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Mental Health & Community Resources

A safe, accessible space for South Africans to find support, counselling, and community development resources.

Crisis: 0800 567 567
Important Disclaimer

The information provided on this platform is for educational purposes and connection to services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact emergency services or a crisis helpline immediately.

The South African Context

Understanding the landscape of mental health care in South Africa is the first step to accessing help. The country is moving towards a model of community-based mental health services, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

  • Community Health Workers (CHWs): Often the first point of contact, helping with screening and outreach in rural and under-resourced areas.
  • Psychosocial Rehabilitation: Programmes focused on social inclusion and functional improvement for people with severe mental health conditions.
  • Peer Support: Groups like SADAG facilitate peer-led support, which is crucial for youth and students who may feel isolated.
Emergency Support

Suicide & Crisis Support

If you are in distress, please reach out. These services are free and confidential.

  • South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)

    24/7 crisis helpline, over 180 free support groups, and educational programmes.

    0800 12 13 14 Visit Website

  • Adcock Ingram Depression & Anxiety Helpline

    Immediate support for depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

    0800 70 80 90

  • Lifeline South Africa

    24-hour crisis intervention and emotional support.

    0861 322 322 Visit Website

  • Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit

    Immediate assistance with psychiatric emergencies.

    +27 (0) 86 143 5787

  • Befrienders Bloemfontein

    Confidential support for emotional distress and suicidal thoughts.

    0027 51 444 5000 Visit Website

  • The Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture

    Specialised trauma counselling and rehabilitation.

    021 465 7373 Visit Website

  • South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH)

    Advocacy and human rights protection for mental health care.

    Visit Website
Recovery & Support

Alcohol & Substance Abuse

Support for individuals and families dealing with addiction.

This non-profit organisation (initiative of SACAP Foundation) provides low-cost counselling services to underprivileged communities.

  • Services

    One-on-one sessions at a nominal fee to cover running costs.

    Aims to bridge the gap in accessible mental health care.

Safety & Protection

Domestic & Sexual Violence

Free crisis intervention and support for survivors.

  • People Opposed to Woman Abuse (POWA)

    Counselling, legal advice, and shelter services.

    083 765 1235

  • Rape Crisis

    Trauma counselling and court support for survivors of sexual violence.

    021 447 9762 Visit Website

  • TEARS Foundation

    Free crisis intervention and support for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.

    010 590 5920 Visit Website
Youth & Specific Care

Youth & Eating Disorders

Specialised support for young people and specific mental health needs.

  • Childline South Africa

    Protection and counselling services for children and teens.

    0800 055 555 Visit Website

  • ADHD Helpline

    Support and counselling for individuals and families.

    0800 55 44 33

  • The Teddy Bear Foundation

    Support for abused and vulnerable children.

    Visit Website

  • U-Report South Africa

    Platform allowing young people to access information on mental health.

    Visit Website
Corporate & Personal Wellness

Workplace Wellness

Digital tools and platforms to support mental well-being in professional and educational environments.

Lyra Health

A leading provider of evidence-based mental health care that boosts employee well-being.

Learn More

October Health

Group sessions, assessments, and proactive mental health care for workplaces.

Learn More

Unmind

Tools, training, and assessments to improve employee well-being.

Learn More

Modern Health

App-based solutions for stress management and financial well-being.

Learn More

Headspace

On-demand mental health support, coaching and therapy.

Learn More

Personify

Healthy habits through personalized engagement and challenges.

Learn More

Wellable

Seamless health experience integrating multiple technologies.

Learn More

Calm

Mindfulness and meditation app to reduce stress.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the helplines listed on this page (including SADAG, Lifeline, and government lines) generally use 0800 numbers, which are toll-free from landlines in South Africa. However, mobile call rates may vary depending on your service provider, although many networks now treat 0800 numbers as free or standard rate. The Counselling Hub charges a nominal fee for sessions.

Yes, organisations like SADAG, Lifeline, and Anonymous groups (AA/NA) prioritise your privacy. You do not have to give your real name unless you choose to. They are there to listen and support, not to judge.

Counsellors and Psychologists talk therapy, helping you work through emotional issues, trauma, or life changes.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. If you need medication, you would usually see a GP first for a referral to a psychiatrist (such as those at Akeso).

You can call helplines yourself to ask for advice on how to support them. Organisations like SADAG and Lifeline are trained to guide friends and family members on how to encourage a loved one to seek help. Do not force them, but let them know you are there for them.

Many local clinics and Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities have mental health screenings. You can visit your nearest government clinic to ask to speak to a professional. Additionally, the South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH) has constituent bodies in all nine provinces that can provide local referrals.