Mental health guidance for Indians living abroad
Moving abroad brings opportunity, and also loneliness, work pressure, visa uncertainty and distance from family. These pages offer educational information in simple language.
Who can book a consultation
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania is registered to practise medicine in India. Consultations are offered only to patients who are physically in India at the time of the consultation.
- If you live abroad, please consult a licensed professional in your country. Medical licensing and telehealth rules differ between countries.
- You can book while visiting India, and family members in India can consult about a relative who lives in India.
- Educational articles, videos and self-checks on this website are free for everyone.
Common concerns for Indians abroad
- Loneliness and homesickness, especially in the first year
- Work pressure, long hours and job or visa insecurity
- Alcohol use increasing as a way to cope
- Postpartum depression without family support nearby
- Students facing academic pressure and financial stress
- Worry about ageing parents in India
Where to get help in your country
USA
Urgent help
Emergency 911 · 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
Finding care
Start with your primary care doctor or your insurer's behavioural-health directory.
Many universities offer free counselling for international students.
UK
Urgent help
Emergency 999 · NHS 111 (option 2 for mental health in England) · Samaritans 116 123
Finding care
Register with a GP; NHS Talking Therapies can often be accessed by self-referral in England.
Students can use their university wellbeing service.
Canada
Urgent help
Emergency 911 · 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline (call or text)
Finding care
A family doctor or walk-in clinic can refer you; provincial health lines offer guidance.
New immigrants can ask settlement agencies about free counselling.
Australia
Urgent help
Emergency 000 · Lifeline 13 11 14
Finding care
See a GP, who can prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan for subsidised psychology sessions where eligible.
International students should check their OSHC cover.
UAE
Urgent help
Emergency: Police 999 · Ambulance 998
Finding care
Consult a psychiatrist licensed by the DHA, DOH or MOHAP; check what your employer's health insurance covers.
Long working hours and family separation are common stressors for workers.
Saudi Arabia
Urgent help
Emergency 911 (unified) · Ministry of Health line 937
Finding care
Ask your employer's medical insurer for a list of licensed psychiatrists.
Do not carry or receive medicines from India without checking Saudi rules — some psychiatric medicines are controlled.
Qatar
Urgent help
Emergency 999 · HMC mental health helpline 16000
Finding care
Hamad Medical Corporation and licensed private clinics provide psychiatric care.
Check medicine import rules before travelling with prescriptions.
Singapore
Urgent help
Emergency 995 · SOS 1767 (24 hours) · IMH helpline 6389 2222
Finding care
A polyclinic or GP can refer you to a psychiatrist.
Work-pass holders should check their employer's medical benefits.
Helpline numbers are provided for convenience; please confirm them on your country's official health website, as services can change.
Free educational resources
Frequently asked questions
Can I book an online consultation from abroad?
No. Consultations are only for people physically in India, because medical licensing is country-specific. Please consult a licensed professional where you live.
My parent in India needs help. Can I join the call from abroad?
Yes. The patient must be in India; with their consent, family members abroad can join the video call.
Can you send medicines abroad?
No. We do not dispense or ship medicines. Prescriptions are for use in India.