Government subsidised and free rehabilitation centres in SA

South Africa has a network of government-funded and subsidised rehabilitation centres that provide addiction treatment at reduced or no cost. This page lists confirmed facilities by province, along with national helplines and referral services you can use wherever you are in the country.

Each province has inpatient centres listed first, followed by outpatient and community services, which usually have shorter waiting times and let you carry on living at home.

Two things to know before you contact a centre: most state-funded inpatient facilities require a referral from a registered social worker, and many have waiting lists. The national helplines below can help with both. If you have medical aid or are exploring private treatment, Houghton House’s admissions team is available around the clock on 011 787 9142.

Note: Contact details and services can change. Call ahead to confirm before making a trip.

National helplines and referral services

The helplines below operate across South Africa and can connect you with treatment options and referrals near you.

Substance abuse helpline (SADAG and DSD)

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) runs a free, 24-hour substance abuse helpline in partnership with the Department of Social Development. Trained counsellors offer confidential support, referrals to local treatment services, and crisis intervention.

Phone: 0800 12 13 14 (free, 24 hours)
SMS: 32312
Website: sadag.org

Ke Moja WhatsApp helpline

Ke Moja is a free substance abuse counselling and referral service on WhatsApp, run by SADAG and the Department of Social Development. Counsellors can direct you to treatment services in your area.

WhatsApp: 087 163 2025
Hours: 08:00 to 17:00

National suicide crisis line

A free, 24-hour crisis line for anyone in acute distress.

Phone: 0800 567 567 (free, 24 hours)

Support groups

Free peer support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meet in person and online across South Africa. Our guide to addiction support groups in South Africa lists helplines and meeting finders for each group, including family and gambling support.

AA helpline: 0861 435 722 (24 hours)
NA helpline: 0861 00 6962

Free and subsidised rehab centres in Gauteng

Gauteng has the most concentrated network of rehabilitation facilities in the country, with centres in Johannesburg, Pretoria (Tshwane), and the East Rand. The listings include both state-funded centres, which require a social worker referral, and subsidised NPO programmes that generally accept patients directly, subject to availability.

If you live in Tembisa, Elim Clinic in Kempton Park is the closest listed inpatient centre. For Benoni and the surrounding East Rand, SANCA Horizon Centre and House of Mercy are both in Boksburg.

Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre, Cullinan (Pretoria)

The largest state-funded residential substance abuse treatment centre in Gauteng, located at Zonderwater outside Cullinan, east of Pretoria in the City of Tshwane. The centre reopened in June 2026 after a period of refurbishment.

Type: State-funded (referral from a registered social worker required)
Phone: 012 734 8300 or 012 734 8326
Address: Zonderwater Road, Cullinan, Tshwane

Mabutho Hlatshwayo Treatment Centre, Heidelberg

A state treatment centre outside Heidelberg, launched in 2025 with 110 beds for residential substance abuse treatment.

Type: State-funded (referral from a registered social worker required)
Phone: 072 221 5897
Address: Plot 23, Standerton Balfour Road, Heidelberg

iThemba Clinic, Krugersdorp

iThemba Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Clinic is a free inpatient treatment facility within Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital in Krugersdorp.

Type: State-funded (referral from a registered social worker required)
Phone: 011 956 2292
Email: reception@ithembaclinic.co.za
Website: ithembaclinic.co.za
Address: Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital, Ward 10, Van Riebeeck Road, Sterkfontein, Krugersdorp, 1739

Empilweni Treatment Centre, Soweto

Empilweni, run by the Come Back Mission at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, is a registered inpatient centre offering detoxification and an eight-week programme led by social workers.

Type: NPO
Phone: 061 411 8219
Email: moniquef@empilweni.org.za
Website: comeback.co.za
Address: Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto

SANCA Horizon Centre, Boksburg

SANCA’s Horizon Centre offers residential and outpatient treatment for adults. Its adolescent programme, BRIDGE, treats teenagers aged 14 to 18 separately from adults, offering six weeks of inpatient care or ten weeks as an outpatient.

