Choosing care
Mental Hospital or Psychiatric Clinic in Kathmandu? Choosing the Right Level of Care
Many people search for a "mental hospital in Kathmandu" when what they need is a psychiatrist's consultation, and others delay hospital care that is urgently needed. This guide explains the difference so you can choose the right level of care.
Key takeaways
- Most people with depression, anxiety, OCD, sleep problems or ADHD are treated as outpatients at a clinic.
- Hospital care may be needed when someone is in danger, severely unwell or needs 24-hour supervision.
- In an emergency call Nepal Police 100, an ambulance 102 or the helpline 1166, and go to an emergency department.
- Needing treatment does not mean someone is "mad". Mental illness is a medical condition.
Clinic or hospital: what is the difference?
A psychiatric clinic provides outpatient care: you visit a psychiatrist, get assessed, start treatment and return for follow-up, living at home in between. A psychiatric hospital or a hospital psychiatry ward provides inpatient care: a person stays for a period with round-the-clock medical and nursing supervision, and emergency departments handle crises.
When an outpatient clinic is usually enough
Most mental health conditions are managed well without admission: depression, anxiety and panic, OCD, sleep problems, ADHD, stress and burnout, and stable long-term conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia that are being treated regularly. Outpatient care lets you keep working, studying and living with your family.
When hospital care may be needed
- Immediate risk of harm to oneself or others, or having made a suicide attempt.
- Severe confusion, or psychosis with unsafe behaviour, such as not eating or drinking.
- Severe mania with no sleep and risky behaviour.
- Alcohol or drug withdrawal with tremors, fits, confusion or hallucinations, which can be dangerous.
- Needing round-the-clock supervision that cannot be provided at home.
In an emergency
Do not leave the person alone. Call Nepal Police 100, an ambulance 102, or the suicide prevention helpline 1166, and take them to the nearest hospital emergency department. A clinic such as ours is not an emergency service.
What to expect at an outpatient psychiatric clinic
A full conversation, a diagnosis explained in plain words, and a plan that may include counselling, medicine or both, with follow-up visits to review progress. Visits are confidential. Families can join if the patient wishes.
How Kathmandu Mental Health Clinic helps
We are an outpatient psychiatry and counselling clinic, with locations at People's Plaza and Kalanki and online consultation from all three of our doctors. If a person needs hospital admission, our doctors will explain why and advise where to go. To see whether outpatient care suits you, call or message us.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kathmandu Mental Health Clinic a mental hospital?
No. We are an outpatient psychiatry and counselling clinic, and we are not an emergency service. If someone needs hospital admission, our doctors will explain why and advise where to go.
Does visiting a psychiatrist mean I am "mad"?
No. Seeing a psychiatrist means you are looking after your health, just as you would see a doctor for diabetes or blood pressure. Visits are confidential.
What should I do if someone refuses to go to a doctor?
Stay calm, listen without judging, and suggest a visit together. If they are in danger or cannot look after themselves, call emergency services or take them to an emergency department.
This guide is general information and does not replace advice from a doctor. If you are worried about your health or someone's safety, seek medical help.
In an emergency: Nepal Police 100 · Ambulance 102 · Suicide prevention helpline 1166. Outside Nepal, call your local emergency number.