25 in ’25 — Lincoln University Expands Health and Well-Being Services for Students

The Lincoln University of Missouri Office of Student Health and Well-being has expanded its services to provide 24/7 care for all students, ensuring that health services are available to support student needs at any time of day or night.

As part of Lincoln University of Missouri’s '25 in ’25' points of pride, we highlight the University’s expansion of Office of Student Health and Well-being services and the office’s strategic plan to continue to enhance student support through comprehensive, holistic wellness initiatives. Following the expansion of student health services in the fall of 2024, more Blue Tiger students than ever are utilizing the comprehensive care options available.

To meet this rising demand, Lincoln has increased its team, including hiring an assistant director for counseling and welcoming three new counseling interns. This ensures students receive personalized, timely support through in-person and virtual services, including mental help support available 24 hours a day through TeleHelp 24/7.

Dr. Lisa Joyner, Lincoln University interim executive director for health and well-being, leads the LU Student Health and Well-Being department, which encompasses four key areas —Student Health (primary and preventative care at Thompkins Health Center), Counseling Services, Access and Abilities (for students requiring accommodations) and Relationship Violence Prevention (RSVP).

“We have seen an increase in utilization since we expanded services in the fall semester of 2024,” said Joyner. “Our staff are equipped to support students in person and virtually, with many students utilizing more than one service within our unit.”

To ensure students receive timely support, an assistant director for counseling was hired in the fall semester. This spring, three new counseling interns joined the team to assist with student appointments.

“Lincoln is dedicated to being here for each student, offering comprehensive health services that promote a balanced, thriving college experience,” said Joyner. “Whether through convenient on-campus appointments, free medications or around-the-clock support, we want every student to feel supported, healthy and ready to succeed.”

Enhanced Health Services from LU Student Health Services 
In fall 2024, LU Student Health Services partnered with Big Tree Medical, which provides a full suite of primary care and mental health support. Access to care is free to Lincoln students. Appointments are easily made through the Spruce app, making it convenient for students to access care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

LU also enhanced its mental health services by partnering with TeleHelp 24/7, providing students with 24/7 access to crisis support, individual and group counseling and substance use coaching. This collaboration allows students to connect with licensed professionals through secure video conferencing and text messaging therapy, ensuring high-quality mental health care is accessible whenever needed.

The platform offers flexible support that is available regardless of financial circumstances, helping LU students thrive both personally and academically as they work towards their degrees and future goals.

Comprehensive Benefits: Big Tree Medical Membership for Students 
Through Lincoln’s partnership with Big Tree, LU students receive a Big Tree Medical membership, including a range of no-cost benefits tailored to meet students' physical and mental health needs:

• 24/7 Access: Students can reach their care team anytime to receive support for acute conditions, chronic care and preventative health.
• On-Campus Primary and Preventive Care: Available services include care for common conditions like strep throat, flu, asthma and allergies, as well as regular physicals and wellness checks.
• Mental Health Support and Laboratory Testing: Medications for mental health and laboratory testing are all part of Lincoln’s comprehensive approach to health.
• No-Cost Medications: Over 180 medications, including common allergy meds, antibiotics and birth control, are now available free of charge to students.

Plans for Additional Holistic Student Support in Fall 2025
In addition to current offerings, the Office of Student Health and Well-Being is developing a strategic plan to launch in the fall 2025 semester. This plan will focus on holistic student support and emphasize enhanced outreach and stronger collaborations to assist students both on and off campus. Upcoming initiatives include:

• Enhanced outreach programs
• Peer health educators
• Specialized programming for all health and well-being months
• Expanded collaborations to support students throughout their time at Lincoln

Scheduling and Contact Information
Appointments and medical questions can be easily addressed by downloading the Spruce app or reaching out via call or text at 573-814-1170. 

To access access to mental health services, students can make a TeleHelp 24/7 appointment online or by using the TeleHelp 24/7 app. To request appointments for in-person visits at the Thompkins Health Center on campus, students should email: studentcounseling@lincolnu.edu. 

Stay tuned for the rest of the month with more of Lincoln’s 25 in ‘25.