Traditional healers’ role in mental healthcare

South Africa only has 975 registered psychiatrists serving a population of more than 60 million. October is Mental Health Awareness Month and the theme this is ‘Mental health in an unequal world’.

The South African Society of Psychiatrists says traditional and spiritual healers could play a key role in improving access to treatment for common mental health conditions.

Dr Lerato Dikobe-Kalane says there are lots of alternative healing methods to use.