Mental Health and Wellbeing Program for Online Students
Supporting Your Mental Health and Wellbeing
Juggling work, life, and school? Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) knows that students in rigorous academic programs can benefit from mental health and wellbeing support, whether studying online or in person.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Program for Online Students should make navigating your unique journey more manageable. The program provides access to wellness offerings from Harvard’s Center for Wellness and Health Promotion and TimelyCare, a virtual mental health and wellbeing platform designed for colleges and universities.
Overview
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Program for Online Students is required for those enrolled in the HGSE Online Education Leadership (OEL) program or the HSDM Online Master of Medical Sciences in Dental Education program.
Can I purchase coverage for my dependents?
- At this time, dependents are not eligible to enroll in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Program for Online Students.
Coverage Period for Academic Year 2026 – 2027
- Fall semester: August 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027
- Spring semester: February 1, 2027 – July 31, 2027
HGSE OEL and HSDM students will be automatically billed for the 2026-2027 academic year Fall and Spring semesters, $243 per semester. This amount will appear on your student account as the “Online Student Health Fee.”
The Mental Health & Wellbeing Program is required for students enrolled in the HGSE Online Education Leadership (OEL) program and the HSDM Online Master of Medical Sciences in Dental Education program. The fee allows students to access a variety of supportive mental health and wellbeing services, including, but not limited to, 24/7 TalkNow, individual scheduled counseling, and 1:1 health coaching. These services are designed to help support the needs of students while they balance academic and personal responsibilities.
When you take a leave of absence or withdraw from Harvard, your last date of attendance, as recorded by the Registrar’s office, will determine when your Mental Health & Wellbeing Program coverage ends and the type of refund you receive. Additionally, you have the option to extend the program for up to six months. See the Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Policy for more information.
What services are included in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Program for Online Students?
TalkNow
- Unlimited 24/7, on-demand, 30-minute video calls focused on mental and emotional support, health literacy guidance, and crisis management, delivered by master’s-level mental health professionals. Goal-based support with tailored resources (not formal psychotherapy).
Self-Care Content Library
- Unlimited 24/7 access to guided, self-paced, and interactive wellness journeys rooted in therapeutic practices on topics like stress, healthy relationships, yoga, meditation, study, and recovery essentials on TimelyCare.
Peer Support Community
- Unlimited 24/7 access to peer support and engagement through a moderated and anonymous community forum in the TimelyCare app.
Individual Counseling
- Up to 12, 60-minute, scheduled telehealth counseling visits fully covered each academic year (available to US-based students only) with the TimelyCare therapist of your choosing. Sessions are available during business hours as well as evenings and weekends.
Unlimited Health Coaching
- Unlimited 1:1 scheduled wellness video calls with a certified health coach to address topics such as healthy eating, exercise/movement, sleep, physical wellbeing, substance use/misuse, time management, among others. Health coaches typically assist with setting personalized goals and strategies to suit your unique needs. Coaches are available at a wide range of times.
Learn More About TimelyCare
HUHS Virtual Health Promotion Classes
- Access to HUHS’s Center for Wellness and Health Promotion’s virtual wellness offerings, with content focused on mindfulness, stress reduction, and sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. TimelyCare is not health insurance and does not offer emergency services. As with any emergency, students should contact their local emergency provider.
If TimelyCare determines that a student needs a higher level of care, such as emergency services or hospitalization, TimelyCare will inform the student and provide the student with referral resources in the state or country where the student is located. It is the student’s responsibility to follow through and obtain the recommended care.
If TimelyCare refers an individual for emergency services or hospitalization, TimelyCare will notify Harvard University Health Services (HUHS). As outlined in student handbooks, HUHS will notify Schools when it is aware of student hospitalizations or transfers to emergency departments. HUHS may also be asked by the School to consult on the student’s ability to return. Please see your School’s handbook for more information.
Yes, with some restrictions. International students can register via VPN or US-based cellphone numbers. Harvard offers a VPN to students.
Please note that the use of VPN in some countries may be restricted, subject the user to fines or penalties, or invite government scrutiny. Please review the applicable requirements for non-US locations.
TimelyCare services may also be restricted and/or not available in some countries. In the event a student in a restricted country requests services, TimelyCare Customer Support will redirect the student to other resources.
Depending on a student’s current location, a student who is having trouble registering for TimelyCare should attempt to register via VPN. Harvard offers a VPN to students.
Please note that the use of VPN in some countries may be restricted, subject the user to fines or penalties, or invite government scrutiny. Please review the applicable requirements for non-US locations.
If you attempted to use VPN and were unsuccessful, please reach out to HUHS’ Member Services team at mservices@huhs.harvard.edu with details of what you are experiencing. A member of the team will respond to you as soon as possible during their business hours.
Do you have more questions about the Mental Health and Wellbeing Program for Online Students?
For questions about enrollment, billing, and general services, please contact Member Services:
Phone: (617) 495 – 2008
Email: mservices@huhs.harvard.edu
Phone Hours:
Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 4:00pm
Closed for lunch from 1:00pm – 2:00pm
For questions about TimelyCare services, please contact:
Kim Herrmann, LICSW
Clinical Access Team Leader
Counseling & Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Email: kherrmann@huhs.harvard.edu