UCS

Let's Talk

Let's Talk logo

Let’s Talk is an outreach program that provides easy access to informal consultations with counselors from University Counseling Services.  Normally, our counselors provide drop-in consultation hours at sites around campus throughout the week.  Given COVID-19, our counselors will continue to provide Let’s Talk services virtually during the Fall 2022 semester.  There is no fee for this service and no appointment is needed.  Students can meet virtually for a consultation on a first-come, first-serve basis. A Let’s Talk counselor is available to listen, offer support, and provide resources and problem-solving tools.

Talking can help.
Whether it is stress, sadness, difficulty adjusting to school, academic concerns, or relationship or family problems, sharing your concerns with another person can make a positive difference. Let’s Talk counselors can talk through your issue with you and help you determine the best way to get help.

Let’s Talk are mostly returning to an in-person format (unless indicated otherwise below) during Fall 2023 on the days and times listed below.

Let’s Talk Mondays - DREAM Center
11am to 12pm 
Facilitated by Gabriella Cuaderes

Let’s Talk Tuesdays - Athletics 
2pm to 4pm 
Facilitated by Amy Rosenblatt

Let’s Talk Tuesdays - Pride Center 
3pm to 4pm 
Facilitated by Pat Alford-Keating and Daniel Alonzo

Let’s Talk Tuesdays - Black House
4pm to 6pm 
Facilitated by Marlon James Briggs and Abram Milton

Let’s Talk Thursdays - International and Exchange Student Center 
11am to 12pm 
Facilitated by Sunil Obediah

Let’s Talk Thursdays - Oasis Wellness Center 
12pm to 1:30pm 
Facilitated by Aida Kohanteb

Let’s Talk Thursdays - Student Housing 
4 to 5pm, via Zoom
Facilitated by Marilyn Mendoza

Let's Talk Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at a visit to Let’s Talk?

Appointments are first-come, first-served. The counselor will listen closely to your concerns and provide support, perspective, and suggestions for resources.

How can I arrange for a Let’s Talk consultation?

Just stop by virtually!  Appointments are first come, first serve; usually not much of a wait.

Who should visit Let’s Talk?

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

  • 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 someone with whom to talk it through
  • Students who have a concern about a friend and want some thoughts about what to do

I don’t know anything about counseling, would going to Let’s Talk help me figure out if I should go?

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's sometimes possible to meet with them at UCS in an ongoing way.

I called UCS and spoke with a counselor. I was offered 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 UCS directly and explain your situation.

I’m currently seeing a counselor at UCS, 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 they can see you sooner.  It’s important to remain consistent with your provider.

I’m currently seeing a counselor at UCS, 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 get your feedback, positive or negative. Often, an open conversation about your concern can help. If, after talking with your counselor, you prefer to transfer to someone else, just ask your counselor directly.

Are there any limits to the confidentiality of a Let’s Talk consultation?

Conversations with Let's Talk counselors are confidential, with a few rare exceptions. Counselors may need to share information in an emergency when there is an immediate threat of harm to yourself 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 or neglected. 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.

Can Let’s Talk be a substitute for therapy?

Although Let's Talk counselors are mental health professionals, Let's Talk is not a substitute for formal counseling or psychotherapy and does not constitute mental health treatment. Let's Talk is for consultation about a specific problem. Most students come to Let's Talk only once or twice. It is also a place where students are able to have questions answered about formal counseling. Your Let's Talk counselor can help you determine whether formal counseling would be useful for you.

 

University Counseling Services would like to thank our campus partners for their support of Let’s Talk and their generosity in the provision of space for Let’s Talk:  DREAM (Dreamers, Resources, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Mentorship) Center, Education Opportunity Program (EOP), Student Housing, Pride Center, Black House, International and Exchange Student Center, Oasis Wellness Center, and Athletics.