What is Comet Chat?
This program is designed to be a drop-in brief informal mental health consultation. It is for students here at UTD who may want to talk to a mental health professional from the Student Counseling Center to get their perspective on current concerns. This program is not designed to replace counseling or other mental health interventions; however it is to give students the space to connect with professionals that can offer solutions, support, and resources.
Comet Chat consultations are
One-on-one, 15 minute informal consultation with a staff from Student Counseling Center (SCC)
Free
Confidential
Sign up for a slot online
Comet Chat benefits students who are:
not sure what counseling is and want to get more information on the counseling process.
not interested in ongoing counseling but would like a brief consultation from a professional.
concerned about a friend and would like support and guidance.
interested in resources in the community or on campus.
*Comet Chat is not for:
Students who are having a mental health or medical emergency/crisis.
Students wanting psychiatric services.
Students who are interested in ongoing counseling, group counseling, or couple counseling
*Students interested in ongoing services would need to contact Student Counseling Center by emailing [email protected]. We will respond to your message within 1-2 working days.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911
If you are in crisis and need to speak to a mental health professional, call UTD TALK (972)-883-8255(24 hrs a day/7 days a week)
Signing Up for Comet Chat
Sign up for a 15 min slot
HERE.
How to prepare for a virtual session
Create a Microsoft Teams account utilizing your UTD netid and password (if applicable)
Ensure you have a working computer/phone and wi-fi (if needed)
Find a private and quiet space where you feel comfortable talking
Be available and ready to engage in session at your scheduled day/time
Please be prepared and available for your consultation appointment at your chosen time slot. If you have signed up for a phone consultation, you will receive a phone call from phone number starting with 972-883-XXXX
Disclaimer
Comet Chat is an informal consultation only. It is not counseling and does not constitute mental health treatment.
There are limitations to confidentiality- Comet Chat consultants are also required by law to report: when there is an imminent threat of harm to you or others, Comet Chat counselors are required by law to report this. When a minor, elderly person, or someone otherwise incapacitated is being abused or neglected, Comet Chat conversations are not part of students’ releasable records.
If your Comet Chat consultant assesses that you could benefit from a higher level of care, every effort will be made to refer you to other appropriate resources at the university and surrounding community.
Comet Chat is modeled in part with the help of “Let’s Talk” program at OSU.