Breaking barriers: Enhanced access to mental health care for students through the Transact + Talkiatry partnership

These last few years have been challenging for everyone. For college students specifically, moving to an all-virtual learning environment, dealing with isolation, and navigating health challenges as a result of the pandemic have no doubt affected their mental health. During the 2020–2021 school year, more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem, according to the Healthy Minds Study, which collects data from 373 campuses nationwide (Lipson, S. K., et al., Journal of Affective Disorders, Vol. 306, 2022). In another national survey, almost three quarters of students reported moderate or severe psychological distress (National College Health Assessment, American College Health Association, 2021). Clearly, there is a mental health crisis on college campuses that needs to be addressed. 

At Transact Campus, making mental health services more accessible to clients and their students is a top priority, which is why we’ve recently partnered with Talkiatry, one of the nation’s largest mental health practices offering in-network, virtual care. Students signing up for Talkiatry services can expect: 

• Access to Talkiatry’s team of 300+ psychiatrists specializing in treating mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, and more. 
• High-quality psychiatric services covered by more than 60 major insurers, including Aetna, United Health Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna.
• Convenient appointments often booked within days of scheduling.
• 60-minute initial visits and follow-ups that are typically 30 minutes. 
• Guaranteed ability to meet with the same psychiatrist for every appointment.  

How Talkiatry works 

Students who already have the Transact eAccounts app downloaded can easily access Talkiatry’s services using the Transact Mobile Credential. Once “Talkiatry” is selected, students follow these simple steps on Talkiatry’s secure site to get started: 

1. Answer a few questions. Take an online assessment to determine students’ medical history and which services may be needed. 
2. Choose their psychiatrist. Talkiatry will help students find a psychiatrist in their practice who meets their mental health and scheduling needs. 
3. Start their new mental health care journey. Students’ first virtual visit will be scheduled in just a few days. 

Studies show students are receptive to virtual mental health services 

By partnering with Talkiatry to offer students virtual psychiatric care, Transact is responding to students’ demands. A study from the National Library of Medicine revealed 70% of students said “yes” or “maybe” when asked if they would be willing to speak to someone virtually regarding their mental or behavioral health. “Most students were born in the information age and welcome technology as a tool to solve problems. If healthcare providers implement telehealth, particularly in remote university campuses and rural areas, it will help to improve behavioral health on university campuses,” the study concluded. 

Students’ mental health wellbeing is front-and-center for schools, which is why they’re expanding services and taking a more creative approach to outreach. 

“School leaders are starting to think outside the box about how to help. Institutions across the country are embracing approaches such as group therapy, peer counseling, and telehealth.” (American Psychological Association, “Student mental health is in crisis. Campuses are rethinking their approach,” October 2022). 

“This increase in demand has challenged institutions to think holistically and take a multifaceted approach to supporting students,” said Kevin Shollenberger, the vice provost for student health and well-being at Johns Hopkins University. “It really has to be everyone’s responsibility at the university to create a culture of well-being.” 

Research: Patients show improvement with Talkiatry 

Internal studies from Talkiatry indicate their services are making a positive impact on patients. According to their research, 65% of patients report improvement after three months, and 85% report improvement after six months.  

“Improving student mental health is a topic we are passionate about at Transact. By incorporating Talkiatry’s resources into our products, we’re empowering millions of students and families with the tools needed to manage mental health effectively,” explained Nancy Langer, CEO of Transact. 

Since the goals of Transact and schools align regarding improving the behavioral health of students, our partnership with Talkiatry is a win-win for all. 

Transact has all the Talkiatry messaging resources you’ll need 

In addition to connecting students with Talkiatry, Transact also provides schools with a full suite of marketing tools to promote their services. A few pieces of the messaging kit include: 

• An informational sales sheet 
• An eAccounts instructional sheet 
• Talkiatry branded page request so you can add your school’s logo 
• Refer-a-patient link for on-campus clinicians 

You can check out our Talkiatry landing page, which features all the marketing materials and resources you’ll need, including information on office hours and links for additional support and assistance. Armed with these resources, you’ll be able to get the word out efficiently and quickly to students about this valuable new mental health service.  

“Our partnership with Transact provides administrators, faculty, students, and their families with access to our national staff of mental health providers who are capable of treating a wide variety of conditions in a way that is affordable and convenient,” said Robert Krayn, CEO and co-founder of Talkiatry. 

To learn more about how you can benefit from offering Talkiatry services at your school, reach out to your Transact Account Executive or click here. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Does Talkiatry provide emergency care?
   No. If a patient is in crisis, they should call 911 or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
   
   
2. Does Talkiatry offer in-person care?
   Currently, Talkiatry only provides virtual care. While virtual psychiatry isn’t right for everyone, they believe it’s the best way to increase access to quality, responsible psychiatry.
   
   
3. What categories of mental health professionals are available on Talkiatry?
   Psychiatrists, therapists, and a small number of psychiatric nurse practitioners are all on their staff and available for virtual appointments. However, therapists are only available to patients who are already seeing a Talkiatry psychiatrist.