Type: Subsidised NPO (means-tested fees)
Serves: Adults, and teenagers aged 14 to 18
Phone: 011 917 5015
Email: info@horizonclinic.org
Website: horizonclinic.info
Address: 17 North Street, Plantation, Boksburg

Elim Clinic, Kempton Park

Elim Clinic offers inpatient and outpatient treatment for adults dealing with substance use and behavioural addictions, along with aftercare and a dedicated youth programme for people under 18.

Type: Subsidised NPO (means-tested fees)
Serves: Adults, and young people under 18
Phone: 011 975 2951
WhatsApp: 071 750 6465
Email: info@elimclin.co.za
Address: 133 Plane Road, Spartan, Kempton Park

House of Mercy, Boksburg

House of Mercy is a Catholic residential rehabilitation centre in Ravenswood, Boksburg, focused on people with limited financial means. The centre provides intensive residential treatment, including medical detox, alcohol and drug recovery programmes, and an eight-week aftercare programme.

Type: State-subsidised (means-tested fees)
Serves: Men and women aged 18 and older
Phone: 011 894 4050 or 011 894 4052
Email: velma@execmail.co.za
Website: houseofmercy.co.za
Address: 35 Olivia Road, Ravenswood, Boksburg

Wedge Gardens Treatment Centre, Johannesburg

Wedge Gardens is a SANCA-affiliated residential rehabilitation centre operated by Rand Aid. The centre accommodates patients on reduced incomes, including those relying on government grants, and Rand Aid runs an adjoining halfway house with space for up to 20 men.

Type: Subsidised (means-tested fees)
Serves: Men only
Phone: 011 430 0320 or 010 534 6596
Email: wedgegardens@randaid.co.za
Website: wedgegardens.co.za
Address: 2 Whitney Road, Whitney Gardens, Johannesburg

SANCA Central Rand Golden Harvest, Randburg

SANCA Central Rand’s inpatient centre in Northworld, Randburg, serving the city centre and northern suburbs.

Type: Subsidised NPO (means-tested fees)
Phone: 011 836 2460 (head office)
Email: info@sancacentral.org.za
Address: 4 Hunter and Maple Road, Northworld, Randburg

Westview Clinic Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation, Florida (Roodepoort)

Westview Clinic is a registered NPO offering inpatient and outpatient treatment on the West Rand, with satellite outpatient clinics across Kagiso, Mohlakeng, and Dobsonville, among others.

Type: NPO
Phone: 082 059 9580 or 011 472 7707
Website: westviewclinic.co.za
Address: 9 Madeline Street, Florida, Roodepoort, 1709

SANCA Nishtara, Lenasia (Johannesburg)

SANCA Nishtara provides inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment for communities in the south of Johannesburg.

Type: Subsidised NPO (means-tested fees)
Phone: 011 854 5988 or 011 850 1123
Email: info@sancanishtara.co.za
Address: 8283 Capella Street, Lenasia Extension 9, Johannesburg

SANCA Pretoria Castle Carey Clinic, Nina Park

SANCA Pretoria’s inpatient clinic in Nina Park, north of Pretoria, which also runs a youth drug unit and an outpatient service in Soshanguve.

Type: Subsidised NPO (means-tested fees)
Phone: 012 542 1121
Email: info@sancapta.co.za
Website: sancapta.co.za
Address: Corner Rachel de Beer and Waterbok Streets, Nina Park, Pretoria

Stabilis Treatment Centre, Pretoria

A registered inpatient treatment centre in Môregloed, Pretoria.

Type: NPO
Phone: 012 333 7702
Email: info@stabilistc.co.za
Address: 1229 Haarhof Street East, Môregloed, Pretoria

Jamela Rehabilitation Centre, Vanderbijlpark

An NPO inpatient rehabilitation centre serving the Vaal Triangle.

Type: NPO
Phone: 016 100 1566 or 078 683 5836
Address: Plot 109, Mullerstuine AH, Vanderbijlpark

Freedom Recovery Centre, Nigel

Freedom Recovery Centre appears on the Department of Social Development’s list of funded substance abuse services. The centre runs residential programmes ranging from 3 to 24 weeks. Fees and subsidised places aren’t listed on its website. Ask when you call.

