More than 153,000 students across Texas A&M University System schools now have access to TELUS Health Student Support, a confidential mental health care app aimed at providing support and assistance.
TELUS Health Student Support offers students 24/7 access to mental health help through telephone or chat services. The app facilitates scheduling counseling appointments for short-term support, available via telephone or video sessions. Recognizing the hesitation of some students to seek help for depression or anxiety, the app aims to make it easier for them to take the first step towards mental health support.
James Hallmark, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs for the A&M System’s 11 universities, emphasized the importance of the app in light of studies showing that approximately 75% of students struggling with mental health issues are reluctant to seek help. TELUS Health Student Support is designed to be accessible at any time and from anywhere, offering installation and setup within a few steps. The app enables students to connect with professional counselors through text chat or phone calls, with support available in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
The app includes various features such as an educational media library covering wellness-related topics, anonymous assessments for conditions like depression, anxiety, and drug use, and access to guided meditations and fitness sessions. Students can even schedule a limited number of repeat sessions with the same counselor if needed.
James Hallmark expressed gratitude to Chancellor John Sharp and the A&M System Regents for investing in this new mental health care benefit. Recognizing the importance of mental health to student success, Hallmark emphasized the willingness of today’s students to seek help and appreciated the opportunity to provide them with the necessary support. For more information, students are encouraged to contact their campus University Health Services.
