Otterbein University is launching a FREE mental and medical telehealth program to provide remote winter break coverage for Otterbein students from Nov. 24-Jan. 18. Instructions for accessing the program will be sent via email on Nov. 23.   

The past several months have been challenging for our entire Cardinal community, and our Counseling Center and Student Health Center have been busy supporting our students’ mental and medical health needs. When our students go home for the extended winter break, we want to make sure they continue to have free, easily accessible health services.    

Cardinal Telehealth will provide care while students are away from campus for the holidays with access to 24/7 mental and medical telehealth care from anywhere in the United States. Services are provided through TimelyMD by counselors and physicians experienced in the unique needs of college students. 

Students will be able to talk to a licensed provider from a smartphone or any web-enabled device. Licensed providers are available to diagnose non-emergency medical conditions, prescribe medications, and offer mental health support via phone or secure video visits.  

Below are a few FAQs about Cardinal Telehealth. 

Q. How will students access Cardinal Telehealth? 
A. Students will be sent instructions to their Otterbein emails Nov. 23 to register and start using services, which are available Nov. 24-Jan. 18. You will be able to access Cardinal Telehealth from any web-enabled device – phone, laptop, tablet, etc.  

Q. Who will be able to use Cardinal Telehealth? 
A. Any Otterbein University student. 

Q. What services will be available? 
A. There will be three services available to students at no cost from Nov. 24-Jan. 18: 

• Medical: 24/7, on-demand access to a licensed medical provider that can treat a wide range of common illnesses like cold and flu, sinus infection, allergies, and more.
• TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand access to a licensed mental health professional to talk about anything at any time. 
• Scheduled Counseling: Scheduled options to speak to a licensed counselor. 

Q. How much will a visit cost? 
A. There will be NO COST for Otterbein University students. The program is being supported by CARES Act funding. 

Q: Will Cardinal Telehealth be able to diagnose COVID-19? 
A: Cardinal Telehealth will virtually assess symptoms and administer frontline care in a contained environment to limit the spread of illness. They will also give recommendations on the need for testing vs. self-quarantine, and where to go if testing or further care is needed.