Type: NPO (fees not published)
Phone: 082 506 7890 or 078 465 4243
Email: freedomrecoverycentresa@gmail.com
Address: Plot 80, Justin Avenue, Holgatfontein, Nigel, 1490

Outpatient and community services in Gauteng

The services below offer counselling, assessment, and outpatient treatment without a residential stay. Most are SANCA branches, where fees are means-tested.

SANCA Central Rand, Marshalltown (Johannesburg CBD): 011 836 2460, with satellite offices in Alexandra, Westbury, and Eldorado Park, among others
SANCA Soweto, Rockville: 011 984 4290, with satellite offices in Diepkloof, Meadowlands, and Protea Glen, among others
SANCA Pretoria, Soshanguve and Hammanskraal: 012 542 1121
SANCA Thusong, Eersterust (Pretoria): 012 806 7535
SANCA Horizon outpatient, Boksburg: 011 917 5015, with satellite offices in Daveyton and Etwatwa for the Benoni area
SANCA Eastern Gauteng, Boksburg South: 011 892 0875, 163 Leeupoort Street
SANCA Vaal Triangle, Vanderbijlpark: 016 933 2055
SANCA Greater Heidelberg: 016 349 2892
Makukhanye Alcohol and Drug Centre, Tembisa: 011 920 1227 or 084 204 6157, U12 Xubeni Section, Thembisa, 1632
Merafong Anti-Substance Abuse Centre, Carletonville: 018 786 1833
Westview Clinic satellite clinics, West Rand: 011 472 7707 or 011 760 1052

Free and subsidised rehab centres in the Western Cape

Most of the Western Cape’s listed centres are in Cape Town suburbs such as Bellville and Parow, with further options in Stellenbosch and Worcester. The province also has the country’s largest network of free outpatient services, through the City of Cape Town’s Matrix sites.

Kensington Treatment Centre, Maitland (Cape Town)

A state-funded inpatient treatment facility in Maitland, Cape Town, currently admitting children only.

Type: State-funded (referral from a social worker or doctor required)
Serves: Children only
Phone: 021 511 9169, 021 510 1735, or 021 826 6026
Email: russel.kinnear@westerncape.gov.za
Address: 85 6th Avenue, Kensington, Maitland, Cape Town

Stikland Psychiatric Hospital, Bellville (Cape Town)

Stikland is a public psychiatric hospital in Bellville with a dedicated detoxification unit for alcohol and substance dependence, along with inpatient rehabilitation services.

Type: State-funded (referral required)
Phone: 021 940 4400 or 021 940 4496
Alcohol and drug rehabilitation unit: 021 940 4429
Email: slh.ward13@westerncape.gov.za
Address: 75 De La Haye Road, Bellville

Hesketh King Treatment Centre, Muldersvlei (Stellenbosch)

Operated by the Salvation Army, Hesketh King is a residential rehabilitation centre that accepts people across income levels, including those with medical aid, private patients, and those without the means to cover fees.

Type: Subsidised (costs vary by income)
Serves: Men aged 21 and older
Phone: 021 884 4600
Email: hking@mweb.co.za
Website: hesketh.org.za
Address: Corner Old Paarl and Klipheuwel Roads, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch

Ramot Treatment Centre, Parow (Cape Town)

A residential rehabilitation centre in Parow, listed by SANCA National as an inpatient facility.

Type: Subsidised (means-tested fees)
Phone: 021 939 2033
Email: admin@ramot.co.za
Website: ramot.global
Address: 54 Toner Street, Parow East, 7500

Toevlug Treatment Centre, Worcester

Toevlug offers a residential programme for adults and a separate one for adolescents. The Department of Social Development subsidises a limited number of places for unemployed and financially marginalised patients in the Western Cape, and applicants for subsidised admission need to submit a motivational letter with their application.

Type: Subsidised (means-tested fees)
Serves: Men and women, and boys aged 13 to 17
Phone: 023 342 1162 or 023 342 1163
Email: opname@toevlug.org
Website: toevlug.org
Address: 40 Noble Street, Riverview, Worcester, 6850

Saartjie Baartman Women’s Centre, Athlone (Cape Town)

The Saartjie Baartman Centre is primarily an emergency shelter for women and children who have experienced abuse or violence. Within its residential programme, a dedicated ten-bed substance unit supports women dealing with addiction through counselling, detoxification support, and relapse prevention.

