Amid the rising need for mental health services in society, and specifically in higher education, Northwestern University has teamed up with virtual health and well-being service provider TimelyMD to offer students a new option for virtual health support and resources through the TimelyCare platform.
“Health and well-being are important to our entire community, and we recognize that each student may seek care in their own way,” said Julie Payne-Kirchmeier, vice president for Student Affairs. “TimelyCare allows us to add to our existing mental health resources and provide an array of high-quality services that students can choose from whenever they need it.”
Provided free of charge and available to all Northwestern students, TimelyCare enables the University to provide a hybrid model of care that includes 24/7 access to select support and expands the options available to students seeking mental health resources anytime and from anywhere.
Students also continue to have access to Northwestern’s in-person and virtual confidential services, including CAPS, HPaW, CARE, Religious and Spiritual Life and Student Assistance and Support Services.
Here’s what you need to know
TimelyCare virtual features include:
- Scheduled Counseling: Appointment-based mental health sessions with a licensed counselor
- TalkNow: On-demand access to a mental health practitioner to talk about anything at any time
- Health Coaching: Scheduled appointments to help address and maintain optimal sleep, nutrition, exercise, weight and stress management strategies for a holistic well-being approach
- Group Sessions: Weekly guided meditation and yoga group sessions, plus specialized discussions throughout the year
TimelyCare’s Scheduled Counseling and Health Coaching appointments are available days, evenings and weekends, and TalkNow services are available all day every day.
To use TalkNow internationally, students must download the TimelyCare app in the U.S. prior to traveling and either use a U.S. phone number or connect to a VPN on a laptop. International students studying in the U.S. must use a phone with a U.S. phone number or a laptop.
In the case of a mental health emergency, students should contact CAPS at 847-491-2151. During office hours, you will be connected to a counselor. After-hours and during weekends, press “0” at the prompt, and you will be connected to crisis service. If the emergency involves you or someone you are supporting who is in need of medical attention, call 911 immediately.
To see a list of FAQs on TimelyCare and learn how to set up an account, visit https://northwestern.edu/timelycare.
