A general medical practitioner (GP), specialist psychiatrist or psychologist can be consulted for diagnosis and evaluation of your mental health, once a decrease in functioning is experienced, due to your symptoms. In South Africa people can consult a psychiatrist in private practice (which is paid for by medical aid or in cash by the patient) or in public services.

A psychologist is a therapist, who would be able to evaluate and analyse your emotions, behaviours and thought patterns in order to provide a diagnosis and management in the form of specific skills or supportive therapy (amongst others) in order to improve your mental health and overall functioning.

A psychiatrist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor who has specialised in the study of psychiatric illnesses, with a particular focus on the prevention and treatment of emotional, mental and behavioural disorders. The psychiatrist would first exclude any medical causes, relating to your symptoms and would be able to provide both medication, as well as psycho-therapy, in your journey to recovery. The full multi-disciplinary team is required for optimal "mental health rehabilitation".

• When you have troubling mental health symptoms, influencing your day-to-day functioning and you are uncertain whether they are related to a physical or mental health condition.

• When you are not responding to the basic psychiatric medication prescribed by your GP, or have more complex medical comorbid conditions.

• You are not responding adequately to therapy sessions with your psychologist, alone.

• You think you may require admission to hospital based on the severity of your mental health symptoms.

• You have been diagnosed with a mental disorder and are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

First consultation would either be 60 or 90 minutes, based on each individual case. Afterwards, follow-up sessions would either be 30 or 60 minutes in duration.

You should first be evaluated by your GP (who would refer to a psychiatrist) or treating psychiatrist, for an evaluation on the need and indication for admission. A risk assessment would also be done, to determine the best facility for your specific needs. You may be admitted as soon as a bed and your managing psychiatrist is available.

Alternatively, should you feel that you are a danger to yourself or the general society and you don't have a managing psychiatrist yet, you can go directly to your nearest emergency department.

In case of a psychiatric emergency, you can call the National Counseling Life Line at 0861 322 322 .