Serves: Women only
Phone: 021 633 1253 (24 hours)
WhatsApp: 076 470 9314
Website: saartjiebaartmancentre.org.za
Address: Klipfontein Road, Athlone, Cape Town, 7764

Free Matrix outpatient sites in Cape Town

The City of Cape Town runs free community-based alcohol and drug treatment at clinics across the metro. No referral is needed, and there is no charge.

Albow Gardens, Brooklyn: 021 444 5963
Delft South: 021 444 8444
Eersterivier: 021 444 7147
Parkwood: 021 444 4212
Manenberg, Ruimte Road: 021 444 3539
Kraaifontein, Harmonie Clinic: 021 444 8497
Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain: 021 444 4464
Town 2, Khayelitsha: 021 444 2919

Outpatient and community services in the Western Cape

SANCA Western Cape, Bellville: 021 945 4080
SANCA Athlone: 021 638 5116
SANCA Tygerberg, Bellville: 021 945 2099
SANCA Paarl: 021 872 9671
SANCA Garden Route, George: 044 884 0674
Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre, Observatory: 021 447 8026
Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre, Mitchells Plain: 021 397 0103
Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre, Atlantis: 021 571 7180
Sultan Bahu Centre, Hanover Park: 021 691 7782
Sultan Bahu Centre, Bellville: 021 694 9874
Sultan Bahu Centre, Mitchell’s Plain: 021 372 2945
Living Hope Recovery Home, Muizenberg: 021 788 7766
Realistic, Gugulethu: 021 633 1800
Equilibrium, Elsies River: 021 931 7745
Knysna Alcohol and Drug Centre: 087 095 3128
BOWL Community Centre, Worcester: 023 346 4749

Free and subsidised rehab centres in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)

KwaZulu-Natal’s inpatient centres are in Durban and Newcastle, with outpatient services across the province and two halfway houses for people leaving treatment.

Newlands Park Centre, Durban

A state-funded inpatient rehabilitation centre in Newlands West, Durban.

Type: State-funded (referral from a social worker required)
Phone: 031 578 3992
Address: 1 Homedale Place, Briardale, Newlands West, Durban

SANCA Durban

SANCA Durban provides residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment at its Lulama facility in Berea, near the city centre.

Type: Subsidised NPO (means-tested fees)
Phone: 031 202 2274, 031 202 2241, or 071 838 4626
Email: sancadbn@mweb.co.za
Address: 185 Vause Road, Berea, Durban, 4001

Madadeni Rehabilitation Centre, Newcastle

A state-funded inpatient rehabilitation centre in Madadeni township outside Newcastle.

Type: State-funded (referral from a social worker required)
Phone: 034 329 2011
Address: E9309 Section 5, Madadeni, Newcastle

Khanyani Treatment Centre, Newcastle

A state-funded inpatient treatment centre in the Amajuba District, Newcastle.

Type: State-funded (referral from a social worker required)
Phone: 034 317 3802
Address: 113 Panorama Drive, Newcastle

Halfway houses in KwaZulu-Natal

Halfway houses provide supported accommodation for people who have completed residential treatment and aren’t ready to return home.

Harmony Retreat, Greytown: 084 417 2227, on the Stanger and Kranskop road outside town
Haven of Rest, Tongaat: 032 944 6364, 58 Hospital Road, Brake Village

Outpatient and community services in KwaZulu-Natal

SANCA Durban, Berea: 031 202 2274
SANCA Pietermaritzburg: 033 345 4173
SANCA Newcastle: 034 312 3641
SANCA Zululand, Empangeni: 035 772 3290
SANCA Nongoma: 035 831 0677
Anti-Drug Forum, Chatsworth: 031 404 6993, 17 Trisula Avenue, Arena Park. Counselling and support groups are free, and only drug testing carries a charge.

