Let's Talk

Feeling unsure about how to begin your mental health journey? “Let's Talk!”

“Let's Talk” is a free program that supports students starting their mental health journeys. It provides casual meetings with counselors during specific drop-in times for initial support and advice.

Trained mental health counselors are now available for drop-in conversations at different times and locations across campus, including at Trotter, the Spectrum Center, South Quad, the International Center, and Bursley.

This informal, confidential “office hours” style can be a great fit for students unsure about formal counseling; for those with a specific, time-limited concern they’d like to talk through; or those seeking information on campus resources. Please note: this is not meant for crisis or emergency support.

Let's Talk will run from January 20th 2025 to April 25th 2025. There will be no drop-ins the week of Spring Break (March 3rd - 7th). 

 

What is Let's Talk? 

Let's Talk is designed to provide informal, confidential consultations with professional counselors, making mental health resources more accessible and destigmatizing the counseling process. Drop-in sessions are held at multiple campus locations Monday through Friday, offering a flexible and approachable avenue for student support. Detailed schedules and counselor biographies can be found here: (insert url when available) 

What happens at a visit to Let's Talk?

Let’s Talk allows students to drop in on a first-come, first-served basis. The counselor will listen to concerns, provide support, and suggest resources. This setup ensures minimal wait times and maximizes accessibility. Please note that Let’s Talk is not intended for urgent or crisis appointments.

What is the difference between Let’s Talk and counseling appointments?

Let’s Talk is confidential, informal conversations with licensed mental health professionals. These are 15-20 minute appointments that focus on a specific concern and/or helps students get connected to campus resources. Let’s Talk is not a replacement to therapy. 

CAPS counseling/therapy sessions are brief, ongoing therapy sessions that may address a range of concerns including but not limited to  feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, academic concerns, substance use, issues with friends and family, or relationship concerns. Counseling sessions last 45 minutes (they start on the hour). 

Who should visit Let's Talk?

This service is open to all UM undergraduate, graduate and professional students.  Let's Talk is the best fit for the following people:

  1. Students unfamiliar with, or unsure about formal counseling

  2. Those seeking a professional perspective without commitment to ongoing sessions. 

  3. Anyone need immediate support to discuss a particular issue.

  4. Open to all students, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, international students, first-generation students, veterans, and others who face unique challenges.

 

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 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 is possible to meet with them at CAPS in an ongoing way.

I called CAPS and spoke with a counselor.  They offered me an appointment 10 business days 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 CAPS directly and explain your situation. As a reminder Let’s Talk is designed to be a starting place for students who may be transitioning to additional mental health support and/or need support on a specific concern. Let’s Talk is not meant for urgent or crisis appointments. 

 

Let's Talk Schedule