Health Resources

Mental Health Abroad: 
As you begin to research your study abroad options, it is important to consider the degree of access to mental health services in certain countries. While some countries and programs may offer resources, support, and services, others may have extremely limited and little to no options at all. It is highly recommended that you make sure to research potential host countries and programs prior to participating and speak with your healthcare provider through the planning process regarding any ongoing health plan. 

Talkspace: 
Williams has partnered with TalkSpace to offer free therapeutic and psychiatric services to enrolled students. TalkSpace is a HIPAA compliant, mobile app/web-based unlimited messaging therapy option, which also includes four, 30-minute live video sessions a month. It may be used year-round, on or off campus. TalkSpace communication is confidential and secure.

While you are abroad, you will continue to have access to Talkspace. To learn how to get started with TalkSpace, please view the following document: How to Get Started with TalkSpace.pdf

TalkSpace also provides free psychiatric medication management and treatment services, although Talkspace psychiatry is not available abroad due to licensing requirements, students can work with Talkspace psychiatry prior to and after their abroad semester. All enrolled students can now schedule live telehealth appointments with a psychiatric prescriber for medication consultations, ongoing medication management and psychiatric treatment. These appointments are at no cost to students and the wait time to first appointment is generally one (1) week or less.  Students can access TalkSpace Psychiatry by registering using their Williams email address and the key word: TSPlus.

International SOS: 
You will also be required to register with International SOS, which is a company that offers emergency travel services. When you study away, Williams will provide you with a free membership to International SOS. It is important to note, however, that International SOS is NOT health insurance. Students will still need to have health insurance with international coverage (if going abroad) for the entire time they plan to be abroad. 

The services provided by International SOS are listed below:
- Emergency evacuation
- Medical monitoring
- E-mail health alerts
- Travel services
- Legal referrals
- Lost document advice
- E-mail security alerts

Students can make an account and login to International SOS here. 
Step-by-step instructions on how to login to International SOS can be found here. 

International Health Insurance: 
Prior to departure, you will also need to ensure that you are registered for international health insurance. It is your responsibility to make sure you have international health insurance coverage for the entire duration that you plan to be abroad. If you are on the Williams College health insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield, you can choose to remain on this plan as this does include international coverage. You will, however, want to reach out to Blue Cross Blue Shield directly to learn about the specifics on the amount of coverage/types of coverage that is included. Based on what they say and on your own healthcare needs, you may always choose to purchase additional international health insurance as well. Some programs may even offer or automatically enroll students in their international health insurance. Please refer to your program directly to see if this is something that they offer.

In case of emergency:
You should immediately contact your program provider for support and guidance. All communications regarding your emergency should be handled by the program provider and Office of Global Education and Study Away at Williams College directly.