When anxiety keeps you awake or depression makes ordinary tasks feel difficult, you need to know what treatment would actually involve. Renewed Life Center is a residential centre in Lakeside, Cape Town, with individual counselling, therapy groups and a doctor who reviews the medication you take.

Our team works with anxiety and depression alongside addiction. Tell us what is happening, whether or not alcohol, pills or another addiction are part of it, and we will discuss whether our programme is suitable. You do not need a diagnosis before making contact.

Anxiety and Depression Support in Cape Town

Talk through your situation

Start with what has become difficult

You may be struggling with persistent worry, low mood, broken sleep or a loss of interest in things you used to enjoy. Perhaps you are getting through work but have little left for the people at home. Alcohol, sleeping tablets or another substance can also become a way to cope.

The first conversation is about those difficulties and the help you have already tried. A 45- to 90-minute assessment with our counselling team follows if you are considering admission. It looks at your needs and whether this programme is the right setting for your care.

When anxiety, depression and addiction overlap

A drink can feel like relief from worry; a tablet can become the only way you expect to sleep. When both mental health and substance use need attention, treating them together matters. At RLC, your counsellor works with both, and the clinical team discusses each client’s progress rather than leaving the two problems in separate plans.

Our dual diagnosis programme explains this approach in more detail. Prescribed medication is considered as part of your care: admission does not automatically mean stopping antidepressants or ADHD medication. Dr John Wulz, our GP, examines you after arrival and reviews what you take.

What the therapy involves

A counsellor of your own
You meet one-to-one every week, with time to discuss your history, the problems affecting daily life and what you want to change. Ruby Weber, the psychologist who heads psychology at the centre, brings more than 20 years in the addictions field to the psychological work.
Practical work throughout the week
CBT helps you examine thoughts and behaviours that keep difficulties going. Weekday groups include DBT for managing strong feelings, schema therapy for long-standing patterns, and psychoeducation to help you understand what you are experiencing. Nikki Edwards oversees the programme as Programme Director and Clinical Manager.
Trauma work where it is needed
EMDR is one of the methods available for trauma. The team considers how this fits your treatment; you do not need to describe a traumatic experience in your first message. Read more about our trauma and PTSD treatment.
A routine beyond talking
Regular meals, time with other people and a weekday programme give shape to days that may have become difficult to manage. Art therapy, yoga and TRE are part of the programme alongside the counselling and groups.

Ask what treatment would involve for you

Staying in Lakeside

Treatment here takes place in a house, with the mountain ridge behind the property and Muizenberg beach a short drive away. Rooms sleep no more than two people, with men and women in separate rooms, and private rooms are available.

You keep your phone and laptop. If work needs to continue, agree with your counsellor how much remote work fits around treatment. The point of staying is to have time for the work you came to do, with support close by.

Support for the people at home

A partner or parent can speak to us before the person has agreed to come. During treatment, the client’s counsellor keeps the family informed with their consent. There is a weekly family support group by video, and the counsellor plans family sessions when they will help.

Relatives can also book sessions for themselves. That gives the people at home space to discuss their own worry and how to support their relative. Visits can begin in the first week, and children can visit. Our family therapy page explains the different ways to take part.

Length of stay and returning home

Your counsellor plans the length with you. Most clients in our residential programme stay into a second month, allowing more time for emotional work, relationships and changing established patterns.

For clients working on addiction as well as anxiety or depression, each discharge includes a written relapse-prevention plan for home. Further support can include sober living or an outpatient programme when recommended by the counsellor. These are options to discuss as part of your own plan.

The first conversation and the cost

Tell us what has been happening, any treatment you have had and the medication you currently take. The first conversation is free and confidential, takes 20 to 40 minutes by WhatsApp, video or phone, and we reply the same day. A relative can make the first contact.

The fee depends on the programme and how long you stay. We give it on the first call and send it in writing the same day. Ask what your quote includes for any medical care. Admission can be immediate and typically happens within three days of first contact, following assessment.

If you may be dependent on alcohol or sedatives, get medical advice before stopping suddenly. Continue prescribed medication as directed unless your prescriber changes it.

If you feel at risk of harming yourself or cannot stay safe, get emergency help immediately rather than waiting for our reply. Thoughts of suicide also deserve prompt professional support even when there is no immediate danger. You or someone close to you can contact us separately to discuss the treatment we offer.

Start a free, confidential conversation

Questions about treatment

Can I contact you if I do not have an addiction?

Yes. Tell us about your anxiety or depression, current treatment and what help you need. Our team will discuss whether this programme fits your situation before any admission is agreed.

Will I have to stop my antidepressants?

Coming to RLC does not automatically mean stopping your prescribed medication. Our doctor reviews it with you. Do not change your dose on your own.

Can my family take part from another city or country?

Yes. The weekly family group runs by video, and family therapy sessions can also take place by video when planned by the counsellor, with the client’s consent.