Let’s Talk

Counselors at the Center for Health and Wellness provide formal, short-term counseling which includes completing an intake form. Some students come for a few sessions to help navigate a challenging situation, or may see a counselor in an on-going way as frequently as every other week. Let’s Talk is different in that it is  a drop-in service where students can have an informal consultation with a counselor from time to time.

Although Let’s Talk counselors are professionals, Let’s Talk 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 is like to speak with a counselor. Your Let’s Talk counselor can help you determine whether other services at Counseling and the broader Center for Health and Wellness would be useful for you and, if appropriate, assist you in scheduling an appointment. 

Let’s Talk is open to all enrolled students and could be the best fit for: 

• students who are not sure about counseling and wonder what it is 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 someone they care about and want some thoughts about what to do

Conversations with Let’s Talk counselors are confidential, with a few rare exceptions that also apply to all other offices and services in the Center for Health and Wellness.

We do not 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 counselor.  

The counselor will listen closely to your concerns and provide support, perspective, and suggestions for resources. 

Absolutely. The Let’s Talk counselor will talk through things with you and help determine the best way to get support. If you feel comfortable with the counselor, it is sometimes possible to meet with them at the Center for Health and Wellness for counseling services. 

If you believe you need to be seen sooner than the appointment you were given, it is best to call Counseling back directly (802-443-5141) and explain your situation. You can also always use the TalkNow feature through TimelyCare to connect with a counselor 24/7/365.

If your next appointment is not soon enough, it is best to contact Counseling directly  (802-443-5141) to see if a counselor can see you sooner. You can also always use the TalkNow feature through TimelyCare to speak to a counselor on-demand 24/7/365.

Since routine or on-going visits are not available at Let’s Talk, following up with the referrals the counselor provided you is a good idea. TalkNow and Scheduled Counseling are available to all students through TimelyCare and Counseling maintains a community provider list of local counselors who are accepting college students as new clients. Unfortunately, the Center for Health and Wellness cannot always provide ongoing counseling to every student who requests it.  

The best thing to do in this situation is to talk directly with your counselor. Counselors are eager to get your feedback. Oftentimes a conversation about your concerns can help resolve them or, they may be able to help you schedule with a different counselor on staff who could be a better fit after hearing from you about your needs and concerns. If, after talking with your counselor, you prefer to transfer to someone else, just ask your counselor directly or Counseling’s administrative associate by calling 802-443-5141.