SANCA also runs satellite offices across the province, including Ladysmith, Nquthu, and Jozini. Phone the nearest main branch above for their hours.

Free and subsidised rehab centres in the Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape’s centres are in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), East London, and Mthatha. SANCA Ibhayi in Gqeberha also serves Kariega (Uitenhage) and Despatch.

Ernest Malgas Treatment Centre, Gqeberha

Ernest Malgas is a state-funded residential treatment facility for young people, based in New Brighton, Gqeberha. The centre offers a nine-week residential programme using cognitive behaviour therapy and is the only facility of its kind in the Eastern Cape. Treatment is free.

Type: State-funded (referral from a social worker required)
Serves: Young people aged 13 to 18
Phone: 041 454 0058 or 076 922 1885
Address: Singapi Street, New Brighton, Gqeberha, 6200

SANCA East London

SANCA Central Eastern Cape offers inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment in Southernwood, with 22 beds.

Type: Subsidised NPO (means-tested fees)
Phone: 043 722 1210
Email: admin@sancacec.co.za
Website: sancacec.co.za
Address: 22 St Marks Road, Southernwood, East London, 5201

Thembelitsha Rehabilitation Centre, Mthatha

Thembelitsha is a registered non-profit organisation in the King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality, also serving the wider O.R. Tambo district. The government’s funded services list records it as an inpatient and community-based service with 35 beds.

Type: NPO
Phone: 066 509 2485
Email: thembelitsharehab@gmail.com
Address: 150 Sutherland Street, Fort Gale, Mthatha, 5100

Koinonia Recovery Centre, East London

Koinonia Recovery Centre is a faith-based substance abuse treatment facility offering long-term inpatient rehabilitation of 3 to 12 months in East London.

Phone: 071 830 1312
Email: help@koinoniarehab.co.za
Website: koinoniarehab.co.za
Address: Farm 1482, Nahoon Dam, East London, 5219

Outpatient and community services in the Eastern Cape

SANCA Ibhayi Wellness Centre, Walmer Heights (Gqeberha): 041 110 0725, weekdays 09:00 to 17:00, also serving Kariega and Despatch
SANCA East London: 043 722 1210

Free and subsidised rehab centres in Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga’s centres are in White River, close to Mbombela (Nelspruit), in the Nkangala District near Delmas, and in Piet Retief.

Swartfontein Treatment Centre, White River (near Mbombela)

A state-funded inpatient rehabilitation centre in White River, near Mbombela (Nelspruit).

Type: State-funded (referral from a social worker required)
Phone: 013 750 9918 or 013 750 9916
Address: R40 Hazyview Road, White River, 1240

Nkangala Rehabilitation Centre, Delmas

A state-funded inpatient treatment centre in the Nkangala District, near Delmas.

Type: State-funded (referral from a social worker required)
Phone: 013 665 0620
Address: Blesfontein Farm, Nkangala District, near Delmas

Mpumalanga Addiction Rehabilitation Centre, Piet Retief

MARC runs both an inpatient centre outside Piet Retief and an outpatient service in town.

Type: NPO
Phone: 017 200 1119 or 082 802 9000
Email: manager_outpatient@marcrehab.org.za
Website: marcrehab.org.za
Address: 1b Church Street, Piet Retief, 2380

Healing Wings Youth Centre, Sudwala (near Mbombela)

A residential centre for young people about 40km from Mbombela, registered as an NPO with the Department of Social Development and listed among the province’s funded services. Fees aren’t published. Ask about subsidised places when you call.

Type: NPO (fees not published)
Serves: Young people
Website: healingwings.co.za
Address: Sudwala, Mpumalanga

Outpatient and community services in Mpumalanga

SANCA Lowveld, Nelspruit: 013 752 4376
SANCA Witbank: 013 656 2370
SANCA Thembisile, Kwaggafontein: 013 986 0891

SANCA Witbank also runs satellite offices in Delmas, Middelburg, and Phola, among others.

Free and subsidised rehab centres in the Free State

The Free State’s inpatient options are in Bloemfontein and Botshabelo, with outpatient services in Welkom and Sasolburg.

