Stony Brook University is now offering TimelyCare, a new telehealth platform that offers 24/7 virtual access to both medical and mental health services. 

TimelyCare is offered to all undergraduate and graduate students who are taking online or in-person classes. The fee is included as part of the Health and Counseling broad-based fee.

“From the point of view of residents or people who can’t easily access medical/health services, I would assume it would help a lot, especially being a part of our broad-based fees. It’s almost free,” Carolyn Do, a freshman majoring in biochemistry, said.

According to the TimelyCare page on Stony Brook University’s website, the new platform offers five services: Medical, Scheduled Medical, TalkNow, Scheduled Counseling and Health Coaching.

Scheduled Medical allows students to schedule appointments to speak to a medical provider. Similarly, Scheduled Counseling allows students to schedule mental health counseling appointments. Health Coaching provides access to a nutritional specialist.

The other services, Medical and TalkNow, are available 24/7 and provide on-demand access to licensed medical providers and mental health professionals.

“Sometimes you want to vent to someone you don’t necessarily know, but you know you can trust them to be there,” Xander Barron, a sophomore double majoring in mathematics and applied mathematics and statistics, said. “This new program is definitely a good addition and it’s amazing that it’s 24/7.”

TimelyCare providers can also prescribe medications.

“I think TimelyCare is a great feature; having 24/7 access to telehealth can be really beneficial to students,” Isabella Drobny, a junior psychology major, said. “It makes it easier for students to reach out if they need help with mental or physical health issues. They can do it right from their rooms at any time of the day or night.” 

To access TimelyCare’s services, students can go to timelycare.com/stonybrook or download the TimelyCare app — available on iOS or Android — and register with their name and Stony Brook email address. Students can then schedule visits from any web-enabled device: smartphone, laptop or desktop. TimelyCare is also available from anywhere in the United States.

“TimelyCare is beneficial to Stony Brook as it gives another choice for students going through hard times,” Barron said.