Mental Health Services are any interventions—assessment, diagnosis, treatment, or counseling—offered in private, public, inpatient, or outpatient settings for the maintenance or enhancement of mental health or the treatment of mental or behavioral disorders in individual and group contexts.
Mental Health Services In South Africa
Life St Joseph’s Psychiatric Hospital
Phone: 031 204 1470
Cape Mental Health Centre
Phone: 021 447 9040
Akeso Arcadia.
Phone: 087 098 0459
The South African Depression And Anxiety Group (SADAG)
Phone: 011 234 4837
Akeso Crescent Clinic Randburg
Phone: 087 098 0457
Bendiga House – Residential facility for psychiatric care
Phone: 021 556 6384
Papillon Recovery Centre
Phone: 072 811 6112
Community Mental Health and Psychiatry
Phone: 021 981 9850
LifeLine Western Cape
Phone: 021 461 1113
Tara – The H. Moross Centre
Phone: 011 535 3000
Who do we care for?
Life Mental Health’s services are uniquely structured to treat those suffering from mental health conditions such as:
- Depression
- Bipolar mood disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Personality or eating disorders
- Difficulty adjusting after experiencing major loss (e.g. the death of a loved one, divorce)
What mental health services do we offer?
- General psychiatry
Treatment, support and management of adult mental health conditions, including identifying depression symptoms in addition to other mental health disorders and creating treatment plans. - Treatment for addictions associated with psychiatric disorders
This may include substance dependence such as alcoholism and drug addiction. - Specialised mental wellness care
Treatment for work-related stress, bereavement and adjustment disorders. - Individual care for involuntary and assisted admissions
A pre-admission programme is available to prepare you for admission day and you can call our hospitals for any additional queries. - Dedicated adolescent programmes and behavioural support
Services and facilities for adolescent mental healthcare are available at Life Brackenview, Life Glynnview, Life Poortview. - Support with diet-related mental illness and compulsion anxiety
This includes treatment and support for eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and compulsive rituals connected to food, as well as conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). - Evidence-based drug therapy
Therapy and treatment that focuses on the long-term recovery success of patients. - Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
A procedure where the brain is electrically stimulated to cause temporary seizures for the treatment of mental health disorders.
We also facilitate:
- Individual psychiatric consultations and psychotherapy
- Group therapy
- Physical therapy
Who is on your multidisciplinary team?
Our multidisciplinary teams comprise dedicated, committed individuals who are expertly trained in their field. Depending on individual patient needs, your team could be made up of:
- A psychiatrist
- A nursing manager and nursing team trained in mental health
- A psychologist
- An occupational therapist
- A physiotherapist, if needed
- A social worker
- A counsellor
- A dietitian, if needed
Need assistance?
If you think you recognize signs of depression or mental illness in a loved one and that they might need psychiatric help, use our admission guide to help you decide how to approach them. Consult the downloadable documents on the right for additional resources. If you require specialist advice, find a doctor or hospital near you.
Emergency info
In a psychiatric emergency:
- Call LifeLine National Counselling Line: 0861 322 322
In a medical emergency:
- Call your local hospital emergency unit or 10111.
Life Mental Health units locations:
Eastern Cape
- Life Hunterscraig Private Hospital
- Life St Mark’s Clinic
Gauteng
Western Cape
- Life St Vincent’s
KwaZulu-Natal
How is mental health viewed in South Africa?
South Africa carries a huge burden of mental illnesses with the most prevalent being anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, mood disorders and depression. People with mental health conditions often face neglect in the health system as well as stigma and discrimination.
How much does a therapist cost in South Africa?
According to SADAG 81.2% of South Africans cannot afford health care. “Psychologists fees do vary from province and different region, but they generally range from R600-R1200 per session,” says Da Costa. Some psychologist’s sessions, which can last between 60 to 70 minutes, can cost you R800 to R900 per session.
What is the most common mental illness in South Africa?
Among the broad classes of disorders, anxiety disorders were the most prevalent (8.1%), followed by substance use disorders (5.8%) and mood disorders (4.5%). The most common disorders were major depressive disorder (4.9%), agoraphobia without panic (4.8%) and alcohol abuse (4.5%).
Why is mental health not taken seriously in South Africa?
The stigma attached to mental illnesses and the lack of awareness about mental illness give reasons for mental illness not to be taken seriously. Stigma creates a position of social distance or rejection, and that is why people sometimes choose not to say that they have mental health challenges,” Ntshingila added.
How common is mental illness in South Africa?
16.5% of South Africans suffered from common mental disorders like depression and anxiety in the last year and 17% of children and adolescents suffer from mental disorders.