Where youth can get help in SA

Knowing where to turn for help makes all the difference - here's a clear guide to youth mental health support available across South Africa.

What it is

Support for young people's mental health in South Africa spans several types of services: helplines for immediate support, school-based counselling, community and public health clinics, private practitioners, and employee-linked services like Cleared Mind for parents and older teens covered under a family's EAP. Understanding these options in advance means you're not searching in a crisis.

Signs to notice

It's worth exploring support options when a young person shows:

• Ongoing sadness, anxiety, anger or withdrawal lasting more than two weeks
• A drop in school performance, attendance or motivation
• Changes in sleep, eating or energy
• Difficulty with friendships or a sudden change in social circle
• Talk of self-harm, hopelessness or not wanting to be here
• Substance use or other risky behaviour

What helps

• Start with a conversation. Let the young person know seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that many young people go through similar struggles.
• Use school resources first if available - a school counsellor or life orientation teacher can be a good entry point and knows the school environment.
• Consider a GP or clinic visit for an initial assessment, especially if physical symptoms are also present. They can refer to a psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker as needed.
• Look into community organisations and NGOs that focus specifically on youth mental health, many of which offer free or low-cost counselling.
• Where a parent has access to an EAP like Cleared Mind, check whether dependants are covered - many workplace programmes extend support to children and teens.
• Keep helpline numbers saved in your and your teen's phone, so support is one call away when it's needed most.

When to reach out for help

Reach out immediately if there is any talk of suicide or self-harm, a plan to hurt themselves, or a mental health crisis. For ongoing struggles that are affecting daily life, book an assessment rather than waiting to see if things improve on their own.

Getting help in South Africa

SADAG's Mental Health Line: 011 234 4837 for information, support and referrals. SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline (24h): 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393 for urgent support. Cleared Mind's EAP counsellors are available for confidential sessions with parents and, where covered, young people themselves. School counsellors, public health clinics and youth-focused NGOs across the country also offer valuable, often free, support.

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If you or someone else is in immediate danger, reach out now. SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline (24h): 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393. SAPS 10111, ambulance 10177, GBV Command Centre 0800 428 428.