Houghton House
Addiction treatment in South Africa for international patients
Treatment at a licensed psychiatric hospital and rehab centre
Houghton House is a private psychiatric hospital and rehabilitation centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. We regularly admit patients from across Africa, Europe, and beyond, and our admissions process is designed to work smoothly for people travelling from outside the country.
Why international patients choose Houghton House
Experienced in international admissions
We frequently treat patients from outside South Africa and understand the practical considerations involved, from remote assessment to coordinating arrival.
Dual-licensed facility
Houghton House is licensed as both a rehabilitation centre and a private psychiatric hospital. This means we can treat addiction and any co-occurring mental health conditions simultaneously, without referring patients elsewhere.
International medical aids and private pay
We work with several international medical schemes. For patients paying privately, treatment can be arranged on a self-pay basis by EFT or card.
How admission works for international patients
The admission process for international patients follows the same steps as for local patients, with a few practical adjustments.
- Get in touch: Contact our admissions team by phone, WhatsApp, or email. A brief phone call is usually sufficient for an initial assessment. You don’t need to visit the facility before admission.
- Pre-admission planning: We’ll discuss your situation, treatment options, and payment or medical aid details. If you’re using an international medical aid, we’ll manage pre-authorisation directly with your scheme.
- Travel and arrival: Houghton House does not manage international travel arrangements, but we can provide a treatment confirmation letter if you need documentation for visa purposes. If our driver is available, we may be able to arrange for collection from OR Tambo International Airport. Ask your admissions coordinator when you get in touch.
- Admission and treatment: On arrival, you’ll be assessed by our clinical team and your treatment programme will begin. The standard inpatient programme is 30 days, with the option to extend where clinically indicated.
Family involvement during treatment
For international patients, family involvement in treatment looks different in practice, but it remains a clinical priority. Within the first seven days of admission, a family session is arranged with the patient’s treating psychologist. For family members based outside South Africa, this session can be conducted remotely.
After the first week, patients may make three calls per week from the facility landline. Family members are welcome to visit on weekends during visiting hours, and where appropriate, follow-up family therapy sessions can be arranged remotely.
The admissions team can walk you through the visiting and communication policy before admission, so your family knows what to expect.
Frequently asked questions about international rehab admissions
No — a phone call is usually all we need to determine whether admission is appropriate. Remote assessments are available where more detail is needed. Once admission is confirmed, you travel directly to the facility.
Houghton House does not manage international travel arrangements. If our driver is available, we may be able to arrange for collection from OR Tambo International Airport — confirm this with your admissions coordinator.
We can also provide a treatment confirmation letter if you need documentation for visa purposes.
A once-off admission fee of R1,850 applies, payable on arrival. For patients paying privately, the remaining treatment costs can be settled by EFT to our account or by card at the facility. For patients using an international medical scheme, pre-authorisation works in much the same way as for local medical aid patients — our admissions team manages this process directly with your scheme.
Cover depends on your specific scheme and the benefits available under your plan. Contact our admissions team with your medical aid details, and we’ll confirm whether we have an agreement in place and handle pre-authorisation on your behalf.
International patients should plan for a minimum 30-day stay. Here’s what to bring:
- Toiletries: soap, shampoo and conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, roll-on deodorant
- Documents: passport and medical aid card (if applicable)
- Any current medication, in original packaging where possible
- Towels (bath and face)
- Comfortable clothing for both cool and warm weather (Johannesburg winters are mild but can be cold at night)
- Walking shoes
- Swimwear (optional)
- Plastic clothing hangers
- Tuckshop money in South African rand (cash or card)
Optional:
- Cigarettes or vapes (vapes must be sealed)
- Reading material (available on weekends only)
Please do not bring:
- Cigars, rolling tobacco, or pipe tobacco
- Spray deodorant, perfume, cologne, or aftershave
- Foodstuffs
- Alcohol-based mouthwash
The following items will be kept securely on admission and returned at discharge:
- Cellphone and smart watch
- Laptop or tablet
- Wallet, cash, and bank cards
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