Let’s Talk

Let’s Talk is a non-emergency drop-in service that offers students confidential and informal same-day consultations with a licensed mental health professional. Students can discuss their concerns and receive support, guidance, and resource referrals. The goal of this program is to create an accessible and informal avenue for students to connect with a licensed mental health professional who can address their immediate concerns and make it easier for them to access formal mental health services.

Let's Talk logo

Let's Talk is available to all Penn State World Campus students, regardless of background or previous experience with counseling services. We strive to create an inclusive and accessible space for students to receive support.

FAQs

You can access Let's Talk through a designated Zoom room on Tuesdays from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. (ET). Simply click on the provided link to join the virtual room and be connected with a licensed mental health professional for a brief 20- to 25-minute appointment. These brief consultations are designed to provide quick support and guidance to address your immediate concerns.

Let's Talk sessions are suitable for addressing a wide range of issues commonly experienced by college students, such as stress, anxiety, relationship problems, academic challenges, and more. Whether it's test anxiety or concerns about adjusting to college life, we're here to help.

Let's Talk does not replace psychotherapy or formal counseling, nor does it constitute mental health treatment. Let's Talk offers informal, brief consultations to support students with specific issues and to familiarize them with counseling. Let’s Talk sessions can help assess whether therapy could be beneficial and connect you with appropriate resources.

Let's Talk sessions are not suitable for urgent or crisis situations. If you're experiencing a mental health crisis or urgent need, please seek immediate assistance by contacting emergency services or utilizing crisis hotlines. Let's Talk is intended for non-emergency concerns. If you have a crisis or safety concern and are within the United States, please call the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or text LIONS to 741741. You can also utilize your local crisis services or hospital for emergencies. The National Suicide Prevention Line is accessible throughout the U.S. by calling or texting 988. Chat is also available at 988lifeline.org.

If you are located outside of the United States, please contact emergency services in your current location. You can also use the International Crisis and Emergency Services listings to find help.

Yes, confidentiality is a top priority in Let's Talk sessions. Your conversations with a licensed mental health professional are confidential, and your privacy is respected. However, there are limitations to confidentiality in situations involving imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, as required by law. Licensed mental health professionals follow all professional and ethical standards and abide by state and federal laws. Let’s Talk mental health professionals will not release your personal health information or discuss your unique situation with anyone without your consent, except in cases of significant risk of harm to self (including inability to care for basic needs), risk of harm to others, child abuse, adult protection, or elder abuse — or as additionally required by federal or state laws.

No appointments are necessary for Let's Talk sessions. You can drop in during the designated hours and join the virtual Zoom room on a first-come, first-served basis.

The above information was adapted with permission from Cornell University. This information draws inspiration from Cornell University. We are grateful for their committed endeavors in delivering innovative services to students and their generosity in sharing these valuable resources with other colleges and universities.