Let’s Talk

What is Let’s Talk?

Let’s Talk is a service that provides easy access to free, informal, and confidential one-on-one consultation with a Counseling Services staff member.

Let’s Talk is especially helpful for students who:

  • Have a specific concern and would like to consult with someone about it.
  • Would like on-the-spot consultation rather than ongoing counseling.
  • Would like to consult with a Counseling Services staff member about what actual therapy looks like.
  • Would like to meet with one of our Counseling Services identity-based specialists.
  • Have a concern about a friend or family member and would like some ideas about what to do.

How does Let’s Talk work?

Let’s Talk offers brief informal consultations on a drop-in basis. There is no scheduling needed and no paperwork to complete. Students are seen on a first-come, first-served basis either in person at Let’s Talk locations across campus and/or by Zoom. There may be a wait if the Let’s Talk staff member is meeting with another student. Please wait and we will be with you as soon as we can. Let’s Talk appointments are brief (usually between 15–30 minutes) and are meant to be used on an as-needed basis.

Let’s Talk Schedule

Fall Term 2024

The following times offered are for all UO students, while noting staff specializations. Refer to staff bios for more information. Students are encouraged to access any session that works with their schedule. 

Day

Time

Let’s Talk Staff

In-person Location or Zoom Link

Mondays

Noon–2:00 p.m.

Melissa Gomsrud, MA
Senior Staff Therapist
(specializes in working with graduate/professional students)

Knight Law Center, Room 220F
— or —
Click here for Waiting Room

Tuesdays

Noon–2:00 p.m.

Dusty Destler, PhD
Senior Staff Therapist
(specializes in working with LGBTQIA+ students)

Carson Hall, Ramey Room
— or —
Click here for Waiting Room

Tuesdays

3:00–5:00 p.m.

Gonzalo Camp, LCSW
LatinX and Undocumented Student Specialist
(specializes in working with LGBTQIA+ and international students)

Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence, Oregon Hall Room 130
— or —
Click here for Waiting Room

Wednesdays

Noon–2:00 p.m.

Rachel Barloon, LCSW
Senior Staff Therapist

Peterson 201
— or —
Click here for Waiting Room

Wednesdays

2:00–4:00 p.m.

Cecile A. Gadson, PhD
Black and African American Student Specialist

Black Cultural Center

Thursdays

2:00–4:00 p.m.

Eric Garcia, PhD
Training Director
(specializes in working with LatinX and undocumented students)

Multicultural Center, EMU Room 109M
— or —
Click here for Waiting Room

Fridays

1:00–3:00 p.m.

Sarah Anderson-Wilk, LCSW
Senior Staff Therapist

Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence, Oregon Hall Room 130
— or —
Click here for Waiting Room

NOTE: Days and times are subject to change each term and when classes are not in session.


Let's Talk Post Survey

If you have recently utilized the Let’s Talk service, please complete our post survey. The information gathered will be helpful to track our services and better serve our students. All your responses to the questions are voluntary and anonymous.

Let's Talk Disclosure Statement

Please review this information before your Let’s Talk meeting.

Let’s Talk is an informal consultation service and is NOT psychotherapy or mental health treatment. Information shared with Counseling Services staff is considered confidential, consistent with the parameters of state and federal law and UO policy. If we believe you are a danger to yourself or others, we may not keep this conversation confidential. Other situations where we may share information with others include, child or elderly abuse, and legal requests for information. Please let us know if you have questions about confidentiality. We’re here to help!

Note: If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide and/or harming others, you can call Counseling Services at 541-346-3227. After-hours phone support is available when Counseling Services is closed by calling the same phone number. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Let’s Talk different from therapy at Counseling Services?

Let’s Talk is not formal counseling, it is a drop-in service where students can have informal consultation with a therapist from time to time as needed.

  • Let’s Talk is a brief consultation.
  • Traditional clinical records are not kept for Let’s Talk consultations. In an optional post evaluation, students are asked to provide general demographic information and information about what brings them to Let’s Talk, which allows us to understand the student populations we are serving and improve our services further.
  • Let’s Talk takes place outside of the University Health Services building.

Would going to Let’s Talk help me figure out what to do about an issue I have?

  • Yes. The Let’s Talk staff member will talk though your concern with you and help you determine the best way to move forward. Students often utilize Let’s Talk as a space to get perspective on a particular issue and for help with problem-solving.

What do people usually bring up in Let’s Talk?

  • Students come in with a variety of concerns and none are off limits. The most common include stress, worry, relationship concerns, academic performance, and help with decision-making. 

I am currently seeing a therapist at Counseling Services and I would like to come in sooner than my next appointment. Can I go to Let’s Talk instead?

  • Let’s Talk is not meant for students who would like to be seen sooner than their next appointment at Counseling Services. If you’d like to meet with your therapist sooner than your next appointment, it’s best to contact your therapist directly or call the Counseling Services main phone number at 541-346-3227.