St. Olaf announced a new partnership with TimelyMD, a telehealth service provider for college students, on April 7. Students can access care via the TimelyCare app.
TimelyCare provides 24/7 medical care, mental health care and psychiatric care in any U.S. state. Mental health care services include TalkNow, which is 24/7 on-demand access to a mental health professional for 25 minute consultations, alongside the option to schedule longer, 45 minute counseling appointments.
Vice President for Student Life Hassel Morrison shared information about the College’s partnership with TimelyMD with students in an email the morning of April 7. Morrison’s email included information about resources provided through the TimelyCare app and community information sessions.
Morrison assured students that TimelyCare would not take the place of preexisting College mental health services and that St. Olaf’s new partnership is only one part of College mental health efforts.
“We know that TimelyCare is not a solution to all the concerns students have expressed about mental well-being, but by providing yet another resource we believe it’s a strong step in the right direction,” Morrison wrote in the email.
A Zoom information session about the new service took place on April 12, led by Traci Larrison from TimelyMD. Boe House Counseling Center Director Steve O’Neill ’80 and Dean of Students Rosalyn Eaton were also present.
During the session, Larrison presented the app details pertinent to student users. For example, Larrison explained that medical visits are unlimited and that students can schedule visits immediately or at a later time. Medical visits are meant for non-emergency conditions, Larrison said.
Larrison clarified that students may use TalkNow as much as they want for free, while TimelyCare offers scheduled counseling appointments up to 12 times per year without charge. The cost of scheduled counseling is $79 after the first 12 visits.
“We don’t ever want anyone to be just dropped off out of scheduled counseling. We’re going to work with you whether you’re a student and getting you the help you need,” Larrison said.
The College’s international services for students studying abroad only include TalkNow. Users must download the app prior to travelling in order to access care abroad.
More information can be found on the Timely Care homepage.
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