A way of life

Life St Joseph's is a dedicated mental healthcare facility specialising in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including substance dependence or other addictions that are associated with these disorders.

Our treatment programmes, facilitated by our multi-disciplinary team, have been developed to achieve optimal outcomes through the short term treatment of mental healthcare users in a tranquil and therapeutic environment conducive to their recovery.

Monitoring our users views on all aspects of our service keeps us up to date with their needs and enable us to provide them with the best possible service at all times.

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Our team

Our multi-disciplinary team of medical, therapy and nursing professionals involved in the treatment and care of users of the mental health services offered at Life St Joseph`s, is reflective of our holistic approach to mental healthcare. Working closely together, the aim of the team is to achieve optimal outcomes for users. The composition of the multi-disciplinary team is tailored to the needs of each specific user.

The team includes the following healthcare professionals:

• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Occupational therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Social workers
• Dieticians
• Mental health nursing practitioners

Our facilities

The modern 80 bed Life St Joseph’s facility has been specifically designed and decorated to foster a sense of peace and tranquillity to assist users in their recovery.

The facility houses the following:

• Private, semi-private and three bed rooms for adult mental healthcare users admitted on a voluntary basis.
• A five bed ward for adolescent mental healthcare users.
• An electro-convulsive therapy facility.
• Individual and group therapy rooms.
• Lounges, TV and family visitation rooms.
• Dining rooms with catering services.
• Private courtyards and gardens.

Specialist facilities

Treatment programmes for psychiatric disorders
Treatment programmes for psychiatric disorders are based on cognitive-behavioural principles, and are designed to provide comprehensive and holistic treatment in order to facilitate recovery in people affected by:

• mood and anxiety disorders (i.e. depression, phobias, post-traumatic stress and panic disorders);
• personality disorders (i.e. avoidance and dependence disorders); or
• psychotic disorders (i.e. schizophrenia and delusional disorders).

The primary objective is to mobilise internal and external resources in the promotion, restoration and maintenance of mental health – thereby helping the user to reach an optimal level of functioning as a valued person.

Based on an assessment of the individual user, specific therapeutic modalities which will be beneficial to that specific user are selected. Other concomitant medical and psychiatric conditions are also attended to. Treatment regimes, supported by 24 hour specialised nursing care, can include any of the following:

• Individual psychological assessment and psychotherapy
• Individual, group and family therapy
• Electro-convulsive therapy (if indicated)
• Occupational therapy
• Stress management programmes

Addiction treatment programme
Our mental healthcare programmes also include a treatment programme to assist users whose functioning has become further impaired either as a result of their dependency on psychoactive substances or any other addiction associated with their mental disorder.

This intervention programme is aimed at breaking the cycle of addiction through detoxifying the user whilst implementing an intensive cognitive behavioural psychotherapy programme. The primary goal is to interrupt the cycle of addiction and to foster maintenance of abstinence. This programme, supported by 24 hour specialised nursing care, includes the following:

• Medical treatment
• Group and individual occupational therapy and psychotherapy
• Facilitating family support

Our programme strongly focuses on the improvement of the individual`s:

• physical functioning;
• self-esteem;
• self-image;
• interpersonal relationships;
• positive family interaction; and
• vocational productivity

Mental Healthcare users will also be assisted to develop realistic life goals and a healthy lifestyle in the absence of substance dependence or other addictive behaviour.

Supporting doctors

The doctors listed below are private practitioners. Please enquire about their rates directly with the practice.

Patient and visitor information

Admissions

Persons who voluntarily seek professional healthcare assistance for psychiatric disorders or addiction need to be referred to one of the admitting psychiatrists at Life St Joseph`s for a consultation. The psychiatrist will determine whether admission is necessary and, if so, facilitate the admission process.

For after hour emergency situations, Life Entabeni Hospital`s 24 hour emergency unit should be approached for assistance (tel. 031 204 1377). The unit is situated across the road from Life St Joseph`s.

Support after discharge

After discharge, mental healthcare users who have completed their treatment programme whilst in our facility will be supported through a dedicated aftercare support system. This system has been established to assist and monitor users for a period of 12 months. During this time social workers offer individual follow-up and support on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on the user`s need. Users are also encouraged and assisted to identify and join appropriate support groups.

For further information on Life St Joseph`s or admission procedures please contact the unit manager at telephone 031 204 1470 or by email to support.stjosephs@lifehealthcare.co.za

Please also visit the dedicated facilities page for Life St Joseph’s listed under hospitals (name search) on the Life Healthcare website for more information.