Mental Health Resources in        South Africa

Find trusted mental health support in South Africa, including free helplines, government programs, and nonprofit services. This guide connects you to resources like the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Lifeline South Africa, and youth-focused counselling platforms offering confidential care nationwide.

This country-specific guide is part of our global mental health resources directory, which connects users to free, nonprofit, and government-supported services by country.

🆘 Immediate & Crisis Support

• Suicide Crisis Helpline – SADAG
  24/7 toll-free mental health crisis line: 0800 567 567 for suicide prevention and urgent support.
• Childline South Africa – 24/7 Helpline
  Toll-free support line for children and concerned adults: 0800 055 555.
• NPOwer Helpline – Free Mental Health Support for NPO Workers
  Counselling and emotional support for South Africans working in non-profit organisations.
• Call 112 from any mobile network for life-threatening emergencies
  Free access to emergency services, including mental health crises.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Non-Profit Mental Health Support

• SADAG – South African Depression and Anxiety Group
  Africa’s largest mental health advocacy group offering free counselling and educational outreach.
• SAFMH – South African Federation for Mental Health
  Promotes human rights and mental health services, especially for vulnerable communities.
• Cape Mental Health Services
  Community-based support for persons with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities.
• Inala Mental Health Foundation
  Provides youth and community-based psycho-social care and mental health education.
• Heal SA – Mental Wellness for Black Women
  A community-led initiative focused on accessible and culturally relevant mental health care.
• LifeLine South Africa – Emotional Support
  Offers crisis support, trauma counselling, and community development programmes.
• Phola – Trauma-Informed Community Healing
  Delivers innovative therapy models such as the Tree of Life for trauma healing in under-resourced areas.

👥 Specialised Support Groups

• Childline SA – Child Protection Helpline
  Offers protection, counselling, and support for children in distress.
• Higher Health Helpline for Students
  Free, 24-hour support line for mental and emotional wellness in tertiary education.

🧾 Legal & Practical Advice

• SA Human Rights Commission – Mental Health Advocacy
  Offers legal recourse for rights violations related to mental health and disability.
• Legal Aid South Africa – Free Legal Services
  Assists with mental health-related legal matters for those who cannot afford private representation.