Let's Talk

Let's Talk is a program that provides easy access to informal consultations with counselors from the Loyola Wellness Center. It is not necessary to schedule an appointment, and there is no fee.

This service is open to all Loyola students. Let's Talk is the best fit for the following people:

• Students who have never been in counseling before, 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.

Let's Talk sessions would not be an appropriate fit for:

• 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 Loyola Wellness Center (these students should contact the Wellness Center instead to seek an earlier time)
• Students seeking specialized services, such as psychiatry.

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. However, there are Let’s Talk hours multiple days a week during the semester, so you can try again at a later time. During your session, the counselor will listen closely to your concerns and provide support, perspective, and suggestions for resources.

Students who access counseling through the Wellness Center 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.

Absolutely. 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 continuing with counseling, they can help connect you to Wellness Center Services. 

If you believe you need to be seen sooner than the appointment you were given, it's best to call Dial-A-Nurse directly at 773-508-8883 and explain your situation.

Since regular counseling visits are not available at Let's Talk, following up with the referral is a good idea. Unfortunately, the Wellness Center cannot always provide ongoing counseling to every student who requests it.

If your next appointment is not soon enough, it's best to contact the Wellness Center at 773-508-8883 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. Oftentimes 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, either in person or by email.

Although Let's Talk counselors are professionals, Let's Talk is not a substitute for psychotherapy or 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 the Loyola Wellness Center would be useful for you and, if appropriate, assist you in scheduling an appointment.