To reach both virtual and on-campus students this semester, the Bradley Counseling Center started hosting a video counseling initiative entitled “Let’s TeleTalk.”
The sign-ups are first-come, first-served for consultations for students to talk about their mental health. Free to students and confidential, these consultations will be held Thursdays from 3 to 4 p.m until May 13.
The consultations differ from regular counseling at the Bradley center because they are more informal 20-minute sessions with a counselor. Emily Panich, a counselor at Bradley, is the only counselor holding the appointments as of right now.
“I was reflecting that not all students on campus feel comfortable coming to the counseling center,” Panich said. “Also, we did not have many services in place for students that might be having more minor issues and maybe not as severe. So there felt like there was a need to create something to serve those needs, which I was reflecting on, and that’s where TeleTalk came about.”
Panich also said that the counseling center will see how this plays out this spring, adding more counselors if needed.
According to Bradley Health Services, some reasons that students should engage are if they are not interested in ongoing counseling, not sure what it’s like to have a counselor, have a minor problem or have concerns for a peer.
“We wanted a way to meet students halfway and talk with people that we may never come across,” Panich said. “So I think this is a great opportunity for students that may not be coming over to the counseling center to have this opportunity to meet with a counselor and see what things are like.”
These consultations allow a counselor to listen to your concerns and provide support, perspective and suggestions for resources. However, “Let’s TeleTalk” is informal. Counselors will ask for your name and student ID.
For a consultation, students should email Panich at epanich@fsmail.bradley.edu to reserve a spot.
