Personal Growth and Counseling Center

What happens at 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.

How is Let's Talk Different from Counseling at the PGCC?

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 a 10-15 minute informal consultation with a counselor from time to time.

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

Just stop by! Appointments are first come, first served. Usually there is not much of a wait.

Who should visit Let's Talk?

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.

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 him or her at the PGCC in an ongoing way.

I called PGCC 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 PGCC directly and explain your situation.

I'm currently seeing a counselor at the PGCC, 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 she or he can see you sooner.

I'm currently seeing a counselor at the PGCC, 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 helps smooth out any wrinkles. 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 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.

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.