What is Let’s Talk?
Let’s Talk is a program that provides easy-access consultations with counselors from the University Counseling Center (UCC) in an informal, friendly format. Consultants hold walk-in hours from 12 to 2 pm at four sites around campus Monday through Thursday. No appointment or fee is necessary.
What happens at a Let’s Talk visit?
The consultant will listen closely to your concerns and provide support, perspective and suggestions for resources.
How is Let’s Talk different from counseling?
Counselors at UCC provide ongoing counseling, which usually consists of weekly 50-minute appointments. Let’s Talk, in contrast, is informal counseling. It is a drop-in service, where students can have informal consultations with a counselor from time to time.
Who should visit Let’s Talk?
This service is open to all UM students. Let’s Talk is the best fit for:
- Students who are not sure about counseling and wonder what it’s like to talk to a counselor.
- Students who are not interested in ongoing counseling but would like the perspective of a counselor.
- Students who have a specific problem and would like someone with whom to talk it through.
- Students who have a concern about a friend or a student and want some thoughts about what to do.
I think I have a problem that would benefit from counseling, but I don’t know anything about counseling. Would going to Let’s Talk help me figure out what to do?
Absolutely. The consultant will talk through your issue with you and help you determine the best way to get help. If you feel comfortable with the consultant, it’s sometimes possible to meet with him or her at UCC on an ongoing basis.
I’m a nonstudent spouse of a UM student. Can I come to Let’s Talk?
Yes. The consultant will help you with your immediate concerns and assist you with referrals should you need ongoing support.
The most convenient site for me to visit is the Luckyday Residential College, but I don’t live there. Can I go there anyway?
Certainly. All sites are open to all students.
I have an appointment at UCC a week from now. Can I stop by Let’s Talk in the meantime?
If you believe you need to be seen sooner than the appointment you were given, it’s best to call UCC directly and explain your situation.
I’m currently seeing a counselor at UCC, but I would like to talk to someone sooner than my next appointment. Can I go to Let’s Talk?
If your next appointment is not soon enough, it’s best to contact your counselor directly to see if he or she can see you sooner.
I’m currently seeing a counselor at UCC, but I’m 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 counselor. Counselors are eager to get your feedback, positive or negative. Often, an open conversation about your concern helps smooth out any wrinkles. If, after talking with your counselor, you prefer to transfer to someone else, just ask your counselor directly, either in person or by e-mail.
Let’s Talk visits are confidential. Are there any limits to confidentiality?
Conversations with Let’s Talk consultants are confidential, with a few rare exceptions. Consultants may need to share information in an emergency when there is an immediate threat of harm to yourself or others. Also, consultants are required by law to report when a minor, elderly person, or someone otherwise incapacitated and unable to act on his/her own behalf is being abused. We don’t want anything to be a barrier to students accessing help. If you have further questions about confidentiality, we encourage you to discuss them with a Let’s Talk consultant.
What else do I need to know?
Let’s Talk is not a substitute for psychotherapy or formal counseling and does not constitute mental-health treatment. Let’s Talk consultants provide informal consultations to help students with specific problems and to introduce them to what it’s like to speak with a counselor. Your Let’s Talk consultant can help you determine whether formal counseling at UCC would be useful for you and, if appropriate, assist you in scheduling an appointment.
