Seeking Temporary Stay in ER Without Psych Facility Transfer
As an 18-year-old female, I'm posting anonymously for personal reasons. Currently, I'm enduring a tough situation at home and experiencing a crisis. I recently contacted the 988 hotline, but unfortunately, it did not provide the assistance I needed. My question is whether I can visit the emergency room and request to stay there for a few days until I feel more secure, or would they be obligated to refer me to a psychiatric facility? I have previous experiences with mental health units and am not inclined to return to one at this time.
Answers (1)

7/10/2025, 5:10:33 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and seek a safe space during a difficult time. To address your concerns, here are the main points:
-
Emergency Room Functionality: The ER is primarily for acute medical emergencies, not long-term mental health care. However, they can assess your situation and provide immediate support.
-
Potential Outcomes: While you may hope for a stay in the ER, healthcare providers often evaluate if a psychiatric facility is necessary based on your mental health needs, particularly if you're exhibiting signs of distress or a risk to yourself.
-
Advocating for Your Needs: It’s important to communicate clearly in the ER about your feelings and your anxiety towards psychiatric facilities.
Explanation:
Going to the emergency room can be an appropriate step if you feel unsafe or need urgent help. However, understand that ER staff will assess your risk and mental health status. If they believe you need more intensive support, they might suggest transferring you to a psychiatric facility, even if you prefer to avoid that.
Next Steps:
-
Visit the ER: If you feel unsafe or in crisis, go to the nearest emergency room. Be open about your feelings and concerns for your safety.
-
Communicate Clearly: When you arrive, express your desire for support and your reluctance to be referred to a psychiatric facility. This will help the staff understand your needs.
-
Seek Support Resources: Ask about resources available while you are in the ER. Many hospitals have social workers or mental health professionals who can offer support during this time.
-
Consider Short-Term Coping Strategies: While waiting for assistance, consider employing some short-term coping strategies such as deep breathing exercises, listening to calming music, or engaging in a grounding exercise to help you feel more secure.
Take this step for yourself, and trust that you deserve support through this challenging time. If there's anything specific you want to understand better or need help with, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Seeking Clarity on Postpartum Health Issues
Six months after giving birth, I am experiencing a concerning health episode marked by dizziness, fatigue, joint discomfort, and a skin rash. Hello, physicians. I am reaching out for your expertise regarding a health issue that emerged in early June and persisted for several weeks. Despite undergoing various medical tests, I have yet to pinpoint the exact cause. While I feel largely improved, I remain uncertain about what triggered this episode and would greatly value your insights. I am a 28-year-old woman, six months post-delivery, who does not smoke, has no identified chronic illnesses, and is not taking any regular medications. The onset of my symptoms was abrupt, presenting as dizziness and lightheadedness, occasionally accompanied by blurred vision and a sensation of pressure in my head. I also faced intense fatigue, especially after physical activity, along with joint discomfort, particularly in my shoulders and arms. A rash developed concurrently, starting as elevated hives that later transformed into flat, dry, and discolored patches. Notably, I did not experience any fever or clear indications of an infection. Upon examination, my orthostatic vital signs were within normal ranges. An electrocardiogram (EKG) revealed a normal sinus rhythm but indicated an enlargement of the atrium. Attempts to mitigate symptoms using Meclizine and the Epley maneuvers were ineffective, and a physical therapist ruled out Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Blood tests indicated borderline anemia, with low MCV and MCH levels, while my hemoglobin was measured at 12.0. My ferritin level stood at 37 ng/mL with an iron saturation of 20%. Further assessments on kidney functionality, glucose levels, and electrolytes returned normal results. I also attempted to assess for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) by measuring my heart rate when lying down and after standing. However, I did not allow the sufficient duration for an accurate reading, and the heart rate increase was not significant. The rash coincided with the flare-up, gradually receding as my other symptoms improved. During the peak of my symptoms, I felt utterly exhausted and found it challenging to navigate daily activities. I have undergone an MRI and additional laboratory tests, and I am currently awaiting the outcomes of these investigations. Given the ambiguity of the situation, I am curious whether this could relate to autoimmune issues, vascular conditions, hormonal changes, or perhaps an entirely different cause. I would sincerely appreciate any feedback, comparable experiences, or guidance that could help shed some light on my circumstances. Thank you for considering my request.
