UVA Expands Mental Health Care with TimelyMD

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As Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at AVU, Nicole Ruzek understands why so many students are looking for a therapist.

“There was the pandemic, but even before that we were seeing students in great distress,” she says. “Part of it may be social media – kind of social comparison. Part of this could be due to climate change and perhaps a future prospect that is not as bright as we would like. “

Race or gender issues bother others, and with a staff of around 25, Ruzek says the AVU can’t provide quick in-person therapy to everyone who wants it. So the school joined a group called Timely MD – expanding the pool of professionals available to advise students through their phones or tablets.

“We often have students who are looking for very specific providers who are either of religious or racial background, or who might be specialized, for example, in eating disorders or LGBTQ issues,” she explains.

Ruzek admits she had doubts about online care, but now she believes it.

“Many of us who are face-to-face therapists were quite skeptical of telehealth, but over the past year and a half we’ve all gone home and worked remotely, and we’ve been forced to to do telehealth ourselves. We realized that telehealth could be just as effective.

She says the service has seen high demand from day one and other schools have called to find out how it works. UVA will offer 12 free sessions through Timely MD, and students who need more help will be referred to therapists on campus or in town.


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