By Emma Timberg – Guest Writer
Counseling Center in Hundley Hall
The University of Lynchburg has partnered with TimelyCare, a virtual mental health care service.
TimelyCare offers students a variety of resources, including 24/7 live chat options and the ability to be paired with mental health professionals for telehealth therapy sessions. The university is aiming to offer more accessible options to students who may not feel comfortable or lack the time to visit the counseling center on campus.
Tiffany Boydoh, assistant director of counseling services, discussed the opportunities and challenges associated with virtual health care. “It’s a blessing and a curse,” Boydoh said. The blessing side of that is ease of access; however, counseling is such an interpersonal thing, so at the end of the day, my preference is always in person.”
Boydoh, along with colleagues, is attempting to push the platform and reach more students to increase the usage of mental health services.
Program feedback has been limited since this partnership is still being finalized. However, Boydoh explained that the live chat feature is popular among students. The program can connect students to a counselor within 30 minutes to help with any crisis they may be having.
The student response to TimelyCare has been positive. Senior Emmy Dolin, who attends counseling sessions on campus, is happy with the service.
“I just feel like having an online option as well as in person is helpful for people who don’t have a lot of that free time.” Dolin expressed. The increase of virtually accessible care is creating more options for students to feel comfortable and heard on campus.
For more information on TimelyCare and to connect with the Counseling Department students can email: counseling@lynchburg.edu or call 434-544-8616.
Sources:
Tiffany Boydoh: boydoh_t@lynchburg.edu
Emmy Dolin: doline679@lynchburg.edu
University of Lynchburg Counseling Center: https://www.lynchburg.edu/student-life/counseling-center/timelycare/
Photos:
Website:
