May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting access to resources that support emotional well-being. At ACU, our students’ health – mental, emotional and spiritual – is a top priority. Aligned with our overall mission to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world, we are committed to ensuring that students, like you, are well-prepared not only in their academic and professional pursuits but in their emotional and psychological well-being too. Whether you’re balancing the pressures of coursework, familial relationships, financial responsibilities or planning for the future, it’s important to recognize that mental health is not just a personal issue, it’s a community concern.
That’s why ACU, through the Student Wellness Office, provides TimelyCare, an innovative, free service for ACU Online students designed to make mental health care more accessible, flexible and inclusive.
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
Mental Health Awareness Month is more than just a moment of recognition. It’s a reminder that mental wellness is just as important as physical health. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders. It exists on a complex continuum, which is experienced differently from one person to the next, with varying degrees of difficulty and distress and potentially very different social and clinical outcomes. Because of this, it’s important to note that mental health conditions go beyond mental disorders or psychosocial disabilities; they can even exist in times of significant distress causing impairment and potential self-harm. Nationwide, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that 57.8 million adults live with some form of mental illness, with many citing anxiety, depression and stress as barriers to their academic and personal success.
Now, you may be asking yourself: how do you know you may need some mental health counseling? There could be a number of reasons one might decide to get some help. Perhaps, you’ve been feeling more negative than expected or find yourself losing interest in things you used to enjoy. Whatever the case may be, there are many reasons why someone might seek help. However, some of the most common problems include:
- Emotional and Mental Health Challenges – Includes depression, anxiety, panic attacks, anger issues and lack of motivation.
- Relationship and Life Stressors – Covers family or relationship problems, grief and loss, domestic violence and sexual assault.
- Behavioral and Coping Difficulties – Encompasses self-defeating habits, compulsive behaviors, procrastination and trouble managing stress or trauma.
- Health and Wellness Concerns – Includes medication management issues and difficulty concentrating on academic or work tasks.
At ACU, we acknowledge that emotional health impacts a student’s ability to grow spiritually, socially and intellectually. By prioritizing mental health support, we’ve taken proactive steps to create a culture of compassion and resilience, plus offering students outlets to express their emotions and find the help they need, on their time.
Introducing TimelyCare: Support on Your Schedule
TimelyCare is a 24/7 virtual health and well-being platform available at no cost to ACU Online students. Powered by TimelyMD, this platform is designed to meet students where they are, offering access to a network of licensed professionals who understand the unique challenges students face today.
TimelyCare offers services including:
- TalkNow: On-demand mental health support any time, day or night. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed before a big exam or just need someone to talk to, TalkNow connects you immediately with a provider.
- Scheduled Counseling: Students can schedule appointments with licensed counselors who can provide consistent support tailored to their individual needs.
- Health Coaching: Guidance from professionals who help students maintain a balanced lifestyle through nutrition, sleep hygiene, exercise and stress management.
- Diverse Provider Network: Students can select from a wide range of providers based on preferences like gender, language, race and specialties, allowing for more personalized and culturally competent care.
With hundreds of providers ready to set an appointment with you, this resource is more than just a bonus; it’s an opportunity to get the professional help you may need, especially for online students who may be seeking flexibility even in their counseling, something that is so unique at ACU Online comparatively.
Our vision extends far beyond your academic achievements. At ACU Online, we care deeply about how our students are doing, feeling, managing stress and getting the most out of their education. Rooted in Christian values, we emphasize the development of the whole person—mind, body and spirit. To achieve this, we desire to cultivate an environment that provides you with the emotional resilience and spiritual depth needed to lead in your communities and vocation with a greater sense of empathy, wisdom and purpose. Alongside our Student Wellness Office, students have found breakthroughs by simply asking for help via programs like TimelyCare. Isn’t it time you asked for help, too?
How to Access TimelyCare?
Accessing TimelyCare is easy for ACU Online students. Just follow these steps:
- Visit timelycare.com/acuonline or download the TimelyCare app.
- Register using your ACU student email address.
- Choose from services like TalkNow, scheduled counseling or health coaching depending on your level of need.
- Meet with your selected provider from the comfort of your home, office or wherever you feel most at ease.
The Student Wellness Office encourages students to explore TimelyCare even if they don’t feel an immediate need. Building a relationship with a counselor or understanding what services are available can make a big difference when challenges arise. By integrating TimelyCare into our student wellness framework, ACU is not just reacting to mental health needs but actively shaping a future where students are empowered to care for themselves and those around them.
Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect time for students to check in with themselves and their peers. You never know who might be silently struggling. However, by normalizing conversations around mental health and promoting resources like TimelyCare, we hope our ACU community and students can feel stronger, more connected and better equipped to care for one another.
If you would like more information or need support, contact the Student Wellness Office or log in to TimelyCare today.
