AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin will have a new program for students at the beginning of the fall semester.
The UT System Board of Regents approved providing free, virtual mental health services to students across all UT institutions.
“The health and safety of students is always our top priority,” UT Board of Regents Chair Kevin P. Eltife said. “We are committed to continuous enhancements that improve student health and educational success outcomes.”
The new program, which is in partnership with Fort Worth-based TimelyCare, will be available 24/7. Students will have access to licensed counselors and providers as well as:
- On-demand mental health and emotional support
- Scheduled mental health counseling sessions
- Psychiatry services
- Health coaching
- Care navigation
- Peer support community
- Digital self-care content
“We know that students’ mental health is tied to their academic achievement and that the demand for access to mental health services for UT students has never been greater,” UT System Chancellor James B. Milliken said. “The Board of Regents has consistently and proactively addressed this need. We are proud that this latest investment will make mental health resources more readily available and easier to access for UT students.”
The new services are part of a $16.5 million investment from the Board of Regents to expand and enhance student mental health and safety. The system invested in "comprehensive alcohol prevention, education and recovery programs at each of its academic campuses" back in 2011.
“As a Texas-based company with colleagues living across the state, TimelyCare is proud to serve the neighboring universities we call our alma maters, our hometown teams, and the institutions of higher education we trust to educate our own children. One in every 10 TimelyCare employees has earned a degree from a UT institution, so expanding equitable access to care across the state isn’t just business, it’s personal,” said Luke Hejl, TimelyCare's CEO and co-founder. “We are proud to deliver [the] best-in-class health and well-being solutions to help students thrive in all aspects of their lives.”
The Counseling and Mental Health Center at UT also offers a free app called Thrive where students can share their own stories, inspirational quotes and helpful information to improve their daily routines.
"It's designed specifically for our students and with our students. It offers so many different topics – everything from community to thoughts to mindfulness to self-compassion. It has inspirational quotes and videos from our students," said Dr. Marla Craig, executive director at the Counseling and Mental Health Center at UT Austin.
For students who may want something in-person, individual counseling, single sessions, a 24/7 crisis hotline and different groups and workshops are also available.
"There's a 24/7 chat feature, which I love. That's something that students at two o'clock in the morning, if they need to talk to somebody or need some support, they can get on to start texting and chatting and getting that support that they're needing," Craig said. "In addition to health coaching, which if there's a single, maybe, topic or behavior they're wanting to work on, whether it be sleep or stress management, those services are offered."