Increasing convenient access to key mental health services continues to be a top priority for the Pat Walker Health Center's Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS).

Starting Friday, Aug. 25, CAPS will launch a new mental health outreach program designed to reach more students in distress, especially those who could benefit from mental health resources and support.

Let's Talk offers student's brief informal consultations with a licensed mental health clinician at two different sites on campus. Consultations are free, no appointment is necessary, and students are seen on a first-come, first-serve basis.

"During 'Let's Talk' consultations, we can help students with specific problems and provide insight to what it's like to speak with a counselor," said Kendra Glasper, CAPS outreach coordinator. "With the demand for rapid access and general mental health services increasing on college campuses, 'Let's Talk' brings helpful resources right to our students."

Let's Talk location and times

• Starting Aug. 29 | Tuesdays | 2-4 p.m. | Bell Engineering Center | Upchurch Conference Room 3162
• Starting Aug. 25 | Fridays | 2-3:45 p.m. | Arkansas Union | Conference Room 301 

Why visit Let's Talk?

Any student can take advantage of a Let's Talk consultation, but it's best for students who:

• Are unsure about counseling or want to see what it's like to speak with a mental health clinician;
• Want mental health expertise, but are not interested in ongoing counseling;
• Have a specific problem/concern and would like to talk it through with someone; or
• Have a concern about a friend or family member and would like ideas about what to do.

At the U of A, the most common reasons students seek CAPS services are for anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues and family issues.

Let's Talk was developed to reach students in distress and increase access to mental health services and resources.

How is Let's Talk different from formal counseling?

Even though Let's Talk clinicians are licensed mental health professionals, this program should not be considered a substitute for individual counseling or other mental health treatment.

Let's Talk counselors can also help students decide whether formal counseling at CAPS would be more beneficial and impactful.

"We want to create an environment on campus where students feel empowered to discuss mental health concerns and needs," said Glasper. "We encourage all students to drop by and talk about what's important to them."

All Let's Talk consultations are confidential, and mental health records will be taken in accordance with state and federal laws and privacy rights.

Want to learn more? Go to the Let's Talk page of the Pat Walker Health Center website.