Personal Growth and Counseling Center

Drop-in spaces are open to anyone in the CSUMB community. If you're interested in speaking one-on-one with the Let's Talk counselor, you can let them know you'd like to speak privately if possible. Other times, Let's Talk counselors may be facilitating group discussion and activities the can span around a number of topics. The counselors are there to listen closely to your concerns and provide support, perspective, and suggestions for resources.

Counselors at the PGCC provide ongoing counseling, which usually consists of weekly or bi-weekly 45-50 minute appointments. "Let's Talk" is not formal counseling; it is a drop-in service where students can have informal consultation with a counselor either in individual or group settings. There are certain topics or depths of discussion that may be more appropriate for formal counseling, while the informal space may be beneficial for those seeking connection, community, and more informal conversation about wellness topics.

Just stop by! Meetings are available on a drop-in basis.

This service is open to all CSUMB 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.

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 the PGCC in an ongoing way.

If you believe you need to be seen sooner than the appointment you were given, it's best to call PGCC directly and explain your situation.

If your next appointment is not soon enough, it's best to contact the PGCC or your counselor directly to see if they can see you sooner.

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 helps smooth out any wrinkles. If, after talking with your counselor, you prefer to transfer to someone else, just ask your counselor directly.

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 his/her own behalf is being abused. 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.

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.