Lamar University’s Student Health Center has teamed up with the TimelyCare app to bring mental health services to students. To get started, students need to pay a $41 fee and sign up using their Lamar email. This opens up all the app’s features.
“Students have access to mental health care 24/7, year-round,” said Jayna Bonnette, the assistant director of health education. She emphasizes the importance of making students aware of this resource.
The app primarily offers online counseling, but it has many additional features. One standout is the “Talk Now” service, which provides immediate crisis counseling. Bonnette explains how this is essential during times when counselors are unavailable, such as after hours or on holidays. Students can connect with a provider within minutes.
Each user gets nine free counseling sessions a year. But there’s more to TimelyCare than just that. The app includes health coaching, where students can receive personalized plans for nutrition and physical activity tailored to their wellness objectives.
There’s also a self-care module called “Journeys.” This gives students access to resources like meditation, yoga, and techniques for better sleep and anxiety management. Bonnette points out that this feature is perfect for those who want to feel better but might not yet be ready for counseling.
Since launching the app, the Student Health Center has noticed more students discussing mental health openly. Sara Chavez, the health education program coordinator, shared that many students have expressed gratitude for the support they receive from TimelyCare. “Hearing from students about how they’ve benefited is incredibly rewarding,” she said. “Our goal is to provide valuable resources to help them improve their health.”
Daniella Z. Lopez-Rosa, a senior, discovered TimelyCare through her role as a peer health educator. She appreciates having access to resources that cater to her needs, especially as someone with ADHD. “I wanted to learn at my own pace rather than book an appointment,” she said. Lopez-Rosa also found community support through the app when she studied abroad, connecting with others who shared her experiences.
Privacy is a priority with TimelyCare. Each counselor holds a license and adheres to strict confidentiality standards. Bonnette notes that they follow the same privacy rules as in-person counseling.
The collaboration between the Student Health Center and TimelyCare continues to evolve. “We’re always assessing student health and adjusting our offerings based on feedback,” Bonnette explained. They even conduct a survey every two years to keep up with student needs.
TimelyCare actively supports colleges by providing training and updates based on trends in mental health. “We have a dedicated representative for Lamar,” Chavez added. This ensures effective communication between the health center and TimelyCare for any technical or educational queries.
As mental health becomes a more prominent topic, services like TimelyCare are helping students find the support they need. The shift towards accessible online resources reflects a growing understanding of mental health’s importance in academic settings.
