TimelyCare added for 24/7 student support

Since opening at the start of the fall 2023 semester, the Center for Student Counseling at Purdue University Fort Wayne has provided much needed services to those asking for help. But what happens when the office is closed?

Now there’s an option for what most would consider the off hours. The university recently signed an agreement with TimelyCare, an international company devoted to supporting college students by providing on-demand online services every day, including holidays and weekends. In addition, TimelyCare is also available to students who are traveling and during school breaks.

TimelyCare works with more than 400 universities and colleges to provide mental health care, emotional support, and self-care resources. Services are available by phone, tablet or computer—throughout the world and whenever needed. The TimelyCare app can be downloaded here.

Among TimelyCare’s many resources, its TalkNow platform presents options to connect with licensed counselors at any time to discuss anxiety, stress, relationships, loneliness, and other concerns, even in the middle of the night. The Scheduled Counseling option provides nine free telecounseling sessions per school year with a provider of the student’s choice.

TalkNow is committed to connecting with students in five minutes or less, any time of day or night. The company reports students who move from TalkNow to Scheduled Counseling usually receive an appointment within 24 to 48 hours with a provider licensed to practice in Indiana. Students can also choose a counselor based on their various preferences, such as gender, race, identification, etc. They can also be referred to on-campus resources.

Students can also join the Peer Community, which offers anonymous and secure message boards where they can connect with other students across the country dealing with similar issues. And the Digital Self-Care content platform includes videos, meditation, yoga, journaling, and other wellness tools that are accessible at any time.

“This is something we’ve been working on for a while to support mental health and wellness for our students,” said Kerrie Fineran, chief of campus and community wellbeing. “One of the attractive things about TimelyCare is that it provides wellbeing resources that are a benefit for all students, not just those seeking mental health treatment. Students who download the app will have access to a variety of self-care resources that are skill and resilience building.

“If they ever find themselves with a friend in need of mental health help, they will already have the app and can access immediate help 24 hours a day. We want students to know that PFW is here to support their mental health so that they can thrive academically and personally.”

Students seeking services can sign in with their school identification and email through a platform dedicated to PFW. TimelyCare coordinates with the Center for Student Counseling, and students can use one or both services.

“TimelyCare will not act just as vendor, but we’re a piece of your campus,” said Dru Howard, customer success manager for TimelyCare. “We want the students to know that we are working in tandem to make sure they have a continuity of care.”

TimelyCare’s tracking suggests 75% of students report mental health improvement after accessing the company’s services.

“College is a challenging time, and it is completely normal to need additional support during the journey,” Fineran said. “We are excited for this new service that helps promote the idea that students are never alone. There is always somebody available to support you and talk to you any time you need. I am proud that PFW is offering services like this that contribute to a culture of care we want every student to experience on our campus.”

As a completely free benefit for students, no insurance is required to use TimelyCare, but all patient privacy standards are maintained.

“One thing about the peer community and the self-care app that all students have access to,” Howard said, “is that we want people to see this as a wellness resource, not just something for students who are having mental health issues in the moment. We are hoping that people will use all the options.”