University of Lethbridge sign. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

App to bolster mental health supports for U of L students

Dec 6, 2019 | 10:27 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Students at the University of Lethbridge now have a new tool to aid them in combatting mental health issues.

A new mobile app called “TAO” (Therapy Assistance Online) will be offered to students in addition to in-person therapy sessions, or it can be used on its own.

“A huge benefit of this platform is that it broadens our reach in terms of being able to provide support to a larger number of students – some of whom who are not ready to seek professional help or like to access supports in other modalities,” says Jennifer Ellis-Toddington, Manager of Counselling and Career Services at the U of L. “Another benefit is the self-check component in the app where students can check on their own mental health and, if indicated, that can move them towards getting professional help.”

Executive Director of Student Services Mark Slomp explains that the app came about during a serious of discussions between the University of Lethbridge Student Union (ULSU) and Student Services.

“It was really just conversations about how we can continue to best meet the mental health needs of students on campus. My favourite part of this is the collaboration that led to us getting together around a common concern, which is student well-being, and partnering to figure out how we can continue to do our best to address that.”

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TAO is funded through the ULSU’s health and dental plan.

ULSU President Andrew Gammack says the platform meets students anonymously in their own space and is backed by evidence-based practices.

“Not everyone is in a position to approach counselling. A ULSU core value is accessibility and we wanted to make sure that there were more services on campus to help those who maybe don’t feel quite as comfortable coming forward to counselling services. I interact with a lot of students who can identify with these issues. I really appreciate this service and the science behind it.”

Gammack adds that TAO is completely self-directed and allows users to learn about stress management, mindfulness skills, problem-solving, and strategies to avoid rumination.

The app is free for all U of L students by using their student email address. It can be accessed on the Counselling and Career Services website or on the Students’ Union’s website here.