Better-Mynd

El Camino College Launches New Virtual Mental Health Counseling Service

January 29, 2025 Torrance, CA

El Camino College now offers a new program that provides students and employees free virtual mental health care services from anywhere – day or night. Through BetterMynd, students and employees can access high-quality, personalized online therapy designed to meet their unique needs.

The new service supplements El Camino’s established in-person, on-campus mental health resources, creating a customized, confidential way to schedule and attend 50-minute no-cost counseling sessions, with no session limits and without insurance.

 BetterMynd also features:

  • A diverse network of highly qualified mental health clinicians in all 50 states.
  • Sessions that can take place when and where the student/employee is most comfortable, during the day, at night, or on weekends.
  • Unlimited psychoeducational well-being workshops for students led by licensed mental health clinicians.

“In light of the recent fires and legislative changes affecting our communities, Student Health Services continues our commitment to providing access to mental health counseling for those who may need it,” said Susan Nilles, nurse practitioner and coordinator of the El Camino College Student Health Center. “The impact of these events is deeply felt, and we stand in solidarity with all who are affected. The resilience and dedication to supporting the health and well-being of yourselves and each other is truly admirable. El Camino College is here to support you as you navigate through these difficulties.”

Partnering exclusively with colleges and universities across the country, BetterMynd offers a user-friendly platform and an equitable session model that ensures access to a full range of care for everyone, right when it’s needed. BetterMynd replaces TimelyCare as El Camino’s supplemental virtual mental health counseling service. TimelyCare session notes will be available until February 19 for download from your personal TimelyCare dashboard. Going forward, access to clinical notes is always available directly through TimelyCare, call 833-4-TIMELY.

Research shows that online therapy can remove barriers to mental health services by providing:

  • Discreet care: Teletherapy removes the stigma or fear of being “seen getting help” in an on-campus center.
  • Availability: Teletherapy is available during traditional hours in addition to evenings and weekends, as well as breaks in the academic calendar such as winter break and summer recess.
  • Diverse Counselor Network: Teletherapy gives students the opportunity to select a counselor that matches their preferred demographics, identities, lived experiences, and specialties.

For more information about BetterMynd and to learn how to download past clinical session notes from TimelyCare, visit www.elcamino.edu/bettermynd. To participate in BetterMynd, students must be currently enrolled in a for-credit course and over 18 years old. In addition, a 24/7 Emotional Crisis Line is available: 310-660-3377. For additional assistance, email ECCStudentHealth@elcamino.edu.