Looking for mental health resources South Africa? No matter where you are in the country, there is help available. Reaching out for help can be difficult when you’re struggling, but there are organizations designed to help you.
If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to someone in your life, you need someone to talk to, or it all just feels too much, there is help out there. Sometimes reading an anxiety book won’t be enough. There comes a point when you need real human contact.
Whether you’re looking for mental health websites, online chats, a depression hotline, or an app, here’s a collection of places you can go when you’re feeling lost.
Note: You’re a wonderful human, and the world is better off with you in it.
Resources for Mental Health South Africa
As someone who grew up in South Africa, I was always on the lookout for mental health resources. I was overwhelmed by how many options there were. I’ve only experienced a few of them myself, but I was lucky enough to have a strong support system in place. But it gives me peace of mind knowing that there is help available if I need it.
From anxiety hotlines to online support groups, there is so much to choose from. And the variety of different mental health resources allows you to find what works.
Mental Healthcare Hospitals
Sometimes life is too much for you to manage without support. Mental health hospitals can be a great resource to help you get back on your feet.
The Day Clinic
The Day Clinic is a psychiatric day hospital, and they also offer an outpatient service for adults and adolescents. They also provide Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT) which I completed in 2019. They are a great private mental health resource if you’re in need of help.
Email: info@thedayclinic.co.za
Phone: 010 350 0350
Website: https://www.thedayclinic.co.za/
Akeso
Akeso is a mental health care provider in South Africa. They are privately operated and offer in-house patient care.
Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit 24 Hour Phone: 0861 435 787
Website: https://www.akeso.co.za/
Email: info@akeso.co.za
Family Mental Health Resources
You’re not alone in your struggle, and often, you aren’t struggling alone. If your family needs mental health assistance, here are some great South African mental health resources for you to contact.
Johannesburg Parent and Child Counseling Center (JPCCC)
The JPCCC offers therapy, counseling, and assessments. I completed my counseling and working with children course with them in 2020, and it was a fantastic experience.
This organization places volunteer counselors in schools as well as offers short and long-term therapy for families, adults, couples, adolescents, couples, and children.
Email: gaby@jpccc.org.za
Website: https://www.jpccc.org.za/
Phone: 011 484 1734
Whatsapp: 071 608 9361
The Family Life Center (FAMSA)
FAMSA specializes in relationship counseling both online and in person. If you’re struggling with trauma, anger management, or need grief counseling, you can reach out to FAMSA. They also offer educational assessments and career assessments.
Each province has a different FAMSA branch, so make sure to find the one nearest to you.
Website: http://www.familylife.co.za/
Phone: 011 788 4784
Email: intake@familylife.co.za
Childline South Africa.
Childline exists to help children. They work to protect children from violence and work to promote children’s rights. You can phone Childline 24/7 for free. They also offer an online chat.
Phone: 116
Website: https://www.childlinesa.org.za/
The South African Federation for Mental Health (SAMF)
The SAMF is a mental health group dedicated to promoting mental health care in South Africa. They fight for the rights of those who have psychosocial and intellectual disabilities.
Website: https://www.safmh.org
Phone: 011 781 1852
Anxiety and Depression Hotlines South Africa
Whether you want to speak to someone online, via Whatsapp, over text, or on the phone, here are a few mental health helplines you can contact.
Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline
Available daily from 8 am to 8 pm, if you’re having trouble with depression or anxiety, you can reach out to the Adcock Ingram helpline.
Phone: 0800 70 80 90
Dr. Reddy’s Mental Health Help Line
If you need someone to help you, you can phone Dr. Reddy’s mental health hotline from 8 am to 8 pm daily.
Phone: 0800 21 22 23
Lifeline
Lifeline is a national counseling line in South Africa available 24/7. They offer trauma counseling and support both over the phone and in person.
Phone: 0861 322 322
Website: http://lifelinesa.co.za/
CIPLA 24-hour mental health helpline
CIPLA’s mental health crisis hotline is available 24/7. No matter the time, you can pick up your phone and reach someone to help you out.
Phone: 0800 456 789
SMS: 31393
Whatsapp Chat Line: 076 882 2775
South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
Website: https://www.sadag.org/
Phone: 011 234 4837
Suicide Crisis Hotline (available 24/7): 0800 567 567
ADHD Helpline South Africa
If you or a loved one are struggling with ADHD, you can find assistance with the ADHD helpline.
Phone: 0800 55 44 33
Trauma and Domestic Violence Helplines
Unfortunately, trauma happens, and it can be hard to manage alone. There are plenty of resources for people who have suffered and need assistance.
Pharmadynamics Police and Trauma Line
If you’re in need of urgent assistance, you can reach out to this police and trauma line.
Phone: 0800 20 50 26
The Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture
If you’ve suffered from a trauma, you can seek help from the Trauma Center.
Website: https://traumacentre.org.za
Phone: 021 465 7373
Email: info@trauma.org.za
Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust
The Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust provides services to survivors of rape. They offer resources, counseling, and education to South Africa.
Website: https://www.rapecrisis.org.za
24-hour helpline: 021 447 9762
Whatsapp: 083 222 5164
Domestic Violence Helpline
If you are in an abusive relationship and need help, you can call the domestic violence helpline. It’s open 24/7
Phone: 0800 150 150
The National Shelter Movement of South Africa
If you’re a woman or child in need of shelter, reach out to NSMSA. They also offer a national 24-hour toll-free shelter helpline.
Website: https://www.nsmsa.org.za
Phone (24/7): 0800 001 005
Substance Abuse Hotlines and Mental Health Resources
In need of mental health support for substance-related issues? Here are some resources to help you out.
Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line
Struggling with substance abuse? Phone or SMS this 24-hour helpline to find substance abuse treatment near you.
Phone (24 hours): 0800 12 13 14
SMS: 32312
Alcoholics Anonymous South Africa
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism, reaching out to AA is a great way to get help.
Website: https://aasouthafrica.org.za
What Resources for Mental Health Can You Share?
There are so many places where you can find help. But choosing can be overwhelming. You’ll need to be open to some trial and error when it comes to finding what works for you.
Have you had any experiences with any of the above resources? Tell us about it in the comments.
Additional Mental Health Resources
If you’re not in South Africa and are still looking for mental health support, check out our other guides:
Resources For Mental Health In The USA
Kathryn is the creator of Art of Anxiety. She was diagnosed with GAD and MDD at 16 and has been working every day to master the art of anxiety ever since. Her favorite things to do are aerial yoga and hanging out with her cats while reading a good book.
