Admissions at The Ark

A careful process, for the right reasons

Admission to The Ark begins with an in-depth assessment. This forms the foundation of effective private mental health care. Understanding each individual’s history, presentation and needs before they arrive allows us to ensure The Ark is genuinely the right setting, and that the right clinical team and programme are in place from day one.

Speak to our team

Is The Ark right for you?

The Ark is a residential mental health retreat in South Africa for adults with non-acute presentations, who are stable enough to engage in structured therapeutic work. All admissions are voluntary.

Find out if The Ark is right for you

We work with individuals navigating:

  • Depression and persistent low mood
  • Anxiety disorders
  • PTSD and unresolved trauma
  • OCD and related presentations
  • ADHD, autism or AuDHD
  • Burnout and emotional exhaustion
Find out if The Ark is right for you

When The Ark may not be the right fit

The Ark is a calm, structured therapeutic environment – something that is key for treatment outcomes. Where we might not be the right fit, we will do everything to help guide you and refer you toward a more appropriate setting.

To safeguard that, we are unlikely to admit individuals presenting with:

  • Active suicidal or self-harm risk;
  • Psychosis or acute psychiatric instability;
  • Aggressive or challenging behaviours;
  • Active substance misuse challenges (primary addiction presentations are typically better supported by our colleagues at White River Manor)
  • A criminal history that may affect the safety or wellbeing of other clients*

*This is not an exhaustive list, The Ark reserves the right to make discretionary decisions at any point.

What does the admissions process involve?

1.

Initial enquiry: Contact our team by phone or email. All enquiries are handled confidentially. We will discuss your situation and answer any questions you have.

2.

Referral: A referral from a treating therapist, psychiatrist or GP isn’t required, but is recommended, and will help us prepare the most appropriate programme for you. Self-referrals are also welcome. For the Wellness programme, a GP referral is appropriate.

3.

Application: A written application is completed, including full details of the presenting condition, current medication, diagnosis and relevant history.

4.

Collateral information: With consent, we may gather additional information from treating clinicians or other relevant sources to build a complete picture.

5.

Clinical interview: A personal interview is conducted to complete a risk assessment and ensure The Ark is the right environment for the individual.

6.

Programme planning: A preliminary treatment programme is established ahead of arrival, including allocation of the most suitable therapist. This is reviewed and adjusted once the client arrives.

Begin your admissions enquiry

FAQs

A referral from a therapist or psychiatrist isn’t required for mental health presentations, but is recommended. For the Wellness programme, a GP referral is sufficient.

A referral from a therapist or psychiatrist isn’t required for mental health presentations, but is recommended. For the Wellness programme, a GP referral is sufficient.

A referral from a therapist or psychiatrist isn’t required for mental health presentations, but is recommended. For the Wellness programme, a GP referral is sufficient.

A referral from a therapist or psychiatrist isn’t required for mental health presentations, but is recommended. For the Wellness programme, a GP referral is sufficient.