Health and Wellness Habif Health and Wellness Center

Let’s Talk

LetsTalk

“Let’s Talk” is a program that provides students with easy access to free, brief confidential consultations with counselors from Mental Health Services (MHS).

Let’s Talk consultations are:

  • Free for all full-time Washington University students
  • Virtual through Zoom
  • Available first come, first served – no appointment needed
  • Informal consultation, not a substitute for counseling
  • 15 to 20 minute sessions
  • Confidential
  • Not appropriate for urgent concerns and mental health emergencies

MHS counselors hold Let’s Talk hours throughout the week (see schedule below).

“Let’s Talk” consultation sessions can help provide insight, solutions and information about other resources. Although “Let’s Talk” counselors are professionals, “Let’s Talk” is not a substitute for 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 MHS would be useful for you and, if appropriate, assist you in how to schedule an appointment.

How is “Let’s Talk” different from counseling at Mental Health Services?

Counselors at MHS provide ongoing counseling by scheduled appointment. “Let’s Talk” is not formal counseling: it is a drop-in service where students can have a brief, informal consultation with a counselor from time-to-time.

This service is open to all currently enrolled, full-time Washington University students. “Let’s Talk” is the best fit for the following:

  • 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 to briefly discuss the issue with a counselor.
  • Students who have a concern about a friend and want some guidance and support about how to address the issue.

Virtual Let’s Talk through Zoom

How it works:

Let’s Talk is available throughout the week.

Click on the day of the week below to find:

  • Time of the session
  • Clinician information
  • Zoom link
  • When you click on the Zoom link during the designated time you will be placed in a virtual waiting room.
  • Students are seen on a first come, first served basis. There may be a wait if the counselor is seeing another student.

Spring 2023 Schedule

Let’s Talk runs from January 30 through April 28 (No Let’s Talk during Spring Break 3/12-3/18).

If you have questions or concerns please contact the Mental Health coordinator at 314-935-6695.

Mondays

1:15 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Counselor: Yujia Lei, PhD
Zoom Link: https://wustl-hipaa.zoom.us/j/99818304086

Tuesdays

10:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
Counselor: Zhenni (Jennie) Wang, PhD
Zoom Link: https://wustl-hipaa.zoom.us/j/91093582477

If you have questions or concerns please contact the Mental Health coordinator at 314-935-6695.

Wednesdays

1:15-2:45 p.m.
Counselor: Susan Rosse, PsyD
Zoom Link: https://wustl-hipaa.zoom.us/s/94671913839

If you have questions or concerns please contact the Mental Health coordinator at 314-935-6695.

Thursdays

1:15 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Counselor: Jeffrey Best, MSW, LCSW
Zoom Link: https://wustl-hipaa.zoom.us/j/93260495078

If you have questions or concerns please contact the Mental Health coordinator at 314-935-6695.

Fridays

1:15-2:45 p.m.

Counselor: Holly Weber, Psy.D.
Zoom Link: https://wustl-hipaa.zoom.us/j/92565675109

If you have questions or concerns please contact the Mental Health coordinator at 314-935-6695.

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 their own behalf is being abused.
  • “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 MHS, other MHS 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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Would going to “Let’s Talk” help me figure out what to do about an issue of concern?

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 may be possible to meet with them at MHS for ongoing treatment.

I called MHS and spoke with a counselor. She 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 MHS directly at 314-935-6695 and explain your situation.

I called MHS and spoke with a counselor. He recommended a referral to a counselor in Clayton for open-ended counseling. Can I go to “Let’s Talk” instead?​

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

I’m currently seeing a counselor at MHS, and 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 they can see you sooner. If you are experiencing a crisis, you can come to MHS at any time during office hours for a prompt in-person evaluation. If it is after business hours and you are in imminent crisis, please call 911. To be connected to mental health support after hours, please download the TimelyCare app and access the Talk Now option. Sign up using your WashU email address. Support is available after-hours and on weekends year round.

I’m currently seeing a counselor at MHS, 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 are eager to receive your feedback. Often, an open conversation about your concern helps to resolve any concerns that you may have about your treatment at MHS. If, after talking with your counselor, you prefer to transfer to someone else, just ask your counselor directly or call the MHS Coordinator at 314-935-6695.