UTSA launched a partnership with TimelyCare to provide virtual mental health and well-being services at no cost to students. The platform can be accessed 24/7 from anywhere in the U.S. through the TimelyCare app or website using any web-enabled device.
Through TimelyCare, students can access a variety of virtual care services from licensed professionals, including on-demand mental and emotional support, scheduled counseling sessions, health coaching and a plethora of digital health-based resources. Students will also have access to a moderated support community, where they can connect with their peers for further support.
The funding for TimelyCare was approved by the UT System Board of Regents in June as part of a $16.5 million investment to expand and enhance student mental health and safety resources at all UT academic and health institutions.
“The [UT] System and the regents have recognized that student mental health is a priority for our institution,” UTSA Associate Dean for Student Affairs Melissa Hernandez said. “It is a concern amongst our student population, and we wanted to make sure that care was accessible to students and provide supplemental services in addition to services that are provided on the campuses.”
The partnership with TimelyCare is intended to supplement, not replace, the mental health services currently available on campus. The services currently available for students include the Wellness360 clinic and UTSA’s 24/7 Crisis Helpline, which can be reached at (210) 458-4140, option three.
TimelyCare’s “TalkNow” service, which provides on-demand mental and emotional support, can be used during a crisis or a minor circumstance. It is available at any time via phone, video chat or text messaging.
The scheduled counseling, on the other hand, can be used to schedule regular visits — up to nine per year — with a licensed counselor of your choice. The platform allows you to view the profiles of different counselors and select one based on their specialty and expertise, availability and identity markers such as gender, language or ethnicity.
Furthermore, TimelyCare offers psychiatric services which can be accessed through the app once students have received a referral from a TimelyCare counselor or Wellness360. Through these psychiatric services, students can receive an evaluation and medication management for more severe mental health concerns. The app also provides students with a prescription savings card that can be used in place of health insurance.
In addition to licensed care providers, students can access health coaching and digital self-care content on a wide variety of topics, including nutrition and healthy eating, exercise, sleep improvement, substance use, stress management and more. If a student needs further support, the app can connect them with low or reduced-cost community resources in their area.
Hernandez urges students to download the TimelyCare app, even if they do not need to access the services immediately. “I would love to see every student have the app on their phone, so that when the need arises, it is easily accessible. Or if they encounter a friend who has the need, they can get them connected right away.”
To get connected with a virtual licensed mental health professional, visit www.timelycare.com/utsa or download the TimelyCare app.
