Saint Xavier University’s Counseling Center announced a new partnership with Talkspace, a global online therapy service.
As stated on a Jan. 10 mySXU portal announcement, “Talkspace is an independent service and licensed provider networking with “thousands of [dedicated] clinicians serving in 32 different languages.” Talkspace also grants students “the ability to connect with licensed counselors and get the help they need through a secure, HIPAA-compliant mobile app or web platform.”
Director of Counseling Keiana L. Winters, Ph.D., says Talkspace allows the Counseling Center “to reach more of the student population” without an appointment from ‘anywhere.’
“It allows us to reach more of the population who need counseling and also reach those who don’t like traditional counseling and would prefer a different option,” Winters said. “The trend has been moving toward more responsive and virtual counseling.”
Matthew Marjan, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), added that the biggest benefits of Talkspace are ‘access’ and ‘choice.’ Marjan recognizes it’s a ‘huge barrier’ for students to get “the help they need,” with or without ‘expensive’ insurance. He noted that since there are fewer Counseling Center Staff, they could only work “so many hours in a week,” saying, “there is a limit to how many students we can see.”
The features of Talkspace include unlimited voice, text, and video messaging. Students using the service receive one virtual session a month—‘at no cost,’ Winters said. They’re able to complete a “Request for Services” form online—or fill out a paper copy in the Counseling Center Office—then meet with Winters for a short consultation.
This is to ensure that their needs “do not exceed the capabilities of Talkspace,” or students would have to see one of the University counselors instead for ‘more support,’ said Winters.“There are also psychiatric services, where the students receive 13 sessions from a psychiatrist if needed,” she added.
Once students meet with Winters, they may create an account using “any browser on their device” after downloading the app—and choose a counselor to speak with.
Winters says that the Counseling Center has the ‘ethical obligation’ to “help our clients holistically in any way we can.” They are also there for students if they find the app “does not fit their needs.”
However, Winters says Talkspace is a ‘user-friendly’ interface. If students run into any issues while using the platform, she encourages them to contact the service directly. The same goes for counselors.
“For any reason there is a lack of connection with that counselor, they are able to change counselors on the app at any time,” noted Winters.
In addition, Marjan says students are matched with a ‘diverse group’ of therapists. “If a student feels they truly need a counselor with a Muslim background or who is LGBT+ (or both for that matter), they can find one easily on Talkspace if someone of those backgrounds is not currently employed in the Counseling Center.”
Winters believes that it is ‘more effective’ to have virtual sessions with clients because the Counseling Center staff wants to be “cognizant of everyone’s safety.” But they’re working ‘diligently’ to offer both in-person and virtual sessions.
“Students are always welcome to walk into the Counseling Center. Even with virtual appointments, students who don’t have privacy can inform us, and we will reserve a room for them,” Winters stated.
She continued: “We are still available for students on campus who feel triggered, in crisis, or just need to talk. Walk-ins are always welcome at the Counseling Center.”
“We offer Talkspace as another option for students when working with the Counseling Center, not as some kind of premium service,” said Marjan. “No matter what method a student might prefer, we want access to therapy to be a privilege all students can enjoy.”
For more information, students may contact the Counseling Center at 773-298-4045 and counselingservices@sxu.edu or visit the SXU web page.
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