Mental health support for British nationals in the USA
Information for British nationals in the USA about mental health support, emergency help, medication, hospital treatment and returning to the UK.
Read our guide to mental health abroad for broader advice on mental health while travelling or living abroad.
What to do in an emergency
In an emergency, call 911 and ask for medical help or the police. You can also go to the emergency department at any general hospital.
For non-emergency medical attention, visit a local urgent care facility.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day. You can:
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call 988
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text 988
The service supports people experiencing mental health difficulties, emotional distress or concerns about alcohol or drug use.
Prescriptions
Bringing medicines into the USA
Read guidance on taking medicine in or out of the UK and USA travel advice.
Accessing medicines in the USA
Some medicines may not be available in the USA. Take enough medication for your whole trip and allow for possible delays to your return.
Ask your doctor or medical professional for advice before you travel.
If you need a repeat or replacement prescription, contact a local doctor or urgent care facility. Access may depend on the medicine and local rules.
Bring a copy of your prescription. This can help a doctor identify the same medicine or a suitable alternative.
Admission to hospital for mental health reasons
Mental health facilities are available across the USA, but services and admission procedures vary by state.
For voluntary inpatient care, contact a local mental health facility, urgent care facility or registered doctor for advice or a referral.
A person experiencing a mental health crisis may be detained for assessment or treatment without their consent if they harm themselves or others. This is often called an involuntary psychiatric hold. The rules, process and maximum detention period vary by state. It is broadly comparable to detention under the Mental Health Act in the UK, but the law and procedures are different.
UK mental health law does not apply in the USA. A UK detention decision cannot be used to admit someone to hospital there.
Health professionals may ask for your medical history or help accessing your UK medical records.
Treatment outside hospital
Mental health care, including non-urgent treatment, is available outside hospital. Services and access vary by state and location.
Contact a local mental health facility, urgent care facility or registered doctor. You can also find healthcare providers and facilities in the USA.
Medical bills and insurance
Hospital treatment and other medical care can be expensive in the USA.
Check whether your travel insurance covers hospital treatment and other mental health care.
Declare any pre-existing conditions to your insurer. Check the policy terms to make sure your insurance is valid and provides suitable cover.
If possible, ask about likely costs before treatment.
If you do not have adequate insurance, you will need to pay the costs from your own funds.
Read guidance on medical emergencies and hospitalisation abroad and foreign travel insurance.
Making decisions for someone who lacks mental capacity
To make decisions for someone who lacks mental capacity, ask a lawyer in the USA for advice
Support from organisations in the USA
For mental health or emotional support, you can:
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call or text 988
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find local mental health support through Mental Health America
International organisations
These international organisations may be able to help or provide information while you are abroad:
Returning to the UK
If you need help to return to the UK, the FCDO can try to assist you in making plans for your return.
Read what the FCDO can and cannot do.
You may not automatically qualify for state benefits if you have never lived in the UK or have lived abroad for some time.
This includes free NHS hospital treatment.
Read returning to the UK for information, including healthcare and benefits.
Disclaimer
This guide provides general information only. It is not a substitute for medical or legal advice.
Read the FCDO consular information disclaimer for more information.