Expanded mental health services for UTA students
Virtual and on-demand mental health support is now available to all University of Texas at Arlington students through virtual health provider TimelyCare.
TimelyCare provides on-demand mental and emotional support, scheduled mental health counseling sessions, psychiatry services, health coaching, care navigation, a peer support community and self-care content. All UTA students can use TimelyCare services at no extra cost.
“One of the benefits of TimelyCare is its 24/7 TalkNow service,” said Vickie Goins, licensed psychologist and director of UTA’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). “It’s not a counseling session, but it’s accessible to students when they need mental and emotional support. TimelyCare also offers scheduled counseling appointments; this can be especially helpful to students with non-traditional schedules.”
At UTA there are several resources available for students seeking support. CAPS has 21 clinical providers and offers individual counseling, consultation and referral services, psychiatry services and outreach programming. Students also have access to the MAVS TALK 24-hour crisis line to speak with a counselor; this service is available at 817-272-8255.
“As a ‘Community that Cares,’ our utmost priority is the well-being of all our students. UTA offers a wide range of resources to support our students, whether that is mental health, physical health, emotional support or academic support,” said Heather Snow, associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students. “As students are faced with challenges in any area of their lives, we encourage them to reach out for help. Our community is here to support you, and you are not alone.”
Goins advises students to ask for help early and to reach out and lean on the people who make up their support system.
“There are a lot of resources on campus, and whether a student decides to visit CAPS or use one of the other resources, we are all here to help students be successful and enjoy their college experience,” Goins said. “Research shows that the more connected students feel, the more successful they are academically.”
CAPS has two campus locations, one in Ransom Hall Suite 303 and a satellite office in the Maverick Activities Center, Suite 212. Students can schedule appointments by calling CAPS at 817-272-3671 or stopping by one of the offices. To begin using TimelyCare, visit the website or download the app to create an account.
The TimelyCare partnership was initiated by the University of Texas System Board of Regents earlier this year as part of a $16.5 million investment to expand and enhance student mental health and safety and other alcohol and drug education resources at all 14 UT academic and health institutions.
“The health and safety of students is always our top priority,” said UT Board of Regents Chair Kevin P. Eltife. “We are committed to continuous enhancements that improve student health and educational success outcomes.”
“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,” said UT System Chancellor James B. Milliken. “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.”