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WESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENTSTELLENBOSCH MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
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Mental Health Awareness Month · October 2026

Mental health is everybody's business.

Support is available at Stellenbosch Hospital and local clinics. Meet the people behind the service and learn when to reach out.

Explore the team ↓How to get help
Illustration of three people in conversation
YOU DO NOT NEED A DIAGNOSIS TO ASK FOR HELP
You are not alone. It is okay to ask for help. Recovery is possible. Your feelings matter. One conversation can be a first step.
Meet the team

Real people. Different kinds of support.

Each team member brings a different skill. These are the topics planned for their short videos.

Illustrated portrait of Dr Lawson EksteenVideo pending

Family physician

Dr Lawson Eksteen

Your mental and physical health

Medical assessment, treatment options and care planning.

Portrait of Ronald DaviesVideo pending

Clinical psychologist

Ronald Davies

When difficulties feel complex

Psychological assessment and specialist therapy.

Illustrated portrait of Vivian LeibrandtVideo pending

Registered counsellor

Vivian Leibrandt

What happens in counselling?

Brief counselling, coping skills and early support.

Illustrated portrait of Sr Sue-Ellen du PlessisVideo pending

Mental health nurse

Sr Sue-Ellen du Plessis

Medication and follow-up

Symptom monitoring, medication effects and crisis support.

Illustrated portrait of Demi AlexanderVideo pending

Occupational therapist

Demi Alexander

Finding your daily rhythm again

Routines, self-care and returning to everyday activities.

Illustrated portrait of Liesl SassmanVideo pending

Social worker

Liesl Sassman

Support beyond the consultation

Family, safety and practical community resources.

The portraits and proposed video topics are for this team preview. Videos will be added after the staff have recorded and approved their clips.
Our services

What can you reach out about?

You do not need the right words. Tell us what has been difficult, and we can discuss the next step together.

01

Worry or panic

Feeling anxious, on edge or unable to switch off.

Learn more

This may include racing thoughts, a pounding heart, shortness of breath, poor sleep or avoiding situations because of fear.

02

Low mood or loss

Feeling down, withdrawn, hopeless or grieving.

Learn more

You may notice low energy, changes in sleep or appetite, losing interest in things, tearfulness or difficulty coping after a loss.

03

Stress and relationships

Pressure at home, work, school or in relationships.

Learn more

Support can help with conflict, separation, parenting strain, work pressure, school difficulties or major life changes.

04

Alcohol or drugs

Concerns about your own use or someone close to you.

Learn more

Reach out if alcohol or drug use is affecting health, relationships, work, safety or your ability to cope.

05

Trauma or safety

Struggling after violence or a frightening event.

Learn more

Possible signs include nightmares, unwanted memories, feeling constantly alert, avoiding reminders, feeling numb or not feeling safe.

06

Ongoing care

Symptoms, medication concerns or difficulty with daily life.

Learn more

Ask for help if symptoms have changed, medication is causing concern, appointments were missed or daily tasks are becoming difficult.

Voices of hope

Small steps can make a real difference.

Reflections showing how different members of the mental health team may support patients and families.

“I couldn’t believe how easy it was to speak to the counsellor. He made me feel comfortable, and I got a lot from our sessions.”
42-year-old woman, Khayamandi
“I didn’t know how to explain everything that was going on in my head. The psychologist helped me make sense of it, and I don’t feel so stuck anymore.”
35-year-old woman, Cloetesville
“I was scared to talk at first, but the sister was patient with me. She explained things in a way I could understand, and I didn’t feel judged.”
29-year-old man, Klapmuts
“My child used to struggle with simple routines, and we were both getting frustrated. The occupational therapist showed us small things we could do at home, and it has really helped.”
Parent of an 8-year-old child, Idas Valley
“I honestly didn’t know where to start or who to ask for help. The social worker sat with me, explained my options and helped me work out what to do next.”
47-year-old woman, Groendal
“I kept going to the clinic because I wasn’t feeling well, but I didn’t realise stress was affecting my body. The doctor listened to everything and helped me understand what was happening.”
54-year-old man, Kylemore

Illustrative composite reflections for staff review; replace with approved patient feedback before public use.

How to get help

Mental health support is available through your nearest clinic or Stellenbosch Hospital OPD.

01 Speak to a healthcare worker at your nearest clinic or Stellenbosch Hospital OPD.
02 Tell them that you would like mental health support.
03 They will guide you through the appointment or referral process.
04 If there is immediate danger, go to your nearest emergency centre.

Mental health services offered at

Cloetesville ClinicGroendal ClinicIdas Valley ClinicJamestown ClinicKhayamandi ClinicKlapmuts ClinicKylemore Clinic

You can also ask for mental health support at Stellenbosch Hospital.

Mental health support is available at local clinics and Stellenbosch Hospital.