Bestmed Mental Health Helpline:
Statistically, mental health disorders affect one in every four people in South Africa. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on those with pre-existing mental health conditions and has also seen many more developing mental health issues due to financial stress and the uncertainty of what the future holds.
Bestmed has partnered with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) as of 1 January 2021 to offer members a toll-free 24-hour mental health helpline, with the aim of supporting Scheme beneficiaries who are experiencing mental health issues by managing its effects, providing additional support and improving quality of life.
How the helpline works:
• Beneficiaries have access to SADAG’s telephone counselling and support services, 24 hours a day via the dedicated toll-free helpline (080 062 7775), email address (mentalhealth@bestmed.co.za), or SMS line via 43323.
• After a beneficiary provides detailed information to the SADAG counsellor and has undergone the screening process to determine the status of the call or electronic query (SMS/email), the counsellor will provide the beneficiary with practical advice, referrals, resources and an action plan based on the beneficiary’s unique needs.
• Referrals to resources include, but are not limited to, support groups, mental health professionals (subject to available benefits), treatment centres and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
• Beneficiaries also have access to SADAG’s online services such as the website, online videos, weekly Facebook expert chats and webinars.
• The mental health offering forms part of the Bestmed Tempo wellness programme offered to all registered beneficiaries across the 13 benefit options free of charge.
Beneficiaries do not incur any additional costs for utilising these services, except if they consult with a mental health professional on a personal basis and as referred to by a SADAG counsellor. The cost for these consultations (which are not part of the helpline) will be funded from the relevant benefit amounts in accordance with the beneficiary’s chosen benefit option structure.
For queries regarding this benefit, beneficiaries can contact the Bestmed Contact Centre on 086 000 2378 or via email to service@bestmed.co.za. Beneficiaries can also make use of the online chat function, ChatNow.
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