Home Resources Helplines

    Helplines

    Do you have an immediate emergency?

    National 24-hour emergency helplines

    For a suicidal emergency
     SADAG suicide line 0800 567 567
    Akeso Netcare psychiatric response unit 0861 435 787

    For a psychiatric emergency
    SADAG mental health crisis line 0800 456 789
    Akeso Netcare psychiatric response unit 0861 435 787

    For police assistance 
    SAPS 10111

    For emergency services
    Ambulance 10177
    From a cellphone 112
    Netcare 911 082 911
    ER24 084 124

    or take your loved one directly to your nearest designated provincial hospital

    Do you have a little more time?

    Look through these mental health helplines and note down the ones that may be useful for you. Make your own list of emergency contact numbers and put it up in your home. Let everyone in the family know where it is.

    Some national 24-hour mental health helplines

    Akeso Netcare psychiatric response unit
    0861 435 787

    SADAG mental health crisis line
    0800 456 789

    Befrienders South Africa
    051 444 5000

    SADAG substance abuse helpline
    0800 12 13 14

    Lifeline South Africa
    0861 322 322

    SADAG suicide crisis line
    0800 567 567

    National police emergency response line
    10111

    SADAG SMS line
    31393

    Some national mental health helplines open during office hours

    SADAG depression & anxiety helpline
    0861 435 787
    8 am – 8 pm

    SADAG mental health helpline
    0800 21 22 23
    8 am – 8 pm

    SADAG mental health line
    011 234 4837
    8 am – 8 pm

    SADAG WhatsApp chatline
    076 882 2775
    9 am – 4 pm

    More helplines

    All SADAG helplines and contact details

    SAFMH list of helplines

    Therapy Route suicide hotlines and crisis lines in South Africa

    Open Counselling free telephone counselling hotlines in South Africa

    Make your own list of emergency contact numbers​

    Make your own list of emergency contact numbers and put it up in your home. Let everyone in the family know where it is. Who to call will depend on the type of crisis your loved one is experiencing and how much time you have to deal with it.

    The list may include your nearest hospital or clinic; your local police station; your loved one’s psychiatrist, GP, therapist or counsellor; family members, other caregivers, friends or colleagues; emergency lines and other relevant helplines.

    Back to Topics