Let's Talk

A program that provides easy access to informal confidential consultations with counselors from Student Counseling & Psychological Services (SCPS).
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Just walk in to a Let’s Talk site for a free confidential consultation! It’s free, no appointment is necessary, and students are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. No topic is off limits, but some common concerns include:

  • Stress/ anxiety
  • Homesickness
  • Mood fluctuations
  • Worry
  • Relationships
  • Loneliness
  • Academic performance
  • Family problems
  • Financial struggles
  • Concerns about another student

What is Let’s Talk?

Let’s Talk is a program that provides easy access to informal confidential consultations with counselors from Student Counseling & Psychological Services. It is not a substitute for psychotherapy or formal counseling and does NOT constitute mental health treatment. Let’s Talk counselors 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 counselor can help you determine whether formal counseling at SCPS would be useful for you and, and if appropriate assist you in scheduling an appointment. Counselors hold walk-in hours at Let’s Talk sites at a time to be determined by SCPS. There is no appointment or fee necessary.

Who should visit Let’s Talk?

  • Students who are not sure about counseling and wonder what it’s like to talk with 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 and want some thoughts about what to do.
  • This service is open to all AU students.

What happens at a visit to Let’s Talk?

Appointments are first-come, first-served. Usually there is not much of a wait. The counselor will listen closely to your concerns and provide support, perspective, and suggestions for resources.

How is Let’s Talk different from SCPS?

Counselors at Student Counseling & Psychological Services provide ongoing counseling, which usually consists of weekly or bi-weekly 45-50 minute appointments. Let’s Talk is not formal counseling. It is a drop-in service where students can have an informal consultation with a counselor from time to time.

 

Some frequently asked questions about Let’s Talk

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?

The counselor will talk through your issue with you and help you determine the best way to get help. If you feel comfortable with the counselor, it’s sometimes possible to meet with him or her at SCPS in an ongoing way.

The most convenient site for me to visit is the College of Engineering, but I’m not an engineer student. Can I go there?

All sites are open to all students.

I called SCPS and spoke with a counselor and was offered an appointment 10 business days from now. Can I stop by Let’s Talk in the meantime?

Since regular counseling visits are not available at Let’s Talk, following up with the referral is a good idea. Unfortunately, SCPS cannot provide ongoing counseling to every student who requests it.

I’m currently seeing a counselor at SCPS, and 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 schedule you sooner.

I’m currently seeing a counselor at SCPS, and 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 appreciate 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 email.

Can faculty or staff use Let’s Talk?

We do not encourage faculty and staff to use Let’s Talk service. However, sometimes they show up, and we don’t turn them away. We do direct them to resources that are more appropriate for them.

Let’s Talk visits are confidential. Are there any limits to confidentiality?

Conversations with Let’s Talk counselors are confidential, with a few very rare exceptions. Counselors may need to share information in an emergency when there is an immediate threat of harm to self or others. Counselors 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 or neglected. Let’s Talk counselors keep brief written notes of their contacts with students, and in the event that there is an emergency or a student is referred to Student Counseling & Psychological Services, other SCPS staff may see these notes. Finally, these notes can be released in the unlikely event of a court order. Let’s Talk visits are never noted on a student’s official university record.

 

Questions or concerns about Let’s Talk?

Contact Student Counseling & Psychological Services at (334) 844-5123.