Pain After Laparoscopic Surgery
As a competitive powerlifter weighing 84 kg and standing at 178 cm tall, I recently underwent laparoscopic surgery for a right inguinal hernia, just two days ago. Initially, I felt surprisingly little discomfort. I took a taxi home and carried two backpacks weighing around 8 to 9 kg in total (each roughly 4 to 5 kg) up to my apartment on the third floor, then allowed myself to rest for a full day without engaging in any further physical activities. However, the following day brought some unexpected sensations; I began experiencing soreness around my belly button. During the procedure, I had a VLOC stitch placed in the aponeurosis because I inquired about his technique to avert the possibility of hernia recurrence through the 10 mm trocar site. Now, I find myself wondering: Is this level of discomfort typical post-surgery? Laughing or even speaking loudly is challenging due to a feeling of tension in that area, and I’ve noticed that the scar tissue appears firmer. I suspect the other two smaller scars (approximately 5 mm) may also be getting hard.
Experiencing Pain During Urination?
Greetings. I am a 19-year-old male, standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 154 pounds, and I have no significant medical history. My concern revolves around a troubling pain in my penis that occurs during sexual intercourse. I notice that my penis feels unnaturally stiff; it lacks flexibility, and the sensitivity at the tip is heightened. Consequently, penetration is difficult as I experience discomfort and rigidity. Additionally, during oral sex or manual stimulation, even the slightest pressure from my partner causes pain. After ejaculation, if I touch the tip of my penis within approximately half an hour, it becomes quite uncomfortable. Furthermore, I find that attempting to achieve another erection after climax results in pain. On occasions, I also experience a burning sensation while urinating or just after completing the act. If I engage in sexual activity or masturbation when my bladder is full or imminently after urination, the burning sensation escalates to an almost intolerable level. This situation has fostered a growing anxiety regarding sexual activity; I am perpetually concerned that it will be painful, and this anxiety has further contributed to issues with maintaining an erection. I've been navigating these distressing symptoms for around five years, indicating that this is not a fleeting issue or simply an infection. I have undergone a cystoscopy and a CT scan, but medical professionals have not identified any underlying issues. I am beginning to feel despondent about the situation. What could be causing this? What steps should I take next to address these concerns?
Urgent Support Needed for My Mother’s Medical Crisis
My mother has been enduring severe pain for the past seven weeks due to a trapped nerve in her lower back. MRI results reveal both her L4 and L5 discs are prolapsed and inflamed, with one disc bulging and compressing a nerve. At 59 years old, her condition has rendered her unable to walk, eat, or even use the restroom, essentially making her a prisoner in her own bed. It’s heartbreaking to witness how this vibrant, active woman has become so incapacitated. At this point, I genuinely feel that pets might receive better treatment at a veterinary clinic than she is receiving from the NHS. Initially, doctors suggested steroid injections. However, they have since changed their tune and now require a consultation that was postponed due to the doctor taking leave. Another hospital has proposed administering her an injection, but that was abruptly canceled, as they insist another consultation is necessary first. The situation has spiraled into chaos. I’m currently 100 miles away, which complicates communication regarding her care, but it’s disheartening to see the back-and-forth between the hospital and her physicians. Each party seems to offer conflicting advice. For instance, medications prescribed by one team are advised against by the other. Today she was brought to the hospital, but due to overcrowding, she was left on a gurney in a corridor until a room is available, all the while relying on gas and air for pain management. I’m not a healthcare expert, but I feel desperate to find a way to assist her. What options do we have? This situation certainly calls for immediate action.
Experiencing a Strange Shift in Vision
I find myself grappling with a sensation that's quite difficult to articulate, but I’ll do my best. Occasionally, perhaps once or twice annually, I (19F) perceive the world as though I’m viewing it through a GoPro camera positioned on someone's head. This sensation is not just bizarre; it can also be quite distressing, although it typically dissipates after a few hours. Strangely, this experience has now persisted for three consecutive days. I haven’t faced any traumatic incidents or overwhelming stress lately, and I maintain a generally good health as a young adult. While I am undergoing treatment for clinical depression and anxiety, my medication regimen has remained unaltered for the past two years. I am also one year post-operative from a crucial jaw surgery and ten months from an emergency oophorectomy. I would greatly appreciate any insights into what might be happening and suggestions on how to alleviate this situation. Thank you for your help!