"Let's Talk" therapist consultations

January 28, 2019

What is “Let’s Talk”?
“Let's Talk” is a program that provides easy access to informal consultations with therapists from the Student Health and Counseling Center. Consultation is open to students and to staff and faculty who might be concerned about the well-being of a student. Student Health and Counseling therapists hold walk-in hours at various locations around campus each month. No appointment or fee is necessary. Consultations typically last 10-15 minutes. (Students, this does not count towards your session limit for formal counseling.)

What happens during a visit to Let's Talk? Where and when does it occur?
Therapists are available at a first-come, first-served basis; usually there is not much of a wait. The therapist will listen closely to your concerns and provide support, perspective and suggestions for additional resources that may help you address your concerns. Let’s Talk is open to students, staff and faculty. See below for hours and locations.

How is “Let's Talk” different from counseling?
Therapists at Student Health and Counseling provide ongoing face-to-face counseling appointments that typically last 45-50 minutes at the counseling office. Let's Talk is not formal counseling. It is a drop-in service located at various sites across campus where you will receive an informal consultation of about 10-15 minutes to address your concerns. It also provides a great opportunity to get a feel for what counseling is like, which may sometimes lead you to pursue ongoing services elsewhere, including through Student Health and Counseling. (Staff and faculty who would like counseling can get referrals through the employee assistance program.)

Let's Talk may be beneficial for:

Students who are not sure about ongoing counseling but would like the perspective from a consultation with a professional.

Students who have a specific problem and would like to briefly discuss the issue.

Students who have a concern about a friend and want some guidance and support about how to address the issue.

Faculty or staff who want to consult with a professional about an individual of concern.

Would going to Let's Talk help me figure out what to do about an issue of concern?
Absolutely. The therapist will talk through your issue with you and help you determine the best way to address it. If you desire more time with a counselor, you can make an appointment for ongoing counseling at Student Health and Counseling by calling 474-7043.

I called Student Health and Counseling and spoke with a therapist. He recommended coming in for a counseling appointment. Can I go to Let's Talk instead?
Since regular counseling visits are not available at Let's Talk, following up with the referral is a good idea.

I'm currently seeing a counselor at Student Health and Counseling, and I would like to talk to someone sooner than my next appointment. Can I go to Let's Talk?
It's best to first contact your counselor directly to see if he or she can see you sooner because it is important to remain consistent with current treatment established between you and your therapist. If you are in crisis, Student Health and Counseling has emergency walk-in appointments during business hours and access to a 24/7 crisis line after hours. Please call 474-7043 and follow the prompts after hours to reach a crisis counselor.

I'm currently seeing a counselor at Student Health and Counseling, and I am not happy with how things are going. Can I go to Let's Talk instead?
The best thing to do in this situation is to talk directly with your therapist. They are eager to hear your feedback, and discussing it with them might help them to address your concern. If you are uncomfortable talking to your therapist or have already discussed your concerns and still prefer to transfer, please contact us at 474-7043 for further assistance.

Is Let's Talk confidential?
Since “Let’s Talk” hours are held in public domains, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. Your Let’s Talk counselor is bound to confidentiality (unless there are concerns for safety), but we cannot guarantee others may not hear your conversation in an open space.

Spring 2019 Let’s Talk locations and hours

Jan. 29	12:30–2:30 p.m.	Wood Center (Arctic Java)
Feb. 19	3–5 p.m.	SRC (location TBD)
March 14	9-11 a.m.	Moore-Bartlett-Skarland Complex (Common Area)
April 4	10 a.m.-noon	West Ridge (Geophysical Institute)
May 2	11 a.m.-1 p.m.	Engineering (Java Joe's)