Getting Started with TimelyCare

Have you taken time to practice self-care today?

Sometimes that might look like taking a bubble bath or indulging in a sweet treat. These small joys aren't harmful, but they also aren't the only types of self-care available to us. In a Forbes article, Tami Foreman argued that self-care is a form of discipline: it involves making choices that are good for you and prioritizing your long-term physical and mental health.  

That's why, at the University of Cincinnati, out-of-state online learners have 24/7 access to medical care and mental health services through TimelyCare's virtual clinic.

Let's walk through how you can start using TimelyCare today. 

Many college students struggle to seek support when it comes to poor mental health, and university counseling centers can't always keep up with the need for care. For online students especially, juggling school, work, and family makes it even more difficult to find and utilize mental health resources.

We know that taking care of yourself helps you to stay focused on your education and finish strong. UC has partnered with TimelyCare to make finding care easier. 

Both in-person and online UC students who live in Ohio can utilize UC's Counseling and Psychological Services. Since this isn't an option for out-of-state online students, they receive exclusive access to TimelyCare for their mental health and medical needs.

We recently covered what TimelyCare is, so you might be curious about how to get started. Luckily, accessing TimelyCare is quick and straightforward! 

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Go to TimelyCare's login page. You can do this on a computer, mobile browser, or through the official TimelyCare app.
2. Enter your UC student email that ends in .edu. If it's your first time, you'll need to create an account.
3. Fill out some simple health information. Don't worry, everything is secure and confidential!
4. Click "Get Care” and explore all that TimelyCare has to offer.

Alternatively, you can access TimelyCare through the CAPS webpage. If you have any questions, you can call CAPS at 513-556-0648.

TimelyCare’s virtual clinic offers both medical care and mental health services, including: 

• On-demand, 24/7 mental and emotional support through TalkNow 

• Psychiatric care appointments within 2-3 days (on average) 

• MedicalNow, which provides 24/7 urgent and low-acuity medical care as an alternative to costly ER visits 

• CrisisNow, a 24/7 phone line that connects students with crisis support 

• Scheduled medical care and counseling appointments 

Whether you need urgent support to make it through the semester or want to schedule an appointment in advance, TimelyCare is there to support you.

While TimelyCare provides you with a wide array of resources, it isn't your only option. UC Online's Health and Wellness webpage provides an overview of additional resources you can access as an online student.

Remember that you don't have to burn yourself out to succeed, and that your well-being is just as important as your education. Prioritizing your mental and physical health allows you to give your best in and out of the online classroom!  

We hope that TimelyCare offers you accessible support when you need it.