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Victor Valley College adds TimelyMD services to support student health

Daily Press - 4/25/2021

Apr. 25—As part of Victor Valley College's ongoing response to COVID-19, school officials say students now have free, immediate and unlimited access to medical and mental health counseling visits through TimelyMD, a telehealth company that specializes in higher education.

TimelyCare, as the program is branded, offers students on-demand and appointment-based medical care and on-demand mental health counseling programs designed for college students, VVC officials said in a statement.

The program gives students free 24/7 access to licensed physicians and mental health professionals anywhere in the United States.

"We know that students lead busy, complicated lives. The pandemic has made life, and being a student, even more challenging," said Vice President of Student Development Dr. Karen Engelsen. "Students, we hope that you'll utilize TimelyMD and benefit from the 24/7 access to medical, emotional and mental health care providers. It's free, confidential and available to all registered VVC students."

VVC officials said TimelyMD enhances campus resources by helping to limit the spread of illness, reduce the stigma of mental health counseling and grant peace of mind to students and their families. A recent survey found that on-campus enforcement of social distancing, regular COVID-19 testing and access to 24/7 telehealth resources for physical and mental health would boost parents' confidence in the ability of campuses to support students this fall, the college said.

"The experiences we've all gone through during this pandemic have called attention to the need to invest in programs that support mental health and overall well-being," said VVC Associated Student Body President Bridge Lee. "I'm so appreciative of VVC for bringing care solutions to students at a time when we need it most. I hope that students will take full advantage of this exceptional opportunity and that it will be continued for years to come."

Students can seek care by making a video call through TimelyMD. From an app on their phone or other device, students can see the profiles, faces and basic identifying details of a range of medical providers or mental health counselors. They can choose to meet with a specific provider or select the first available. Typically, students have a video consultation with someone within 5 to 10 minutes, VVC officials said.

Luke Hejl, CEO of TimelyMD, said virtual access to medical and mental health counseling "has never been more important," especially when considering those college students who are learning remotely, need care after hours and prefer to do so privately.

"Resuming classes this fall includes anticipating and addressing the concerns, needs and demands of students and their families," Hejl said. "TimelyMD is proud to partner with VVC to take quality medical and mental health care off everyone's worry list."

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