Let’s Talk at GRCC is a casual, private consultation opportunity for students to talk with a GRCC counselor. Let’s Talk offers students an informal way to talk through specific problems, explore solutions and get support, if you aren’t sure about counseling or could benefit from support without a formal counseling relationship.
Let’s Talk at GRCC IS:
- Approximately 20-25 minutes long
- Free for currently enrolled students
- Available virtually or in-person
- Free for GRCC students
- Offered first come, first, served (no appointment required)
Let’s Talk is NOT:
- A stand-in or substitute for counseling
- Mental health treatment
- Appropriate for urgent concerns or a mental health crisis
- Academic advising
There are other options for support & care available at GRCC’s Center for Counseling and Wellbeing: individual counseling, group counseling, workshops, screenings and self-help resources. Check out our website to learn more.
Let’s Talk Schedule and Zoom Links
| Day | Counselor | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mondays | Melissa Ware, LMSW | 4-5 p.m. | Join virtually |
| Tuesdays | Deborah Ronk, LMSW | 4-5 p.m. | SCC 368 |
| Wednesdays | Melissa Ware, LMSW | 11 a.m.-noon | SCC 368 |
| Thursdays | Dr. Andre Fields | noon-1 p.m. | Join virtually |
| Fridays | Deborah Ronk, LMSW | 10-11 a.m. | SCC 368 |
| Fridays | Dr. Andre Fields | 1-2 p.m. | Join virtually |
Frequently asked questions
What is Let’s Talk?
Let's Talk is a program that provides easy access to informal consultations with counselors from GRCC. It is not necessary to schedule an appointment, and there is no fee.
What can I expect?
Let's Talk visits are typically 20-25 minutes, and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Sometimes there is a wait, and occasionally when it’s very busy, the counselor might not have enough time to see everyone. However, there are Let’s Talk hours every day, Monday through Friday, during the semester, so you can try again the next day. During your session, the counselor will listen closely to your concerns and provide support, perspective, and suggestions for resources.
Who should visit Let’s Talk?
Let’s Talk can be a good fit for the following people:
- Students who have never been in counseling before, are not sure if it’s right for them and wonder what it's like to talk with a counselor;
- Students who are not interested in ongoing counseling but would like the perspective of a counselor;
- 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.
How is Let’s Talk different from counseling?
Students who access counseling through the Center for Counseling and Well-Being schedule appointments to meet with a counselor, and sometimes participate in ongoing counseling through scheduled weekly or bi-weekly appointments.
In contrast, Let's Talk is not formal counseling 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 counselor.
I think I have a problem that would benefit from counseling, but I don’t know anything about counseling. Would Let’s Talk help me figure out what to do?
Absolutely. The Let's Talk counselor will talk through your issue with you and help you determine the best way to get help. If you feel comfortable with the counselor, it is sometimes possible to meet with them at the Center for Counseling and Well-Being in an ongoing way. The Let’s Talk counselor can help you transition to a formal counseling relationship.
I already have an appointment with a counselor for next week and I would like to speak to someone sooner. Can I go to Let’s Talk?
If your next appointment is not soon enough, it's best to contact the Center for Counseling and Well-Being (616) 234-4130 to see if they can see you sooner.
What else do I need to know?
Although Let's Talk counselors are professionals, Let's Talk is not a substitute for psychotherapy or formal counseling and does not constitute mental health treatment. Let's Talk counselors provide informal consultations to help students with specific problems and to introduce them to what it's like to speak with a counselor. Your Let's Talk counselor can help you determine whether formal counseling at GRCC would be useful for you and, if appropriate, assist you in scheduling an appointment.
Questions?
Please contact Melissa Ware, LMSW, Program Director of The Center for Counseling and Well-Being at (616) 234-4130, or melissaware@grcc.edu.