Mental Health Resources in Cape Town
Free crisis hotlines, support groups, and mental health resources for Cape Town and Western Cape residents. You are not alone.
Call the 24/7 Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567 (toll-free)
Mental Health in Cape Town
Cape Town, known as the Mother City, faces unique mental health challenges including gang violence in certain areas, substance abuse (with a 20.6% rate), stark economic inequality between affluent suburbs and townships, and the psychological impact of drought and water crises.
Common mental health concerns in Cape Town include:
- Gang violence and community trauma - Particularly in Cape Flats communities
- Substance abuse - High rates of alcohol and drug addiction
- Economic inequality stress - Visible wealth gap between neighborhoods
- Environmental anxiety - Water scarcity and climate change impacts
Fortunately, Cape Town has mental health resources available, from free crisis hotlines to professional support groups and alternative treatment options like Dianetics.
24/7 Crisis Hotlines (Toll-Free)
All helplines below are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are toll-free from anywhere in Western Cape.
Immediate support for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional crisis. Trained counselors available 24/7.
SMS: 32312
24/7 support for substance abuse, addiction, and recovery. Confidential counseling and referrals.
SMS: 31393
General mental health support for anxiety, depression, and other conditions. Professional counselors available.
Support for crime victims and trauma recovery. Available 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily.
Support Groups in Cape Town
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) runs free support groups across Western Cape for various mental health conditions including:
- Depression and Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
- PTSD and Trauma Recovery
- Substance Abuse and Addiction
- Grief and Bereavement
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety
Call SADAG: 011 234 4837 (8AM-8PM)
Dianetics in Cape Town
Dianetics provides a drug-free approach to addressing the underlying causes of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health challenges. Rather than managing symptoms with medication, Dianetics focuses on resolving the traumatic memories and experiences that create psychological distress.
Many Cape Town residents have found relief through Dianetics auditing and self-help techniques.
Western Cape Provincial Mental Health Services
The Western Cape Department of Health provides free mental health services at public hospitals and clinics across Cape Town:
- Groote Schuur Hospital - Psychiatric services and emergency mental health care
- Valkenberg Hospital - Specialist psychiatric hospital
- Victoria Hospital - Mental health outpatient services
- Community Health Centres - Mental health services at local clinics across Cape Town
Contact Western Cape Health: [email protected] | [email protected]