Let's Talk

Let’s Talk FAQs

• Who should visit Let’s Talk?
  This service is open to all OCC students. Let's Talk is the best fit for the following people:

  • Students who have never been in therapy before, are not sure if it’s right for them and wonder what it's like to talk with a therapist
  • Students who are not interested in ongoing therapy, but would like the perspective of a therapist
  • Students who have a specific problem and would like to talk it through with someone
  • Students who are interested in learning more about what campus resources are available to them and how to access them.
• Who shouldn’t visit Let’s Talk?
  • Students with an immediate or urgent concern
  • Students who already know they want regular therapy
  • Students who don’t want to wait for their next appointment through OCC Therapy Services (these students should contact the OCC Student Health Center instead to seek an earlier time)
  • Students seeking specialized services, such as psychiatry or psychological testing (e.g., ADHD assessments).
• How is Let’s Talk different from weekly therapy through OCC Therapy Services?
  • Students who access therapy through OCC Therapy Services schedule appointments to meet with a therapist, and sometimes participate in ongoing therapy through scheduled weekly or bi-weekly appointments.
  • In contrast, Let's Talk is not formal therapy and is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment. Rather, it is a convenient drop-in service where students can have an informal consultation with a therapist.
• How is Let’s Talk different from walk-ins through OCC Crisis Support Services?
  • Students who access OCC Crisis Support Services are typically experiencing an immediate or urgent mental health concern and need same-day or after-hours support. These services are designed to provide brief, solution-focused intervention during moments of acute distress.
  • In contrast, Let’s Talk is not intended for crisis situations. Rather, it is a convenient drop-in service where students can have an informal, non-urgent consultation with a therapist to check in, ask questions, or talk through a specific concern.
• I think I have a problem that would benefit from therapy, but I don’t know anything about therapy. Would going to Let’s Talk help me figure out what to do?
  Absolutely. The Let's Talk therapist will talk through your issue with you and help you determine the best way to get help. If you feel comfortable with the therapist, it is sometimes possible to meet with them through OCC Therapy Services in an ongoing way.
• I scheduled a OCC Therapy Services appointment for a week from now. Can I stop by Let’s Talk in the meantime?
  If you believe you need to be seen sooner than the appointment you were given, please call the OCC Student Health Center directly (714-714-7715) and explain your situation.
• I’m currently seeing a therapist through OCC Therapy Services, and I would like to talk with 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 the OCC Student Health Center directly (714-714-7715) to see if they can see you sooner.
• I’m currently seeing a therapist through OCC Therapy Services, and I’m not happy with how things are going? Can I go to Let’s Talk instead?
  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, either in person or by email.
• What else do I need to know?
  Although Let's Talk therapists are professionals, Let's Talk is not a substitute for psychotherapy or formal therapy and does not constitute mental health treatment. Let's Talk therapists provide informal consultations to help students with specific problems and to introduce them to what it's like to speak with a therapist. Your Let's Talk therapist can help you determine whether formal therapy through OCC Therapy Services would be useful for you and, if appropriate, assist you in scheduling an appointment. Additionally, you can visit any Let’s Talk therapist at any site.