Durban and Coastal Mental Health is the largest Mental Health Organisation in South Africa.
We are an independent, registered not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation (002-158 NPO), affiliated to the SA Federation for Mental Health. Durban and Coastal Mental Health is tax exempt and has Section 18A(1) status.
We actively work with individuals, families and communities to improve the lives of children and adults with intellectual disability and psychiatric illness.
Durban and Coastal Mental Health is the largest mental health organisation in South Africa. We have strong leadership, clarity of vision, a sound management structure and operational capacity, an ability to manage financial risks, a proven track record of effective service delivery, and a proud string of awards.
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Services Offered
Counselling and Support
Counselling and support Our Social Work Services are free of charge and include assessment, counselling and support for people (and their families) who are: - experiencing a life crisis - survivors of suicide, rape or trauma - living with intellectual disability and/or psychiatric illness - in need of support to help them deal with stress, depression and anxiety
We also assist individuals with mental disabilities (and their families) to: - think through how they feel about their disability - figure out what they need - identify resources within the community that may be of assistance to the family - complete applications for services and grants
Our social workers render services from various points in the eThekwini and Illembe Districts and reach out to communities as far North as Maphumulo, South as far as Umkomaas, and Inland as far as Hammarsdale.
Suicide Prevention
Suicide prevention Durban and Coastal Mental Health's Suicide Prevention Programme enables teenagers, educators, parents and the community to identify teenagers at risk and to successfully intervene to prevent suicide.Teenagers are counselled and taught skills to help them cope better with the pressures and challenges of teenage life.
Special Needs Care for Children and Adults
Children and adults with severe and profound mental disability need a high level of special care to cope with mild to profound intellectual disabilities, serious psychiatric problems, developmental delays, occasional panic attacks, and food allergies.
Many of our residents are wheelchair bound or have limited mobility and so require assistance in most areas of their functioning. Durban and Coastal Mental Health staff are trained to provide ongoing one-to-one care in bathing, feeding, medical management, mental and physical stimulation and assistance with mobility. An on-site nursing sister ensures optimal care as a preventative measure to avoid ongoing hospitalisation.
Fees and Payment
This is a non-profit organization
Services are offered free of charge
Services Offered To: Adults
Payment: Sliding Scale
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One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.