Let's Talk

Let's Talk is a program that provides easy access to informal, confidential conversations with clinicians from CAPS. 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.

his 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.

Simply show up to the Let's Talk location, per the schedule above. 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.

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! 

Appointments are first-come, first-served. If the clinician is busy with a student when you arrive, please knock on the door. The clinician will be with you shortly. During sessions, students are 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. 

Clinicians at CAPS 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.

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 CAPS more regularly.

Conversations with Let's Talk counselors are confidential, with 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 CAPS at 406 994-4531.

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 CAPS front desk to see if walk-in options are available.

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

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

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 CAPS staff member who can assist you.  

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 (406-994-4531) 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).

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 CAPS would be useful for you and, if appropriate, assist you in scheduling an appointment.