“Let’s Talk” is an outreach  program that provides students with easy access to free, brief confidential consultations with CCPS counselors.

Let’s Talk consultations are:

Free for all full-time students
Offered in-person at various locations on campus
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

“Let’s Talk” appointments 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 CCPS would be useful for you and, if appropriate, assist you in how to schedule an appointment.

“Let’s Talk” is different from Counseling Center appointments

Counselors at CCPS 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. 

“Let’s Talk”  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

Fall 2024 schedule

Let’s Talk runs from September 3 to December 13.
There is no session during Fall Break (10/5 to 10/8), Thanksgiving week (11/27-12/1) and during Winter Break.

Mondays

Sam Fox
(Starting Sept. 23, 2024)
10:15- 11:45 a.m.
Counselor: Melissa McKenna, MA, LPC

Tuesdays

Center for Diversity & Inclusion
(CDI South)
12:15- 1:15 p.m.
Counselor: Holly Rivera, MSW, LCSW


Athletics
2:15- 3:45 p.m. (Starting Sept.  10th, 2024)
Counselor: Luke Evans, PhD

Wednesdays

Center for Diversity & Inclusion (CDI North)
Office for International Student Engagement (OISE)
1:15-2:45 PM
Counselor: Jessica Schenk, MSW, LCSW

Engineering (Starting Sept. 25, 2024)
1:15-2:45 PM
Counselor: Mena O’Connor, MSW, LCSW

Thursdays

Law School (Starting Sept. 26, 2024)
1:15-2:45 PM
Counselor: Jeffrey Best, MSW, LCSW

If you have questions or concerns, please contact us:

  • 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 CCPS, other CCPS 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 during 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 a personal 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 again for ongoing treatment.

I called CCPS 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 CCPS directly at 314-935-6695 and explain your situation.

I called CCPS and spoke with a counselor. They 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. Sometimes CCPS cannot provide ongoing counseling to every student who requests it.

I’m currently seeing a counselor at CCPS, 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 CCPS at any time during office hours for a prompt in-person discussion.

If it is after business hours and you need to speak with someone, 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. If it is an emergency, please call 9-8-8.

I’m currently seeing a counselor at CCPS, 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. Oftentimes, an open conversation about your concern helps to resolve any concerns that you may have about your treatment at CCPS. If, after talking with your counselor, you prefer to switch counselors,  just ask your counselor directly or call the CCPS Coordinator at 314-935-6695.