LSUS students gain access to virtual medical, mental health services

LSUS students gain access to virtual medical, mental health services

SHREVEPORT - LSU Shreveport students have access to virtual healthcare through a new partnership with provider TimelyCare.

Both in-person and online students have access to virtual medical and mental health services, which started this semester.

Students can use TimelyCare's TalkNow (24/7 access to mental health professionals) and MedicalNow (24/7 access to licensed medical providers for non-emergency care) through the company's app.

TimelyCare provides services to more than 400 campuses across the nation and specializes in the needs of today's college student.

"This initiative is part of LSUS's commitment to student well-being, ensuring access to quality care anytime, anywhere," said Demitrius Brown, vice chancellor of student affairs. "With the multitude of barriers students face to completing their education, we want to put them in the best possible position physically and mentally in a way that fits their busy schedules."

The service is covered by a new Student Health and Wellness fee of $5 per credit hour, which was approved by the LSUS Student Government Association and the LSU Board of Supervisors.

Students incur no additional cost when scheduling an appointment or receiving other services, and no health insurance is needed to access this virtual care.

All students can schedule virtual medical visits for common health issues.

Students can download TimelyCare's mobile or desktop app and register with their school email address.

While all students can access mental health professionals for emotional support and crisis management, in-person students are eligible for up to 12 free virtual counseling sessions per year.

Students can also still access LSUS Counseling Services as well for in-person care.

In addition to the TimelyCare services, the student fee will contribute to health programming, equipment, and supplies as well as plans for future in-person care on campus.

"It's important to provide a service in a way that the student wants to access it," said Dr. Paula Atkins, LSUS Dean of Students. "We have about 150 students registered right now, and we anticipate that number to grow as more students become aware of the service."