Botshabelo Treatment Centre, Botshabelo (near Bloemfontein)

A state-funded inpatient rehabilitation centre at Botshabelo District Hospital, outside Bloemfontein.

Type: State-funded (referral from a social worker required)
Phone: 051 533 0815 or 051 533 0800
Address: Botshabelo Hospital Road, Botshabelo, Mangaung

SANCA Aurora, Bloemfontein

SANCA’s Aurora Centre in Naval View, Bloemfontein, offers inpatient and outpatient treatment.

Type: Subsidised NPO (means-tested fees)
Phone: 051 447 4111
Email: info@auroracentre.co.za
Address: 25 Cromwell Road, Naval View, Bloemfontein

Beyers Naude Halfway House, Clarens

A state-funded halfway house providing transitional residential support for people completing inpatient treatment, based near Clarens in the eastern Free State.

Type: State-funded (referral required)
Phone: 066 486 6906 or 066 487 6160
Address: Schaaplaats Road, Plot 0890, Petrusdale, Clarens

Outpatient and community services in the Free State

SANCA Goldfields, Welkom: 057 352 5444
SANCA Sasolburg: 016 976 2051

Free and subsidised rehab centres in the Northern Cape

Northern Cape Substance Dependency Treatment Centre, Kimberley

The main state-funded inpatient rehabilitation centre in the Northern Cape, on the R31 outside Kimberley.

Type: State-funded (referral from a social worker required)
Phone: 053 802 3300 or 053 874 9103
Address: Plot 42654, R31 National Road, Kimberley

Outpatient and community services in the Northern Cape

SANCA Tsantsabane, Postmasburg: 074 124 6428
Northern Cape Drug Rehabilitation Centre, Kimberley: 064 493 8075, email ncdrc786@gmail.com, 13 Chapel Street, Kimberley CBD
Northern Cape Substance Dependency Treatment Centre, Kimberly: Plot 42654
Northern Cape Alcohol and Drug Office, Upington: 054 399 2456, 4 Hoop Street Extension

Free and subsidised rehab centres in North West

North West has two state inpatient centres and one subsidised NPO centre. Rustenburg has no funded centre of its own, and the rehabilitation centre there is private. SANPARK in Klerksdorp is the nearest subsidised option.

JB Marks Treatment Centre, Potchefstroom

A state-funded inpatient treatment centre on the grounds of Witrand Psychiatric Hospital in Potchefstroom.

Type: State-funded (referral from a social worker required)
Phone: 018 294 5134 or 018 294 9100
Address: Witrand Hospital, Deppe Street, Dassierand, Potchefstroom

Taung Treatment Centre, Taung

A state-funded inpatient rehabilitation centre at Taung Hospital.

Type: State-funded (referral from a social worker required)
Phone: 053 994 1379 or 053 994 8100
Address: Taung Hospital, Magistrate Road, Taung

SANCA SANPARK, Klerksdorp

SANPARK is a SANCA-affiliated centre offering inpatient and outpatient treatment for substance use and gambling, and has operated as a registered NPO for more than 60 years.

Type: Subsidised NPO (means-tested fees, and most medical aids accepted)
Phone: 018 462 4568, 018 462 4569, or 079 510 9415
Email: director@sanparkklerksdorp.co.za
Website: sanparkklerksdorp.co.za
Address: Corner Bishop Desmond Tutu and Paul Kruger Streets, Klerksdorp, 2571

Free and subsidised rehab centres in Limpopo

Seshego Treatment Centre, Seshego (near Polokwane)

The main state-funded inpatient rehabilitation centre in Limpopo, in Seshego near Polokwane.

Type: State-funded (referral from a social worker required)
Phone: 015 233 7016 or 015 233 7017
Address: Corner Nelson Mandela Drive and Bookelo Street, Seshego

Outpatient and community services in Limpopo

SANCA Limpopo, Polokwane: 015 295 3700, with satellite offices including Tzaneen, Bela Bela, and Thohoyandou

Limpopo also has dozens of community prevention programmes funded by the Department of Social Development. Most focus on prevention and awareness rather than treatment, and the full government list names them by village.

