Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, three-quarters of students have reported struggles with anxiety and depression, and more than 50% have reported their mental health as 鈥渇air鈥� or 鈥減oor,鈥� according to a .
Now, three Virginia universities are partnering with a telehealth company to make sure students have all the mental health support they need to navigate college life and succeed in their studies and in their lives away from school.
Starting in the fall 2022 school year, students at Virginia Tech, James Madison University and Virginia Commonwealth University will have access to 24/7 virtual care options from licensed mental health providers and counselors through TimelyMD. It鈥檒l be like a virtual extension of already-existing campus counseling centers.
鈥淭he mental and emotional health of every student, whether they are on campus, with family, or in our larger community is integral to student success at Virginia Tech,鈥� said Virginia Tech President Tim Sands, . 鈥淟earning, and social engagement occurs around the clock in today鈥檚 higher education environment, and it鈥檚 important to support our students鈥� educational experience and well-being with accessible mental health coverage.鈥�
Faculty members will also be provided assistance with guiding students to TimelyCare resources.
鈥淭hese services will complement what is already provided through our student health and counseling centers,鈥� said JMU President Jonathan Alger. 鈥淭imelyCare will be yet another resource to which the university community will have access through a wonderful statewide partnership.鈥�
The partnership with telehealth company TimelyMD will link students with a swath of services on their phones or other devices including appointment-based mental health counseling, on demand mental health support through TalkNow, psychiatric support, health coaching and digital self-care content, and care navigation with basic needs.
They鈥檒l also be eligible for 12 no-cost counseling visits during the year.
鈥淧utting the needs of students first means providing an exceptional educational experience with support for total student well-being,鈥� said Michael Rao, president of Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Health. 鈥淭his partnership provides a tool for students to access mental and emotional health services when it works best for their needs, improving their ability to succeed and thrive in their studies and in their lives inside and outside of school.”
