Mental Therapy in South Africa - What to Know About Online Therapy Consultations

Dealing with mental health challenges can be overwhelming, but access to professional help is evolving. In South Africa, mental therapy is adapting to the digital age, offering online therapy consultations as a convenient and accessible option through online mental healthcare offered by mental health apps like Kena Health. 

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Join us as we explore the world of online mental therapy in South Africa. We asked one of our resident mental health experts, Iyanda Nyoni, who has ongoing day-to-day experience, for her thoughts on popular questions regarding mental therapy in South Africa.

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Who is Iyanda Nyoni?

Iyanda is a Registered Counsellor with a background in Applied Psychology, holding an Honours degree (B Psych Hons) from SA College of Applied Psychology. Her areas of expertise lie in primary mental health, and she is known for her competence in diversity and gender-affirming counselling. 

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With her wealth of experience, authentic enthusiasm, and compassionate approach, Iyanda is dedicated to offering assistance and giving hope to those who seek her support. 

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Iyanda counsels individuals, couples, families, and groups in South Africa. She also performs Psycho-educational workshops, training sessions, and psychological talks to further educate people about mental health and well-being. Iyanda is proficient in English, Sesotho, IsiXhosa, and IsiZulu.

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Read on to discover what you need to know about mental therapy and online mental therapy.

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What is mental therapy?

It is counselling of an individual or groups with the goal of improving their mental well-being as well as equipping said individuals with the necessary coping tools to help them tackle issues that affect their mental well-being.

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How does mental therapy work?

• Mental therapy is largely recognised as “talk therapy” as it is carried out through talking through issues and challenges that the patient faces. Talking to a professional and sounding out your issues helps you gain perspective on your challenges and aids in finding ways to combat them. 

• The therapist takes the role of facilitation as every individual has an innate ability to solve problems but sometimes may need guidance on how to do it. Mental therapy provides the platform for that."

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What are the five types of therapy?

1. Psychoanalysis focuses on the subconscious mind and how it manifests in the conscious mind. It looks at feelings, thoughts and behaviours and tries to make sense of it through what it may mean for you subconsciously.
2. Humanism: based on the premise that all humans have the potential to reach their maximum potential and work towards actualising it); 
3. Behaviourism: focuses on the influences of “abnormal” behaviour as well as conditioning to help resolve behavioural challenges); 
4. Holistic approach: not tied to one approach but borrows from different approaches according to patient needs); 
5. Cognitive approach: focuses on how thoughts influence feelings and behaviours.

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How do online mental therapy consultations work?

Online consultations work similarly to face-to-face consultations; there is no difference in treatment plans and approaches used, except patients tend to find it less daunting as they are within comfortable spaces of their choices.

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How many online consultations of mental therapy will I need?

The number of sessions varies from person to person, depending on their individual needs; however, it is recommended that individuals have at least three sessions. This allows the patient and therapist to work towards the identified challenge using various techniques.

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Who talks to you during online mental therapy?

Much like a face-to-face session, the patient is spoken to by a skilled and registered mental health professional.  On Kena Health, many of our consultations happen by chat; patients enjoy the relative anonymity and feel very comfortable chatting this way.

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Are my online therapy consultations confidential?

Yes, all therapy sessions are confidential, as the rules and regulations of the HPCSA govern mental health professionals.

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What is the best way to get online mental therapy?

There are various options available to individuals’ disposal. The person seeking therapy should research the options available and make a choice that will suit their needs based on cost, sustainability, and how the platform operates.

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On the Kena Health app, you can consult with a registered mental health professional from the privacy of your phone, from wherever you are, for only R 235, less than a fraction of the cost of a therapist. 

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Our therapists can counsel in many of the official languages in South Africa.

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How long do I need to have therapy for until I’m better?

Therapy outcomes are not the same for everyone as some people may feel better on the first session while others may feel better on the sixth session. 

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How long it takes is strictly subjective to the person receiving the therapy, but it is also important to be mindful of the iterative nature of therapy and how it would factor into determining how long it takes to feel better.

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Thank you, Iyanda

We can't wait to catch up with Iyanda again. We enjoyed learning more about mental therapy.

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So, whether you're seeking therapy for yourself or a loved one, understanding the landscape of online consultations is a crucial step towards improved mental well-being.

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Mental therapy is crucial in enhancing our mental well-being and equipping us with the tools to tackle life's challenges. Online consultations have become convenient and accessible for seeking professional help in South Africa. 

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Download and try the Kena Health Mental Health App

Download the Kena Health mental health app for an affordable and accessible way to connect with registered mental health professionals providing counselling in various official languages. 

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Remember, your mental well-being matters, and seeking in-person or online therapy is a valuable step toward a healthier, happier you.