Let's Talk Spring 2024

Overview

Not all students want or need on-going counseling and may just need a one-time meeting to get some input on smaller problems. Let's Talk allows students the opportunity to have a quick consultation with a CPS counselor who can provide their professional insight, as well as assist with referrals to CPS or other campus resources. 

Students can find the Let's Talk times and locations below. Please note that Let's Talk services are not intended for crisis situations or on-going counseling. To receive those CPS services, please call our main office at 406-994-4531. Let's Talk is for non-crisis consultation regarding smaller questions/issues.

Spring Schedule

FAQ about Let's Talk

What is Let’s Talk?

Let's Talk is a program that provides easy access to informal, confidential conversations with clinicians from CPS. Clinicians hold virtual drop-in hours at designated times and days throughout the week. There is no appointment necessary and no fee for the service. When you meet with the counselor you will fill out a brief, online consent form, and then the consultation can proceed.

Who should visit Let’s Talk?

This service is open to all MSU students. Let's Talk is the best fit for students who:

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

It is NOT appropriate for students in crisis, or in place of regular counseling sessions.

When and Where does Let’s Talk take place?

For the in-person venues, you can simply show up to the Let's Talk office. If the Let's Talk counselor is with a student, the door may be closed, so just knock on the door to let them know you're there, and wait outside the door and they will get you when they are ready.

For the virtual venue, simply click the WebEx link and the counselor will admit you into the room when they are available. You may have to wait a few minutes if it is a busy day, but hang tight and they will be with you when they're free! 

What happens during a Let’s Talk visit?

Appointments are first-come, first-served. When the clinician starts the virtual meeting, students will be asked to complete a brief consent form. Students are then encouraged to talk about whatever is important to them. The clinician will listen closely to your concerns and provide support, perspective, and suggestions for resources. If the clinician is busy with a student when you click on the link, you will be automatically placed in a virtual waiting room. The clinician will be with you shortly.

How is Let’s Talk different from counseling services provided at CPS?

Clinicians at CPS provide ongoing counseling, which usually consists of weekly or bi-weekly 50-minute appointments. Let's Talk is not formal counseling - it is a drop-in service where students can have an informal conversation with a clinician from time to time.

I think I have a problem and counseling could be helpful but I’m unsure. Would going to Let’s Talk help me figure this out?

Yes! The clinician will talk you through your issue and help you determine the best way to get help. If you feel comfortable with the clinician, it may be possible to meet with them at CPS more regularly.

Are Let’s Talk visits confidential?

Conversations with Let's Talk counselors are confidential, with very rare exceptions. Clinicians may need to share information in an emergency when there is an immediate threat of harm to self or others. Clinicians 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. If you have further questions about confidentiality, we encourage you to discuss them with a Let's Talk clinician or call CPS at 406 994-4531.

I’m currently seeing a counselor at CPS but would like to see 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 clinician directly to see if he or she can see you sooner. If they cannot see you sooner, and you cannot wait for your scheduled appointment, please call the CPS front desk to see if walk-in options are available.

I met with a CPS clinician for intake and was referred out to a community provider. Can I go to Let’s Talk instead?

Since regular, ongoing counseling visits are not available at Let's Talk, following up with the referral is strongly suggested.

Can my non-student partner go to Let’s Talk?

Let’s Talk services are intended to be used by current MSU students.

I am faculty or staff, can I go to Let’s Talk?

Let’s Talk services are intended to be used by current MSU students. If you are faculty and staff and would like to consult about a student, please call our main number at (406) 994-4531 and you will be connected with a CPS staff member who can assist you.  

I’m in crisis, can I go to Let’s Talk for immediate assistance?

If you need immediate assistance, please call 911 and University Police can assist you. If you are in a mental health crisis, please call our front desk (994-4531) to be seen in a crisis hour rather than go to Let’s Talk. Let’s Talk drop-in hours are not intended for crisis support. If it is after hours, utilize the 24-hour Help Center line (406-586-3333) or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) , or Crisis Text Line (741741).

What else do I need to know about Let’s Talk?

Although Let's Talk clinicians are professionals, Let's Talk is not a substitute for psychotherapy or formal counseling and does not constitute mental health treatment. Let's Talk clinicians provide 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 clinician can help you determine whether formal counseling at CPS would be useful for you and, if appropriate, assist you in scheduling an appointment.