The Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s Student Counseling Center has launched a new online appointment scheduler, a long-awaited resource designed to enhance student access to mental health services.
The system, which went live January 27, allows students to book appointments digitally, allowing more flexibility and adding to the other ways to schedule, including phone calls or in-person scheduling.
Joanna Vela, director of the Student Counseling Center, explained that the decision to implement the system was based directly on student feedback.
“We have gotten feedback from students as far back as 2021-2022 during Covid to be able to schedule appointments online,” Vela said. “At that time, it wasn't a capability that we could do through our Electronic Medical Records system, so we weren't able to do it.”
Since its introduction, the online scheduler has gained significant traction. In just over two months, the system has been used by 34 students, compared to 12 phone calls and 29 walk-ins.
Beyond convenience, the online scheduler supports students who may struggle with social anxiety, a growing concern in higher education. Anthony Washington, assistant director of the Student Counseling Center, said the center’s new access feature has had a big impact on students.
“It can be difficult and even scary for students to seek out help, especially for those accessing mental health services for the first time,” he said. “By giving students control over when they schedule their first consultation, we’ve made the process easier, removing barriers that may have previously prevented them from reaching out.”
While the new system streamlines appointment scheduling, Vela emphasizes that crisis appointments should still be made by phone or in person to ensure immediate assistance. The online portal is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Outside of these hours, students can access a 24/7 support line to receive urgent help rather than waiting for the next available appointment.
Vela views the online scheduler as part of a broader effort to improve mental health support at A&M-San Antonio.
“If we can utilize this resource to take off some of the burden, that’s going to be resources that can be used elsewhere,” Vela said. “I do think that it's going to be a really strategic way for us to maximize our resources, to then be able to provide more direct service to students in a way that will positively impact their mental health.”
With the system proving successful in its early stages, the Counseling Center is optimistic about its long-term impact. As mental health remains a priority for students, the University continues to seek innovative ways to expand access to essential services.