TimelyCare: health care from anywhere!
Free health app provides 24/7 support for USD students
JESSICA MILLS / ASST. FEATURE EDITOR / THE USD VISTA
The Health and Wellness Center recently launched “TimelyCare,” an app that offers 24/7 mental and physical health support for current USD students. With services for counseling, psychiatry, health coaching, and medical concerns, licensed providers can now remotely support students from virtually anywhere.
The app also features meditation, yoga, and topic-driven discussions with panelists. Each service is completely free for enrolled students and does not require health insurance.
By downloading the TimelyCare app and registering with one’s USD email address, students can set up their profile and begin utilizing the services.
Director for Health Promotion at the Center for Health and Wellness, Stephanie Guarino Lynch, explained the app’s unique approach to providing health care for students.
“Students are actually able to pick a provider through the app,” Lynch explained. “Scrolling through the listed providers for mental and medical services is something most students aren’t used to in standard care.”
The app is already looking toward making improvements for the future.
“TimelyCare is currently working on a feature where students can filter their search for a provider by factors like specialization and identity,” Lynch said. “It’s a really cool option for students.”
Students have access to TimelyCare resources from anywhere in the U.S. Also included is the “TalkNow” feature. It is a 24/7 on-demand service that connects students to a mental health provider via phone or video call within three to seven minutes. TalkNow is also an international resource available to abroad students.
While students can still access on-campus services, TimelyCare creates new possibilities for health management.
“TimelyCare just expands services that are already implemented, it doesn’t replace anything,” Lynch said. “Students can still call the counseling center 24/7, this is just another option.”
The app also features health coaches who provide holistic support for mental and medical concerns. For students that need help with managing a balanced routine, this service provides specific steps that one can implement daily. Students can schedule appointments for help with sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management. Between busy schedules on and off campus, Lynch explained how many students have enjoyed the numerous features and accessibility of the app.
“So far, feedback on TimelyCare has been extremely positive,” Lynch said. “Students have found it easy to use and the set-up process has been quick and user-friendly.”
Sophomore Alexia Rojas frequently uses mental health apps to practice mindfulness and meditation. She is excited to have access to another resource directly through USD.
“I think TimelyCare will have a positive impact on the USD community,” Rojas said. “It’s not easy to find mental health support and I think it’s really cool the health center is providing additional resources for students.”
Junior Sierra Sergeant often finds looking for health care options discouraging and difficult. The convenience and accessibility of TimelyCare has helped alleviate Sergeant’s usual concerns when seeking health care resources.
“It takes a lot of energy to try and find help,” Sergeant said. “I like that TimelyCare has made this process easy and accessible, especially in the form of an app.”
Photo courtesy of TimelyCare.
The Health and Wellness Center sent out a “USD Health Survey” to students via email on March 22.
By answering the survey, students provide additional data for the Health and Wellness Center to further enhance resources like TimelyCare.
The survey will remain open until April 17.
“The survey ultimately helps us advocate for services like this app,” Lynch said. “It helps us decide what resources need to be prioritized and promoted for students.”
Whether students are looking for a structured health plan or yoga class, TimelyCare is an additional resource that can bring balance and relief to the chaos of college life.