If private treatment is an option

Private rehabilitation centres can usually offer more clinical support, including on-site medical and psychiatric staff, individual treatment plans, and more intensive programmes. Many are covered by medical aid, because substance use disorders are prescribed minimum benefits in South Africa that every registered scheme must cover.

If you have medical aid and aren’t sure what you’re entitled to, Houghton House’s admissions team can check your benefits and handle pre-authorisation for you. As a fully licensed psychiatric hospital, Houghton House can also claim for mental health care where a co-occurring condition qualifies under psychiatric PMBs.

Phone: 011 787 9142 (24 hours)
WhatsApp: 079 770 7532
Email: info@houghtonhouse.co.za

Know of a rehab facility or resource we should include here?

We’re continuing to add subsidised and community-based services across all provinces. If you know of a facility or programme that should be listed here, contact us at info@houghtonhouse.co.za.

Frequently asked questions about free and government rehabs

What is the admission process for a state-funded rehabilitation centre?

Getting into a state-funded inpatient centre involves several steps, and the process can take time.

Step 1: Visit your nearest Department of Social Development office, or a community-based service such as SANCA, to be assessed by a registered social worker
Step 2: The social worker screens you to decide whether outpatient or inpatient care is needed
Step 3: For inpatient placement, you’ll need a medical clearance report from a public clinic, which confirms you’re physically ready for treatment and screens for underlying conditions
Step 4: The social worker submits your file to the regional Department of Social Development panel to secure a bed at a suitable facility

If you aren’t sure where to start, the substance abuse helpline (0800 12 13 14) can walk you through the process and point you to the nearest social worker.

Are government rehabilitation centres free?

Some are, but most government-funded and subsidised centres charge a nominal fee, well below private rates. Some centres use a sliding scale based on income, and treatment may cost nothing for those who qualify. The City of Cape Town’s Matrix sites are free and need no referral. Contact the facility directly, or call the substance abuse helpline on 0800 12 13 14, to find out what applies in your situation.

What is SANCA and what does it cost?

SANCA (the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence) is a non-profit that operates treatment centres across most provinces. Fees vary by centre and are generally subsidised, which makes SANCA one of the more accessible options for people without medical aid. Contact your nearest SANCA centre directly for current fees.

Is there a waiting list for free rehab in South Africa?

Usually, yes, for inpatient centres. Waiting times depend on the province, the facility, and how many beds are free when you apply. Outpatient and community services, including SANCA branches and the Matrix sites in Cape Town, tend to start much sooner, which is why many people begin there while waiting for a residential bed.

What is the difference between government and private rehabs?

Government-funded and subsidised centres offer essential care at reduced cost, but they typically have longer waiting lists, larger groups, and fewer clinical resources than private facilities. Private rehabilitation centres offer on-site doctors and psychiatric staff, individual treatment plans, and more intensive care, and medical aid often covers them. The right option depends on the level of support needed and what’s financially accessible.

How do I get admitted to a subsidised rehabilitation centre?

The process varies by facility. Some accept direct applications, while others require a referral from a social worker or the Department of Social Development. The substance abuse helpline (0800 12 13 14) can guide you through the referral process and help confirm availability near you.

Does medical aid cover rehabilitation?

Yes. Substance use disorders are prescribed minimum benefits in South Africa, which means all registered medical aids must cover addiction treatment. If you have medical aid, contact your scheme directly or speak to Houghton House’s admissions team, who can check your benefits and handle pre-authorisation for you.

Where can I get help right now?

Call the substance abuse helpline on 0800 12 13 14 (free, 24 hours) or SMS 32312. You can also WhatsApp Ke Moja on 087 163 2025 between 08:00 and 17:00. Counsellors can help you find a treatment facility or reach a social worker for a referral, whatever your income.

If you’re considering private treatment or have medical aid, Houghton House’s admissions line is also open 24 hours on 011 787 9142.

Does Houghton House treat minors?

No. Houghton House treats adults only. For young people under 18, Elim Clinic in Kempton Park offers a dedicated youth programme, and Netcare Akeso runs adolescent psychiatric and addiction programmes at several of its facilities nationally (crisis line 0861 435 787, available 24 hours).