Many college students are struggling to maintain their mental health amidst long periods of isolation, unemployment, and constant messages of alarm in the media. Since the pandemic, psychologists and mental health professionals have reported skyrocketing demand for treatment for mood and anxiety disorders. However, barriers to access have made it more difficult for psychologists to meet this demand. The University of South Florida is responding to this issue with the launch of TimelyCare, a virtual health and well-being platform and mobile app.
Digital apps offering Mental Health Services
TimelyCare, provided by TimelyMD, offers a broad range of scheduled and on-demand care specifically for college students. At USF, TimelyCare services are focused on mental health and are available free to all currently enrolled students. TalkNow is the platform’s on-demand 24/7 component. It offers unlimited sessions with behavioral health professionals, with appointments usually available within 15 minutes.
Additionally, students can schedule up to nine visits with a dedicated counselor during an academic year. Psychiatric care is also provided, for a fee, with a referral from the university’s clinicians.
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“We have been working very hard to make sure we have sufficient capacity for students who need help,” said Donna Petersen, chief health officer for USF, interim associate vice provost for Student Health and Wellness and dean of the USF College of Public Health.
“I think students appreciate having options with the way health services are delivered,” Petersen added. “As we see increasing demand and acuity, this enables us to provide care as quickly as possible.”
Offering students help anytime, anywhere
TimelyCare doesn’t require insurance and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from anywhere. The app is helping the university to support its full student population, including online students nationwide and internationally. These features reduce barriers to access for students without health insurance, access to campus, or who struggle to make time for mental health care.
TimelyCare also offers health coaching to help develop healthy lifestyle behaviors, including nutrition, sleep habits, time management, and mindfulness. A self-care section offers content including yoga and meditation sessions. There’s also group conversations with providers on a variety of health and well-being topics.
TimelyCare joins two other mental health services offered at USF – Togetherall and TAO – which aim to supplement in-person counseling.
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TimelyCare was rolled out at the beginning of the fall semester with a soft launch. It focused on providing psychiatric services. A full launch followed earlier this month, and the early response has been positive, according to Dr. Joseph Puccio, executive and medical director for USF Student Health Services.
“We believe the TimelyCare platform is exactly what our students need,” Puccio said. “When I spoke with people who are using it, they had nothing but great reviews. They said their students are very happy with the services.”
TimelyCare, Togetherall and TAO are available to students on all three USF campuses. With this addition, USF aims to continue its tradition of providing an inclusive, supportive environment for students to thrive academically and in life.