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Let's Talk

What is Let's Talk?

Let's Talk is a program that provides easy access to informal consultations with providers from FAU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). There is no fee charged or appointment required.

What happens at a Let's Talk visit?

This is a drop-in service, and students are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Usually there is not much of a wait. Visits are usually around 15-20 minutes, and students are encouraged to talk about whatever is important to them. The provider will listen to you and provide support, perspective, and suggestions for resources.

How is Let's Talk different from FAU CAPS?

Clinicians at FAU CAPS provide ongoing counseling or therapy, which usually consists of weekly or bi-weekly 45-50 minute appointments. Let's Talk is not formal counseling or therapy, and it is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment. Let’s Talk is a drop-in service where students can have an informal consultation with a provider.

Who should visit Let's Talk?

This service is open to all FAU undergraduate, graduate and professional students. Let's Talk is a good fit for the following people:

1. students who are not sure about counseling and wonder what it's like to talk with a clinician;
2. students who are not interested in ongoing counseling but would like the perspective of a clinician;
3. students who have a specific problem and would like someone to talk to about it; and
4. students who have a concern about a friend and want some advice about what to do.

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?

Absolutely. The provider will talk through any of your concerns or issues with you, and help you determine the best way to get help. If you feel comfortable with the provider, it's sometimes possible to meet with him or her at FAU CAPS on an ongoing basis.

I had a first appointment at FAU CAPS and spoke with a clinician. S/He recommended a referral to a therapist in the community. Can I go to Let's Talk instead?

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

I'm currently seeing a clinician at FAU CAPS, and I would like to talk to someone sooner than my next appointment. Can I use Let's Talk?

If your next appointment is not soon enough, it's best to contact your clinician directly to see if he or she can see you sooner. If they cannot see you sooner, you can utilize the FAU CAPS crisis services by calling (561) 297-CAPS (2277).

I'm currently seeing a clinician at FAU CAPS, and I'm not happy with how things are going. Can I go to Let's Talk instead?

We recommend in this situation to talk directly with your clinician. Clinicians are eager to get your feedback, positive or negative. Often times an open conversation about your concern helps smooth out any wrinkles. If, after talking with your clinician, you prefer to transfer to someone else, just ask your clinician directly, either in person or by e-mail. If you feel you cannot talk to your clinician about these concerns, please call us and we will help you transfer to a different clinician.

What else do I need to know?

Although Let's Talk providers are professionals, Let's Talk is not a substitute for psychotherapy or formal counseling and does not constitute mental health treatment. Let's Talk providers offer informal consultations to help students with specific problems, and to introduce them to what it's like to speak with a clinician. Your Let's Talk provider can help you determine whether formal counseling at FAU CAPS (or elsewhere) would be useful for you and, if appropriate, assist you in scheduling an appointment.

Let's Talk visits are confidential. Are there any limits to confidentiality?

Consultations with Let's Talk providers are confidential, with a few exceptions. Providers may need to share information in an emergency when there is an immediate threat of harm to self or others.

Providers are also 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. Providers are also required to report when someone discloses a crime that has occurred on campus. Let's Talk providers keep brief written notes of their contacts with students, however the data in these notes are aggregated for the purposes of program evaluation and none of the note content is connected to a specific student. 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 provider or call FAU CAPS.

The "Let's Talk" program is modeled on the "Let's Talk" program at Cornell University. We are indebted to our colleagues there for the name and idea; some of the material on their website has been duplicated here with permission. Special thanks to Cornell University CAPS, for sharing their expertise and experience.