General information only, not medical advice. If you or someone near you is in immediate danger, call 123. For emotional support, the free national orientation line 106 is available 24 hours a day. Last reviewed October 2026. This article was written with AI assistance and checked against official sources, as explained in how we create our content.
Moving abroad can be exciting and draining at the same time. Isolation, language barriers, bureaucracy and distance from family can weigh on anyone. This guide explains how to look after your wellbeing in Colombia and how to find professional support.
Common Challenges for Expats
- Loneliness while you build a new social circle.
- Stress from visas, paperwork and money. See navigating Colombian bureaucracy.
- Culture shock and language fatigue.
- Altitude, climate and routine changes that affect sleep and energy.
- Working across time zones or from home with little structure.
Everyday Habits That Help
- Keep a routine with regular sleep, meals and movement.
- Build connections early through clubs, classes and communities. See networking and expat communities.
- Learn Spanish to feel more at home. See practical Spanish for expats.
- Stay in touch with family and friends at home on a regular schedule.
- Get outside. Many Colombian cities have parks, hiking and cycling routes.
Professional Support
- Psychologists and psychiatrists: available in major cities, in private practice and through clinics and hospitals. The EPS system covers mental health services as part of its benefits, and private plans vary. See healthcare in Colombia.
- Therapy in English: some therapists work in English or offer online sessions. Ask about their training, approach and fees before the first session.
- Online therapy from home: remote sessions with a therapist licensed in your home country can be an option, but check how your policy and the therapist’s license apply abroad.
- Doctors: a general practitioner is often a good first step. See finding doctors and specialists.
Support Lines
Línea 106 is a free, confidential orientation line that operates around the clock. Trained professionals offer listening, initial support and referrals, and you can call from a landline or a mobile phone by dialing 106. For emergencies, call 123. Local governments may also operate their own lines, so ask your city’s health office. If you are outside Colombia or want support in English, your home country’s helplines may also be available online.
When to Seek Help
- Low mood, anxiety or irritability that lasts for weeks.
- Trouble sleeping, eating or concentrating.
- Using alcohol or other substances to cope.
- Feeling unable to cope with daily tasks.
Reaching out early is a sign of strength, not failure. If you are concerned about someone else, encourage them to speak to a professional and stay in touch.
Practical Tips for Choosing a Therapist
- Check the therapist’s credentials and ask about experience with expats.
- Confirm languages, session length, fees and cancellation terms.
- Ask what insurance or payment methods they accept. See health insurance for expats.
- Give it a few sessions to see whether the fit is right.
FAQ
Q: Is mental health care covered by the Colombian system?
A: Mental health services are part of the EPS benefits, but access and waiting times vary. Private plans differ.
Q: Can I find therapists who speak English?
A: Often in larger cities and online. Ask in advance.
Q: What if I am in crisis?
A: Call 123 for emergencies or 106 for support.
I’m Luciana, a travel writer from Bogotá, Colombia, and yes, I know exactly what it’s like to be a solo female traveler in a country the world still misunderstands.
I’ve been travelling independently for 10 years, completing 50+ solo trips across Colombia, Mexico, Central America, Argentina, Peru and the United States. I write in both English and Spanish, and I also contribute to allaboutcolombia.com where I cover my home country in depth — from the coffee region to the Caribbean coast to the Andes.
My speciality is Latin America: the neighbourhoods the guidebooks skip, the buses that are actually fine to take, the hostels that feel like home, and the restaurants where locals actually eat. I’ve hitchhiked across Patagonia, navigated Medellín’s metro system at rush hour, and camped solo in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. I know this region the way you only can when it’s yours.
I also cover the US for solo travelers, having spent time road-tripping through the Southwest, the Pacific Coast and the Deep South.
