Dr. ZAE Motala is a distinguished psychiatrist who runs a small mental health facility in Parktown. 

He completed his medical education at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he was exposed to different branches of psychiatry, including psychotherapy and child and adolescent psychiatry.

His clinic is preferred by many for its reliable reputation and solid track record. Moreover, Dr. Motala is highly-commended for great patient communication and relations, which is one of the reasons why we included his clinic on our list. 

Another feature we love about this clinic is its excellent hands-on aftercare. Patients commend how the doctor regularly checks in after sessions even when they don’t have appointments set.

We also like that their facilities are spacious and comfortable. Patients appreciate the clinic’s efforts to create a safe space for vulnerability and healing.

Dr. Motala diagnoses and treats adolescents and adults and we love that he deals with several mental disorders, including abuse, addiction, ADHD, bipolar disorder, dementia, depression, and more.

Nonetheless, we would’ve preferred if there was an option to set an appointment online through their website. Instead, you’d have to call in or drop by the clinic personally. 

Also, take note that Dr. Motala’s clinic is quite busy as they’re in demand. We suggest you reach out before all slots are taken.

We highly recommend Psych Central for high-quality psychotherapy and counselling. Although they’re a newly-established business founded in 2019, they’re currently partnered with over 100 psychiatrists, counsellors and social workers.

One of our favourite features of this mental health clinic is they offer several types of therapy sessions. Patients can opt for either in-person or online consultations, which we commend.

We also love that Psych Central caters to individuals, couples, and even groups. They also provide their services to children, adolescents, and adults.

Generally, Psych Central offers three types of services: counselling, psychotherapy, and social work. 

Psych Central also offers several value-added services like online courses, releases podcasts, and support groups, and this feature sets them apart from other mental health centres.

Price-wise, we appreciate how the centre implements affordable rates for their sessions. The great news is, if you’re interested in psychotherapy, medical aids cover most of the session fee, which means you’d only have to pay around R 200 per session. 

Take note, though, that counselling and social work are not covered by medical aids. That said, each session only costs around R 550-580, which is very affordable.

Another thing we like about Psych Central is its seamless and convenient processes. They have an app where you can create your profile, set and manage your bookings, and reach out to professionals when needed. 

Regardless, there are minor complaints about Psych Central’s unresponsiveness in answering inquiries and concerns sent through platforms other than their application. 

The Day Clinic is a psychiatric day hospital programme that provides outpatient services. They’re located in the Oxford Healthcare Centre in Saxonwold.

The centre is led by mental health specialists from public and private mental health sectors who have come together to provide support for individuals struggling with mental health disorders.

Their services are suited for those in need of intensive treatment but are not required for overnight psychiatric hospitalisation. Most of their clients are discharged patients from wards who are seeking for further treatment and support. 

The Day Clinic implements a five-day intensive programme that’s focused on counselling and support group sessions. 

They implement Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), which is designed to regulate one’s emotions and develop every day coping skills. This programme is a convenient choice as it’s included in most hospital plans.

One of their strongest assets is their people and resources. The Day Clinic has a generous, inviting and functional space where they’re able to host sessions.

The Day Clinic also offers professional training for practitioners who want to specialise in DBT, which we think is awesome.

Furthermore, the clinic works with a group of distinguished and seasoned psychiatrists. We love how The Day Clinic is dedicated to providing excellent assistance to their patients and values patients’ comfort. 

However, there are a few complaints from previous patients about the behaviour of some of The Day Clinic’s staff. Patients shared with us their shock and disappointment after they experienced dealing with impolite personnel.

We’re also a bit concerned about the clinic’s automated booking system as there are a few reports of it being faulty. 

We’re told some appointments are not updated or are randomly cancelled for no reason. To make sure your booked schedule is correct, we suggest calling the clinic to confirm, just in case.

Akeso Clinic is one of the leading mental health establishments in South Africa. They’re a branch of private healthcare provider Netcare that was founded to provide psychiatric assistance to patients.

They offer facility hospitalisation and outpatient therapy and services to their patients. They also provide their treatments in-person and virtually, which we commend. 

Akeso Clinic is very patient-centred and is dedicated to provide patients with a collaborative approach to healing and recovery, which is one of the reasons why we selected them.

Unlike other centres, Akeso Clinic is partnered with both psychiatrists and psychologists for counselling and education. They also work with a long list of mental disorders, including addiction, eating disorders, PTSD, grief and loss, and more.

Another unique feature Akeso Clinic has is they cater to a broad range of patients, including geriatrics. The clinic has a set of experienced specialists that work with ageing disorders. 

They have several branches nationally and each clinic has complete and high-end facilities, which we love. The one in Joburg is located in the wealthy suburb of Parktown.

However, there are several complaints from previous patients regarding the clinic’s poor treatment towards patients. We’re told there are several staff who are rude and insensitive.

On top of that, we’re disappointed to hear how power play seems to be prevalently implemented in the facilities. Some patients complained that they felt like they were treated like prisoners instead of patients, which to us is appalling.

Last but not least, we have Meaningful Minds Psychologists. They’re a multi-faceted psychology practice made up of a group of distinguished psychologists in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

They offer psychotherapy treatment to individuals, couples and children. Their programme usually lasts two months to a whole year, depending on each patient’s case.

The clinic offers a wide range of psychotherapy and counselling that focus on adulthood, relationships, experiences of children and teens, self development and Dialetical Behavioural Therapy. 

They also administer assessments and diagnosis for their patients. You can also access a free mental health guide on their website in care you’re not decided to seek professional help yet.

Meaningful Minds Psychologists has several clinics in the two provinces and they also offer online therapy sessions, which is a big plus for us. 

Another thing we like about this mental health centre is its affordable rates. Their sessions are priced from R 750 to R 950, which is cheaper compared to their competitors.

They’re also partnered with most major medical aids, which is awesome. Take note, though, that discounts vary depending on the aid provider.

There are a handful of grievances involving some of the clinic’s doctors. We’re told there are patients that encountered rude and thoughtless psychiatrists, which is disheartening.  

Moreover, some complained about how it’s difficult to get ahold of Meaningful Minds Psychologists’ representatives to attend to patients’ concerns and questions.