MIT Health Presidents’ Day hours
Monday, April 21
Urgent Care: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
All other services: closed
24-hour nurse line: 617-253-4481
- Who should visit Let’s Chat?
- Who shouldn’t visit Let’s Chat?
- What happens at a visit to Let’s Chat?
- How is Let’s Chat different from counseling at SMH&C?
- I think I have a problem that would benefit from counseling, but I don’t know anything about counseling. Would going to Let’s Chat help me figure out what to do?
- I scheduled a SMH&C appointment for a week from now. Can I stop by Let’s Chat in the meantime?
- I called SMH&C and spoke with a counselor. They recommended a referral to a therapist outside of MIT. Can I go to Let’s Chat instead?
- I’m currently seeing a counselor at SMH&C, and I would like to talk with someone sooner than my next appointment. Can I go to Let’s Chat?
- I’m currently seeing a counselor at SMH&C, and I’m not happy with how things are going. Can I go to Let’s Chat instead?
- What else do I need to know?
Who should visit Let’s Chat?
This service is open to all MIT students. Let’s Chat is the best 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.
Who shouldn’t visit Let’s Chat?
Students with an immediate or urgent concern;
Students who already know they want regular counseling;
Students who don’t want to wait for their next appointment at SMH&C (these students should contact SMH&C instead to seek an earlier time);
Students seeking specialized services, such as psychiatry.
What happens at a visit to Let’s Chat?
Let’s Chat visits are typically 20–25 minutes, and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. During your session, the counselor will listen closely to your concerns and provide support, perspective, and suggestions for resources.
How is Let’s Chat different from counseling at SMH&C?
Students who access counseling through SMH&C schedule appointments to meet with a counselor and sometimes participate in ongoing counseling through scheduled weekly or bi-weekly appointments.
In contrast, Let’s Chat 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 going to Let’s Chat help me figure out what to do?
Absolutely. The Let’s Chat 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 SMH&C in an ongoing way.
I scheduled a SMH&C appointment for a week from now. Can I stop by Let’s Chat in the meantime?
If you believe you need to be seen sooner than the appointment you were given, it’s best to call SMH&C directly (617-253-2916) and explain your situation.
I called SMH&C and spoke with a counselor. They recommended a referral to a therapist outside of MIT. Can I go to Let’s Chat instead?
Since regular counseling visits are not available at Let’s Chat, following up with the referral is a good idea. Unfortunately, SMH&C cannot always provide ongoing counseling to every student who requests it.
I’m currently seeing a counselor at SMH&C, and I would like to talk with someone sooner than my next appointment. Can I go to Let’s Chat?
If your next appointment is not soon enough, it’s best to call SMH&C directly (617-253-2916) and ask if they can see you sooner.
I’m currently seeing a counselor at SMH&C, and I’m not happy with how things are going. Can I go to Let’s Chat instead?
The best thing to do in this situation is to talk directly with your counselor. Counselors 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 counselor, you prefer to transfer to someone else, just ask your counselor directly, or speak with someone at our front desk.
What else do I need to know?
Although Let’s Chat counselors are professionals, Let’s Chat is not a substitute for psychotherapy or formal counseling and does not constitute mental health treatment. Let’s Chat 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 Chat counselor can help you determine whether formal counseling at SMH&C would be useful for you and, if appropriate, assist you in scheduling an appointment.