools 

What CRT Provides

During CRT support opportunities, students may receive: 

  • Psychological First Aid and emotional support 
  • Brief coping tools and psychoeducation 
  • Self-care strategies 
  • Information on CAPS and campus resources 
  • Academic self-advocacy guidance 
  • Referrals to ongoing support, when needed 

Printed materials and light refreshments may be available during some responses. 

Who CRT Support is For

CRT provides information and support for different members of the campus community. 

Explore Support by Role:

 

For students impacted by a crisis

Brief support, coping tools and connection to resources. 

 

For students supporting other students

Guidance on how to help a friend while caring for yourself.

 

For parents and families

Support for understanding trauma responses and helping your student.

When is CRT Activated?

CRT support is coordinated with the Dean of Students Emergency Response Team following significant campus or community events. Support is offered as soon as possible and may continue for several days based on community needs. 

Need Support Now?

If you need immediate support: 

You are not alone—support is available.