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Mental health support and resources 

Cape Town-based scholar Angelique Thomas shares mental health resources accessible locally and online.

Angelique Thomas
Angelique Thomas
  • Senior Research Assistant, UKRI GCRF Accelerating Achievement for Africa's Adolescent Hub
10 July 2023
  • UCT’s 24/7 telephonic counselling services are available toll free, even during weekends and after hours:UCT Careline: 0800 24 25 26 or text 31393
    SWS ICAS line: 0800 87 26 76
    Higher Health Counselling: 0800 36 36 36
    ER24 UCT collaboration: 010 205 3010 Should you have access to medical aid or financial resources, we do encourage you to access psychotherapy from a private practitioner where possible.

    Should you require further assistance with bookings or alternative resources, you may contact the SWS Practice Manager: 021 650 1017 (office hours) / 021 650 1271 (After-hours crisis line for psychiatric emergencies) or email: sws.practicemanager@uct.ac.za.

  • ICAS (International Counselling and Advisory Services) offers virtual sessions. The service can be accessed by calling telephonic counseling (toll-free number: 080 111 3945)
    • The all-new ICAS On-the-Go app lets you chat live with an ICAS counselor & gives you & your family access to 24/7/365 EWP info on your health & wellness needs.  You can also email uct@icas.co.za
    • UCT night nurse: 021- 6501271

Additional Resources 

  • Based in SA
    • The Woodstock Counselling Hub offers affordable one-on-one counselling services in Cape Town (R50 per session)
    • Majority of community health centres have a psychiatric nurse, a psychiatric registrar and a psychology intern allocated to them, you can make use of them
    • Hope House has three counselling centres in Cpt and offer counselling and addiction support
    • FAMSA is a non-profit offering individual, couples and family therapy and have offices across the country. Call: 011 788 4784/ 065 801 4919 Whatsapp: 065 801 4919
    • Lifeline has a national counselling line available 24/7
    • The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) offers support groups, telephonic counselling and educational resources
  • Local and internationally based
    • Women’s Circle Support Group: A weekly support group for women who have experienced hardships, anxiety, low self esteem and relationship changes. To join contact Courtenay on  (+27) 083 501 0583 or courtenaypottow@gmail.com. This is a support group based in Cpt but since the pandemic they have moved online so can be used by others as well
    • If you send a Whatsapp message to +27 76 882 2775 between 9am and 4pm on weekdays you can chat to a professional psychologist for free
    • You can also find Helplines, suicide hotlines, and crisis-lines from around the world here
    • The National Alliance for Mental Illness also has some resources and contact numbers where you can chat and email
    • Youber and Woebot are both automated therapists when finding a real one can feel like a logistical and financial impossibility