Mental Health Resources in Pretoria
Free crisis hotlines, support groups, and mental health resources for Pretoria (Tshwane) and Gauteng residents. You are not alone.
Call the 24/7 Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567 (toll-free)
Mental Health in Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital, faces mental health challenges including government job-related stress (with 42% of civil servants reporting high stress levels), political tension, traffic congestion, and the pressure of working in high-stakes government environments.
Common mental health concerns in Pretoria include:
- Government job stress - High-pressure political and administrative work environments
- Political tension - Proximity to national government creates unique stressors
- Traffic congestion - Long commutes and road rage incidents
- Work-life balance - Demanding schedules in public service roles
Fortunately, Pretoria 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 Gauteng.
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 Pretoria
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) runs free support groups across Gauteng 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 Pretoria
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 Pretoria residents have found relief through Dianetics auditing and self-help techniques.
Gauteng Provincial Mental Health Services
The Gauteng Department of Health provides free mental health services at public hospitals and clinics across Pretoria:
- Kalafong Hospital - Psychiatric services and emergency mental health care
- Weskoppies Hospital - Specialist psychiatric hospital
- Steve Biko Academic Hospital - Mental health outpatient services
- Community Health Centres - Mental health services at local clinics across Tshwane
Contact Gauteng Health: [email protected] | [email protected]