Today@Sam Article

TimelyCare Partnership Expands Counseling Center Services

Aug. 22, 2023
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

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Sam Houston State University recognizes the critical need for expanded support of student mental health and well-being. The SHSU Counseling Center is announcing a new addition to its existing virtual resources for students to access the care they need to succeed in advancing their education and to empower students to confidently navigate their own health journey.

The need for 24/7 access to high-quality care has never been more important. According to the American Council on Education, student mental health is the top concern of college and university presidents. It’s also the number one reason students leave college. A recent report by Gallup and the Lumina Foundation found that 69% of undergraduate students considered dropping out of school due to personal mental health reasons in the last six months.

“There is no greater priority than the health and safety of our students. Providing services that are convenient and on-demand makes it easier than ever for our students to get the support they need,” said Dr. Shantha Stokes, interim assistant vice president of Student Affairs/interim executive director, Counseling & Health Services.

TimelyCare serves as a 24/7 virtual extension of campus counseling center resources, with the goal of improving student well-being, engagement and retention.

Through TimelyCare on their phone or other device, Sam Houston State University students can now select from a wide-ranging menu of virtual care options from licensed counselors in all 50 states – at no cost and without the hassle of traditional insurance – including:

  • On-demand mental health and emotional support (TalkNow)
  • Appointment-based mental health counseling (up to 9 sessions each academic year)
  • Psychiatric support
  • Health coaching
  • Basic Needs assistance
  • Care navigation
  • Peer support community
  • Digital self-care content

Some of the added benefits of the Counseling Center’s partnership with TimelyCare include reduced wait times, inclusive counseling, HIPPA compliance and care whenever it is needed. Team members from both TimelyCare and the Counseling Center come from a wide variety of backgrounds and can understand the struggles that students may be facing. By partnering with a group capable of reaching students at any time of day, the center hopes that more students will reach out for help when they need it.

“We live in a world where virtual healthcare is so important to accessibility. Our partnership with TimelyCare means that students now have 24/7 access to mental health support,” Stokes said. “This virtual platform combined with the in-person services provided at the Counseling Center means our students have the option of various service modalities at any time of day, which makes me excited about their opportunity to maintain good mental health and achieve success in and out of the classroom.”

Students can learn more and register for TimelyCare here. For more information on the SHSU Counseling Center, follow this link.

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