Admission
Caring for You, Every Step of the Way
General Information
Treatment at Vista Clinic is according to scale of benefits as determined by medical aid schemes and managed by healthcare organisations.
How does a patient get admitted?
Doctors or clinicians refer to a psychiatrist with admission rights at Vista Clinic. Click here for a list of admitting psychiatrists.
Click here to download the pre-admission form
Admission
Our administration and office services are available from 07:00 to 19:00.
Admission are done on appointment within office hours – 07:00 and 19:00 – at Vista Clinic’s admissions desk.
Emergency admissions outside of office hours are arranged by the admitting doctor directly with the clinic.
- Pre-authorisation number
- Medical aid membership card/medical aid certificate
- Patient’s identity document
- Payment (explained below)
Each medical aid determines their own benefits. Co-payments (when applicable) must be settled on admission.
All private mental health care users must pay the full amount on admission. Co-payments (as determined by medical aids) Credit card facilities (for such payments) are available at the clinic.
For more information regarding admissions, please contact Vista Clinic on (012) 664-0222.
The length of an admission will be determined by the following factors:
- Medical aid benefits
- A patient’s own progress, cooperation and individual circumstances
- The therapeutic team
Visiting Times
Visitors/patient
2 visitors per visit / patient
Starting of visits after admission
Visitors are warmly received upon receipt of an invitation from the patient, preferably after the 48hour assessment period.
Visiting times
- Week: 17:30 – 18:30
- Weekend & Public Holidays: 11:15 – 12:00 & 14:30 – 15:30
Visitor Code of Conduct
At Vista Clinic, our patients come first — their safety, privacy, and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do.
We kindly ask all visitors to respect the guidelines outlined below to ensure a calm, healing environment for everyone. Your cooperation helps us provide the best possible care to those in recovery.
- Remain in designated visitation areas.
- It is strictly prohibited to photograph, video record, or audio record any patient, staff member, or visitor without prior written consent. This action constitutes a violation of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the National Health Act.
- Respect all patients’ privacy and dignity.
- Avoid loud or disruptive behaviour.
- Comply with requests or instructions from staff.
Non-compliance to the above may result in:
- Immediate termination of the visit and removal from the premises
- Suspension or permanent revocation of visitation rights
- Immediate deletion of the unauthorised content from the device, under staff supervision.
- Legal action, including potential civil and criminal liability for breach of privacy or confidentiality.
Recreational Facilities
Recreation is an integral part of the treatment of mental illness. It involves a calm, homely, structured atmosphere conducive to psychological healing.
Coffee shop
Vista Clinic’s coffee shop stocks refreshments, beverages, cakes and light meals.
Television
Televisions with limited channels are available in all patient rooms.
Garden
Vista Clinic’s garden contributes to a tranquil environment. Benches are situated all over the garden where the patients can enjoy quiet time.
Therapeutic Milieu
This is created by interpersonal communication, provision of structure, setting of limits, use of the physical environment and participation in daily programmes.
Patients are exposed to continuous supportive therapy and crisis intervention as needed. Admission to Vista Clinic is not merely for safe admission, but it is aimed at facilitating constructive change, growth and personal development.
It is the philosophy at Vista Clinic to provide a therapeutic milieu conducive to promotion of mental health. This involves a homely atmosphere with tranquil gardens and enough living space for patients in order to prevent institutionalisation.
The 24-hour psychiatric nursing care and contact with the patient affords a unique opportunity to provide the creation and management of the therapeutic milieu.
The professional nurses individually influence the milieu through their therapeutic use of self by providing support and direction for the patients in their quest for mental health.
Group Programme
The well researched and carefully developed programme assist patients in their recovery and ensures maximum benefit of their stay at the clinic.
Both therapeutic and psycho-educational groups cover a variety of themes. Therapeutic groups assist in the therapeutic assimilation of the patient, where the psycho-educational groups provides much needed information and insight into the patients need to promote recovery.
Browse below to see and overview of what the psycho-educational groups have to offer.
Main topics
Management of anger /aggression
Discussion points
- What is anger?
