Health, Safety, and Wellness
Professional support, crisis resources, and self-care tools to help you maintain your mental health and wellbeing during your time in the United States.
Caring For Your Mental Health in the U.S.
At InterExchange, your physical and mental well-being are our top priorities. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when adjusting to a new country and culture. This guide provides resources to help you manage these challenges and stay healthy throughout your program.
Immediate and Crisis Support:
If you or someone you know needs urgent help, please use the resources below. They are available 24/7.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
- InterExchange Emergency Line: For current participants in the U.S., call 1-917-373-0994.
Specialized Hotlines & Resources
If you need support or help in a specific area, please utilize the resources at the following links—trusted organizations with years of expertise offering comprehensive information, news, and community support.
- LGBTQ Youth (The Trevor Project): Call 1-866-488-7386.
- Sexual Assault (RAINN): Call 1-800-656-4673 or chat online.
- Domestic Violence: Call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
- Substance Abuse (SAMHSA): Call 1-800-662-4357.
Proactive Well-Being & Self-Care
Taking care of your mental health is an ongoing process. These resources offer strategies for managing common challenges like culture shock and stress.
Adjusting to a New Culture
- InterExchange: Coping with Culture Shock: Learn to identify and manage the challenges of adjusting to U.S. culture.
- International Student Insurance: Managing Mental Health Abroad: Get practical tips designed for international students.
- InterExchange: Meeting New People: Advice on building your social support system in the U.S.
Managing Stress & Anxiety
- NIH: Wellness Toolkits: Evidence-based resources from the National Institutes of Health to improve your well-being.
- Mayo Clinic: Stress Management: Learn to identify stress triggers and develop healthy responses.
- CDC: Emotional Wellbeing: Simple tips for maintaining a positive outlook.
Using Your Insurance for Mental Health Care
Your insurance plan includes benefits for mental health support. You have two main options:
- Virtual Counseling (DialCare): Your plan includes access to licensed counselors online or by phone through DialCare at no additional cost. You can learn more and schedule an appointment in your Student Zone.
- In-Person Counseling: Seeing a counselor in person is also covered. You are responsible for a $50 deductible per visit, after which your insurance covers 80% of the remaining cost.
- You can search for in-network counselors in your Student Zone.
- If you have specific questions about coverage, please contact the insurance provider directly.
Finding Additional Support & Community
If you’re looking for ongoing support, peer communities, or help finding a provider, these organizations can help.
- Mental Health America: Finding Help: America’s longest-running national mental health organization, connecting people to resources through 200+ local affiliates. For crisis support, call or text 988 or text “MHA” to 741741
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): The nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, offering support groups and a helpline. Call 1-800-950-6264 or text “helpline” to 62640.
- BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective): Resources dedicated to the healing and wellness of Black and marginalized communities.
- SAMHSA Find Support Tool: A comprehensive directory for finding treatment, support groups, and other mental health services near you.
- BetterHelp / Talkspace: Popular online therapy platforms (note: these are paid services not affiliated with your insurance).