Let's Talk Drop-In Consultation
"Let's Talk" is a drop-in service that offers informal, private consultation with a Reed College HCC counselor.
Let's Talk consultations are ...
- Free for Reed College students
- Offered first-come, first-served (no appointment necessary)
- Typically about 20-25 minutes in length
- Informal, and not a substitute for counseling
- Not appropropriate for urgent concerns or mental health emergencies
Let's Talk is not a substitute for counseling and does not constitute mental health treatment. Let's Talk counselors can listen to specific problems, help explore solutions, and introduce you to what it's like to speak with a member of our staff. Please refer to our FAQ below for more details.
Other options for care from the Health & Counseling Center include individual counseling, Uwill teletherapy, and the Reed 24/7 Phone Counseling Hotline (866-432-1224). For on-campus emergencies, please call Community Safety at Community Safety: 503-788-6666 or 6666 from a campus phone. For off-campus emergencies, call Portland Police/Ambulance: 911
LET'S TALK SCHEDULE
Let's Talk has been put on pause for the 2024 -2025 academic year.
FAQs
What is Let's Talk? Let's Talk is a program that provides easy access to informal consultations with Reed College HCC counselors. It is not necessary to schedule an appointment, and there is no fee.
Who should visit Let's Talk? This service is open to all enrolled Reed College students. Let's Talk is the best fit for the following people:
- Students who have never been in counseling before, and are not sure if it's right for them 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 talk it through with someone;
- Students who are interested in learning more about what campus resources are available to them and how to access them.
Who shouldn't visit Let's Talk?
- Students with an immediate or urgent concern;
- Students who already know they want regular counseling;
- Students who don't want to wait for their next appointment at the HCC (these students should contact the HCC instead to seek an earlier time);
- Students seeking specialized services, such as medication prescription.
What happens at a visit to Let's Talk?
Let's Talk visits are typically 20-25 minutes, and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Sometimes there is a wait, and occasionally when it's very busy, the counselor might not have enough time to see everyone. 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 HCC?
Students who access counseling through the HCC schedule appointments to meet with a counselor, and sometimes participate in ongoing counseling through scheduled weekly or bi-weekly appointments.
In contrast, Let's Talk is not formal counseling and is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment. Rather, it is a convenient drop-in service where students can have an informal consultation with a counselor.
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 me figure out what to do?
Yes. The Let's Talk 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 is sometimes possible to meet with them at the HCC in an ongoing way.
I scheduled an HCC counseling appointment for a week 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 HCC directly (503-777-7281) or contact your provider through the student portal and explain your situation.
I called the HCC and spoke with a counselor. 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 with Let's Talk, it is recommended that you follow up with the referral. Unfortunately, the HCC cannot always provide ongoing counseling to every student who requests it.
I'm currently seeing a counselor at the HCC, and I would like to talk with 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 provider through the student portal or call the HCC (503-777-7281) to see if they can see you sooner.
I'm currently seeing a counselor at the HCC, 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. Oftentimes an open conversation about your concern helps to 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 through the student portal.