This school year, the Gustavus counseling center started offering free “Let’s Talk” services, held from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday in the library A/V rooms. This service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Let’s Talk offers a fast, convenient service for students needing a consultation with a mental health therapist.

“Let’s Talk is a great way to get information about what therapy looks like. A lot of times people come into our office when they are confused or upset and want to see someone right away, but when the appointment comes around that issue has passed. Let’s Talk is a way to talk to a licensed therapist to get pointed in the right director‒either the Dean of Students Office or academic counseling or back to the counseling center,” Rachel Maccabee, Administrative Assistant in the Counseling Center, said.

As convenient these appointments may be, the Counseling Center staff stresses that these sessions are not meant to replace therapy. Those participating in ongoing counseling or experiencing a life-threatening crisis should continue going to their regularly scheduled sessions or contact the counseling center to schedule an immediate appointment as needed.

The purpose of implementing Let’s Talk at Gustavus was to reduce waiting times by providing immediate, confidential access to a licensed counselor five days a week.

This need is critical. Last year, the counseling center saw thirty percent of the student body, and wait times for appointments were up to a month.

“Let’s Talk allows students to meet with someone without waiting. It’s available every single day students are on campus, whether students have classes or not‒someone is always down there. We’re hoping that it cuts down on our waitlist and gives more accessible, immediate access to a therapist, and gives students advice and guidance on issues that might not even be about themselves,” Maccabee said.

So far, student reception to the program has been positive.

“Though small, there is a social stigma around going to counseling, and it can be scary to make an appointment. For those who don’t know what to do, are intimidated by going, or just need a quick check in, I think this is a really cool and great option for people to have,” Junior Katie O’Brien said.

Maccabe echoed a similar sentiment.

“Sometimes you don’t realize how helpful it can be to have a friendly, kind, trained person to talk to for 10-15 minutes,” Maccabee said. “That can really help calm you, redirect you, and regulate your emotions.”

Gustavus modeled the Let’s Talk program after a similar program at Cornell University under the same name. This program has been adopted by hundreds of other colleges in the country.

“This is something that has worked very, very well in other campuses across the country and we are hoping it’s successful at Gustavus this year. We are hoping we have as many students as possible check it out,” Maccabe said.

Let’s Talk sessions are available with no appointment necessary. When arriving in the library basement A/V room, there will be a sign on the door inviting them to either come in or to wait ten minutes. Each session is in a private room, with one of the counseling center’s therapists.

The counseling center recommends Let’s Talk for students concerned about issues such as stress, academics, depression and/or anxiety, relationships, trouble adjusting to college culture, family problems, financial concerns, or concerns about someone other than yourself, such as a friend.

“Sometimes people just need a professional to tell them how to handle a situation, and going to a small, low commitment time could be the first stepping stone for them making an actual appointment and getting the help they need,” O’Brien said.

Maccabe also noted that she hopes having Let’s Talk available for students will help to send a positive message to the campus.

“We care. And we know how hard it is to get in [to the counseling center],” Maccabe said. “Let’s Talk will alleviate wait times for folks. It’s immediate access and it’s consistent‒that can be a comfort and stabilizing force in our campus community.

“There’s someone for you every single day, even if you can’t get into the counseling center. It benefits the campus by creating trust in the counseling center, and consistency in access to a confidential and caring therapist, and knowledge that Gustavus cares about you and all of us,” Maccabe said.