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Mental health admission checklist

Use this sheet to choose an urgent next step, explain what is happening, and bring key information if an ER or hospital intake is needed.

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If someone may die or be seriously hurt now

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Say clearly: "This is a mental health emergency."

If someone feels unsafe, overwhelmed, or in distress

Call 988, text 988, or use 988 chat for suicide, mental health, or substance use crisis support.

Choose the level of help

Immediate danger

Someone may die, be seriously hurt, or cannot stay safe right now. Call 911 or go to the ER.

Crisis support

Someone feels unsafe, overwhelmed, or in distress. Call 988 or text 988 to talk through the safest next step.

Evaluation needed

Hospital-level care may be needed. Start with an ER, psychiatric intake line, mobile crisis team, or clinician.

Practical prep

Once immediate safety is handled, gather key information, ask about the wait, and plan for insurance questions.

Bring or write down

Photo ID, insurance card, and emergency contact names Current medications, doses, allergies, pharmacy, and recent medication changes Diagnoses, prior hospital stays, suicide attempts, self-harm, violence risk, or trauma triggers Alcohol, drug, or withdrawal concerns, including last use and amount Medical conditions, pregnancy status if relevant, mobility needs, glasses, contacts, and assistive devices Secure weapons, extra medications, sharp objects, cords, and other safety risks at home Simple clothing without drawstrings, basic toiletries, reading material if allowed, and phone numbers on paper Child, pet, work, school, rent, or bill coverage if time allows

Words to use

If checking yourself in

"I am having a severe mental health crisis and I do not feel safe at home right now. I need to be evaluated for a psychiatric admission."

If helping someone else

"I am here with my loved one. They are in the middle of a mental health crisis and cannot keep themselves safe right now. They need an emergency evaluation."

Questions while waiting

What is the next step, and who will evaluate safety?
Am I checked in voluntarily, or am I on a temporary legal hold?
What is the estimated wait for a psychiatric bed or next placement?
Can I use my phone, or is there a unit phone for family updates?
What personal items are allowed on the unit?

Insurance and cost, once safe

Ask whether the ER, hospital, or psychiatric unit is in network.
Ask whether inpatient mental health care needs authorization after emergency evaluation.
If uninsured or underinsured, ask for financial assistance, Medicaid screening, and community mental health options.
If a bill or denial arrives later, ask for an itemized bill and your insurance Explanation of Benefits.

Before leaving

Get follow-up appointment dates, times, and phone numbers.
Confirm prescriptions were sent or included in discharge paperwork.
Retrieve keys, phone, ID, wallet, clothes, and stored belongings.
Ask what to do if symptoms get worse after leaving.