Let’s Talk

This service is open to all MTSU undergraduate and graduate students. Let’s Talk is the best fit for:

• students who have never been in counseling before, are not sure if it’s right for them, 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 to talk it through with someone
• students who are interested in learning more about what campus resources are available to them and how to access them
• students who have a concern about a friend and want some thoughts about what to do

• students who already know they want regular counseling
• students seeking specialized services, such as psychiatry
• students who are already receiving counseling with an MTSU counselor or have a provider in the community

Let’s Talk visits are typically 20-25 minutes, and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Sometimes there is a wait, and occasionally when it’s very busy, the counselor might not have enough time to see everyone. However, there are Let’s Talk hours every day, Monday through Friday, during the semester, so you can try again the next day. During your session, the counselor will listen closely to your concerns and provide support, perspective, and suggestions for resources.

Counseling consists of scheduled weekly appointments. Weekly sessions focus on an agreed upon treatment goal established between the counselor and student at the initial meeting. In contrast, Let’s Talk is not formal counseling and is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment. Rather, it is a convenient drop-in service where students can have an informal conversation with a counselor.

Absolutely. The Let’s Talk counselor will talk through your issue with you and help you determine the best way to get help.

Since regular counseling visits are not available at Let’s Talk, following up with the referral is a good idea. Unfortunately, Counseling Services is not able to provide longer term or more specialized counseling.

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’s like to speak with a counselor. Your Let’s Talk counselor can help you determine whether formal counseling at Counseling Services would be useful for you and, if appropriate, assist you in scheduling an appointment.

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 their 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 counselor.