Fourth Estate/Alexis McCaffrey

Ask the Mind

BY ALEXIS MCCAFFREY, CULTURE EDITOR

Mason recently adopted a new virtual platform called TimelyCare that helps students access free counseling and psychological services on a schedule that is convenient for them.

Upon first hearing about this platform through GMU Mental Health Discord chat I was curious and intrigued. So I signed up with my Mason email and made my first appointment. 

I got up early to make sure I would be ready for my 9:00 a.m. appointment. I prepped and wrote out some talking points about things I wanted to work on as well as why I wanted to participate in counseling. 

At 9:00 a.m. I hopped on the Timely Care app on my iPhone a little message popped up that stated to remain on the app in preparation for your appointment. I waited five minutes passed. I waited a few more minutes and then decided to contact customer service.

Timely Care’s customer service was super helpful and was able to solve the technical problem we were having in regard to my video counseling appointment. Within ten minutes I was on a video call with my counselor, Vivian McCorey.

 She was amazing! She gave me so much wisdom and helpful advice to me for things that I was often overthinking. It gave me peace about everything that has been bottled up before our appointment. Our appointment lasted about 45 minutes and was very helpful. Near the end of our appointment, she stated that I get free 12 appointments in the period of a year and that I also have access to a free chatroom called “TalkNow”  that is available 24/7. 

Other resources on the TimelyCare app also include an explore page that contains various activities like yoga, mediations, and mindful discussion. There is also a community page where you can share your feelings on a more public level and receive feedback from your peers. Once you sign into the app via your Mason email you will have access to free counseling via video or phone call as well as free health coaching. 

I think the TimelyCare app helps provide more students with accessibility to well-being resources on their schedule which I love! I like specifically how the app offers you an option of various providers based on survey responses you fill out prior. I felt my provider was a perfect match. I think the app has a few technical issues but, overall is helping students get one step closer to bettering their mental health.