Let’s Talk
Take advantage of these free and confidential consultations.
Speaking with a “Let’s Talk” counselor can help provide insight, solutions, and information about other resources. No appointments are necessary. Appointments are first-come, first-served. Usually there is not much of a wait.
Autumn Hours
| Time | Location | Counselor |
|---|---|---|
| Mondays 10am–12pm |
Rockefeller Chapel, Uncommon Room | Vera Palaniswamy, MA |
| Tuesdays 2:30–4:30pm |
I-House, Suite 291 (Office of International Affairs Suite) |
Mike Pietrus, MA |
| Fridays 1–3pm |
5710 S. Woodlawn, Room 301 | Christa Jones, MA |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is “Let’s Talk?”
A. “Let’s Talk” is a program that provides easy access to informal and confidential consultations with counselors from the Student Counseling & Resource Service. There are two “Let’s Talk” sites (see below). There is no appointment or fee necessary. If you prefer, you do not have to give your name.
Q. What happens at a visit to “Let’s Talk?”
A. The counselor will listen closely to your concerns and provide support, perspective, and suggestions for resources.
Q. How is “Let’s Talk” different from psychotherapy at the Student Counseling & Resource Service (SCRS)?
A. Therapists at SCRS provide short-term therapy, which usually consists of weekly 45-50 minute appointments. “Let’s Talk” is not formal therapy: it is a drop-in service where students can have an informal consultation with a counselor from time to time.
Q. Who should visit “Let’s Talk?”
A. This service is open to all University of Chicago undergraduate and graduate students. “Let’s Talk” is the best fit for the following people:
- students who are not sure about therapy and wonder what it’s like to talk with a therapist;
- students who are not interested in therapy 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.
Q. I think I have a problem that would benefit from therapy, but I don’t know anything about it. Would going to “Let’s Talk” help me figure out what to do?
A. Absolutely. The counselor will talk through your issue with you and help you determine the best way to get help. The “Let’s Talk” counselor can help you set up an intake appointment at SCRS if you decide that you would like to pursue on-going help.
Q. I am a non-student spouse of a University of Chicago student, and I am covered by the student life fee. Can I come to “Let’s Talk?”
A. Yes. The counselor will help you with your immediate concerns and assist you with referrals should you need ongoing support.
Q. I’m currently seeing a therapist at SCRS, and I would like to talk to someone sooner than my next appointment. Can I go to “Let’s Talk?”
A. This is NOT a replacement for your therapy. If your next appointment is not soon enough, it’s best to contact your therapist.
Q. I’m currently seeing a therapist at SCRS, and I’m not happy with how things are going. Can I go to “Let’s Talk” instead?
A. No. The best thing to do in this situation is to talk directly with your therapist. Therapists 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 therapist, you prefer to transfer to someone else, just ask your therapist directly.
Let’s Talk Staff Bios
Vera Palaniswamy is a doctoral student at the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University – Chicago. She is completing an advanced program at SCRS as part of her training to become a Clinical Psychologist. Vera’s past training experiences include school and college settings. Her dissertation examines the mental health and well-being of South Asian Americans in arranged and non-arranged marriages.
Mike Pietrus is currently serving as a full-time intern at the Student Counseling and Resource Service after completing a part-time internship at the clinic last year. After completing this year at SCRS, Mike will be awarded his doctoral degree in psychology from the the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where his dissertation focused on exploring the lived experience of individuals who have been identified as intellectually gifted and diagnosed with a mood disorders. Prior to his current position at SCRS, Mike trained at the MacNeal School and at the University of Illinois Hyperactivity Attention and Learning Problems (HALP) clinic as well as in private practice, community mental health, and hospital inpatient settings.
Christa Jones is completing an advanced program at SCRS as part of her training to become a Clinical Psychologist. She is currently a doctoral student at Roosevelt University. Christa is bilingual (English/Spanish). Her previous training experiences include two private practice settings as well as a public elementary school through Chicago Communities in Schools. Her dissertation is an outreach program development project designed to help professors through education about mental health and available mental health services.
The Let’s Talk program at the University of Chicago is based in part on the Let’s Talk program at Cornell University. With permission, some of the material from this website has been duplicated from the Cornell University Let’s Talk Website. We would personally like to thank Matt Boone, LCSW and Sharon Mier, PsyD for their help in the development of our program.
