Brooks College of Health

FAQ
The Let's Talk program provides easy access to informal, brief, virtual drop-in consultations with UNF counselors. Appointments are scheduled online and there is no paperwork to complete.

Speaking with a counselor in a confidential setting can help you access support, provide perspective, help you explore resources and discuss how counseling might be helpful. "Let's Talk" is designed for students who are wanting to talk to a counselor casually. It is not appropriate for students needing urgent help. If you are in crisis, please call or go to the UNF Counseling Center.

The “Let’s Talk” off-site walk-in model – developed at Cornell – is nationally recognized for its success in increasing student access to mental health care. The model has been adopted by nearly 100 universities and colleges nationwide. (cornellhealth@cornell.edu)
What is Let’s Talk?
    Let's Talk is a virtual program, that provides easy access to confidential, informal consultations with a counselor from the UNF Counseling Center. No appointment is necessary and there is no paperwork to complete.
What happens at a visit to Let’s Talk?
    Appointments are scheduled online during certain blocks of time throughout the week. During your session, the counselor will listen closely to your concerns and provide support, perspective, and suggestions for resources.
How is Let’s Talk different from counseling at the UNF Counseling Center?
    Counselors at the UNF Counseling Center provide ongoing counseling, which usually consists of bi-weekly 45-50 minute appointments. Let’s Talk is not a formal counseling service, rather it is an informal consultation with a counselor from time to time.
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 apprehensive about counseling and want to discuss how it might help them.
  • Students who are not interested in ongoing counseling but would like the perspective of a counselor.
  • Students who have a concern about a friend and want some thoughts about what to do.
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 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.
I called the UNF Counseling Center and schedule an initial consultation appointment. They offered me an appointment 10 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 the UNF Counseling Center directly and explain your situation or to stop by the office during the walk-in hours (10am-5pm) to speak with a crisis counselor.
I spoke to a counselor at the UNF Counseling Center and they recommended a referral to a therapist in the community. 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. CAPS cannot provide ongoing counseling to every student who requests it.
I’m currently seeing a counselor at the UNF Counseling Center, 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 see you sooner.
I’m currently seeing a counselor at the UNF Counseling Center, but 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 get your feedback, positive or negative. Oftentimes 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 e-mail.
What else do I need to know?
    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 these 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 the UNF Counseling Center would be useful for you and, if appropriate, assist you in scheduling an appointment.
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. 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 UNF Counseling Center, other UNFCC staff may see that a student spoke with a Let’s Talk counselor.

    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. Anonymity can be provided at the client’s request, within the limits of confidentiality.