AUGUST 30, 2024 — As classes and campus events get underway this fall, UTSA is putting mental health resources into the hands of students including resources that students can access any time.
Texas-based TimelyCare provides higher education students with 24/7 access to virtual health and well-being support. Available for use on a mobile device or a desktop, the app features TalkNow, an on-demand emotional support service, and Scheduled Counseling, which lets students set up appointments with a mental health provider.
“We encourage every student to download the app to their phone, so mental health support is at their fingertips when they need it,” said Melissa Hernandez, UTSA associate dean of students for wellbeing. “TimelyCare is an extension of our on-campus services. It offers free mental health support provided by professionals specialized in working with college students.”
“TimelyCare is an extension of our on-campus services. It offers free mental health support provided by professionals specialized in working with college students.”
The TimelyCare app also offers Self-Care Journeys, tools that can help students tackle stress and anxiety and achieve better health and well-being. Resources include videos and articles on a variety of topics, from meditation and yoga sessions to tips for healthy relationships and sleep hygiene.
TimelyCare is available to students through UTSA Wellbeing Services. An area within the Division of Student Affairs, the office integrates health education, counseling, survivor advocacy and other programs to provide a comprehensive approach to student well-being.
Since its launch in Fall 2023, the accessibility and convenience of TimelyCare has resonated with students seeking flexible, immediate support amidst their busy academic lives. Over the 11 months ending August 1, 2024, TimelyCare reported 3,068 visits, of which 41.7% took place after business hours. Students’ use of the app has focused on features like TalkNow.which has accounted for 27.9% of all calls to the app.
Also, as of August 1, 62.3% of TimelyCare’s visitors used the app to schedule an appointment with a mental health provider.
The data behind accessibility and outcomes are also promising. On average, students were able to make an appointment with a counselor within 1.4 days. Of those who sought counseling, 72% reported improved mental health.
The average wait time for TalkNow callers was 3.7 minutes, with 88% of callers reporting improved mental health.
- Students seeking on-campus health care or counseling can call Wellness 360 at 210-458-4142 or log into their MyHealth Portal to schedule an appointment.
- Urgent and crisis walk-in services are available during business hours and the 24-hour crisis line can be accessed by calling 210-458-4140, option 3.
UTSA’s expanded student health care services also include the Wellness 360 clinic, a partnership with UT Health San Antonio. Conveniently located in the Recreation and Wellness Center building on the UTSA Main Campus, this nurse practitioner-led clinic offers a holistic approach to health care and provides short-term individual counseling, group counseling and psychiatry.