- The anger range
- Anger – good or bad
- The sources of anger
Expected outcomes
- Physical reaction to anger
- Types of anger
- Handling anger
Main topics
Overview of anxiety disorders
Discussion points
- Definitions
- Kinds of anxiety
- Dimensions of anxiety
Expected outcomes
- Origins of fear
- Contributory factors to anxiety
- Coping methods
Main topics
Breathing regulation
Discussion points
- Introduction to breathing
- During breathing
- The diaphragm’s role in breathing
Expected outcomes
- Breathing correctly
- Hyperventilation
- Practical breathing exercises
Main topics
Biological, Psychological, Social, Spiritual aspects of anxiety disorders
Discussion points
Biological
- What is anxiety
- Anxiety v fear
- Types of anxiety disorders
- Biological causes of anxiety
- Comorbid or co-occurring with other psychiatric disorders
Psychological
- Hyperventilation or over-breathing
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Rational and Irrational thinking
Social
- Social effects of anxiety disorders
- Social causes of anxiety disorders
- Treatment of anxiety disorders
Expected outcomes
Spiritual
- Religion and Anxiety
- Religion supports us when anxious
- Spiritual pointers to assist with anxiety
- Take one day at a time
- Be careful of avoidance behaviour
- Face the fear
- Develop an attitude of gratitude
- Meditate on the psalms
- Practice God’s presence
- Keep your spirituality strong
Main topics
The creation and importance of a balanced lifestyle
Discussion points
- Definitions
- The importance of a balanced life style
- Physical elements
- Psychological elements
Expected outcomes
- Spiritual elements
- Social elements
- Financial elements
Main topics
Self-esteem and the improvement thereof
Discussion points
- Definitions
- Origin of self-esteem
- Consequences of low self-esteem
- Divisions of self-esteem
Expected outcomes
- Self-image improvement
- Self-confidence improvement
- Self-respect improvement
Main topics
Dealing with change and the elements thereof
Discussion points
- Types of change
- Effects and responses to change
- Attitudes towards change
- Resistance
Expected outcomes
- Self awareness
- Support structures
- Change facilitating tools
Main topics
Correct communication
Discussion points
- Defining correct communication
- Basic skills required for healthy communication
Expected outcomes
- Barriers to healthy communication
- Five levels of communication
- Rules for effective communication
Main topics
Causes of conflict and the management thereof
Discussion points
- Definitions
- Causes of conflict
- Conflict styles
Expected outcomes
- Manipulation techniques
- Overcoming negative techniques
Main topics
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy approach to the reframing of negative / irrational thought patterns
Discussion points
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy model
- Disputing destructive thought patterns
- Identification of irrational thoughts
- Replacing (reframing) destructive thoughts
Expected outcomes
- Effects of destructive thoughts
- Self talk
Main topics
Overview of using the tools gained through therapy and re-integration plan after discharge
Discussion points
- Expected reactions on discharge
- Implementation (of tools)
- Impact of re-integration on the individual
- Re-integration Family
Expected outcomes
- Re-integration work
- Re-integration guideline plan
Main topics
Clarification on the topic of forgiving
Discussion points
- Defining forgiveness
- Importance of forgiving
Expected outcomes
- Methods of forgiving
Main topics
Overview of and methods of dealing with loss
Discussion points
- Framing the concept of loss
- The five faces (stages) of grief
- Moving towards recovery
Main topics
Identification and processing of guilt
Discussion points
- Identification
- Causes of guilt
- Consequences of guilt
Expected outcomes
- Classification of guilt feelings
- Types of guilt
- Methods of dealing with guilt
Main topics
Exploration of emotions and how to deal with them
Discussion points
- Definitions
- Components of emotions
- Types of emotions
Expected outcomes
- The consequences of emotions
- Steps to deal with emotions
Main topics
Dealing with and understanding the elements of a romantic relationship
Discussion points
- Definitions
- Myths with regard to relationships
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Irrational and rational beliefs
- Relationship phases
- Relationship structures
Expected outcomes
- Communication in a relationship
- The five love languages
- Characteristics of relationships
- Conflict management
- The four horseman
- Manipulation
Main topics
Biological, Psychological, Social, Spiritual aspects of mood disorders
Discussion points
Biological
- Definitions
- Types of depression
- Biological causes of depression
- Biological aspects of depression
- Neuro-transmitters and how they should work
- Effects of neuro-transmitters
- Treatment for biological aspects of depression
- Antidepressant classes
- Electro convulsive therapy
- Diet
Psychological
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Irrational beliefs
- Rational beliefs
- Toxic belief system
- Disputing and challenging beliefs and automatic thinking
Expected outcomes
Social
- Boundaries
- Good mood diet
- Social health pointers
Spiritual
- Influences
- Mood disorders and spirituality
- Beliefs
- Circumstances
- Grief
- Isolation
- Anger
- Guilt
- Worry
- Unforgiveness
- Suicide
- Hope and healing
- Forgiveness
- Renewing thoughts
Main topics
Aspects regarding motivation
Discussion points
- Definitions
- Importance of motivation
Expected outcomes
- Sources of motivation
- Motivation enhancing pointers
Main topics
Practical solutions to problem solving
Discussion points
- Aspects creating the need for solutions
- Problem solving skills
Main topics
Principles on improving spiritual life
Discussion points
- Read the bible – do bible study
- Pray
- Practise fellowship with others – worship
Expected outcomes
- Willingness to change behaviour – obedience
Main topics
An overview of time influencing factors
Discussion points
- Why is time management necessary
- Time wasters
- Time management balance
Expected outcomes
- Time budget
- Time saving pointers
- Tools for effective time management
Daily Programme
| 07:30 | Breakfast |
| 08:30 | Occupational therapy activity sessions |
| 10:00 | Tea |
| 10:15 | Psycho education group |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 13:30 | Occupational psycho education group |
| 14:45 | Tea |
| 15:00 | Allied clinician activities |
Breakfast, tea, lunch & supper
Vista Clinic offers a balanced diet as approved by a dietician. Should you however require a special diet recommended by your doctor we will fulfil this requirement to the best of our ability.
Occupational therapy activity sessions
These sessions are therapeutic tools for observation and the treatment of problems resulting from patient’s mental health problems.
Please note: Occupational therapy sessions are not included in the Vista Clinic fee, but will be billed separately.
Relaxation therapy (Saturday & Sunday 12:00 – 12:30)
Through scientific techniques patients are assisted and taught how to relax. Two techniques are used namely progressive relaxation and guided imagery.
Treatment and Services
Depression
Anxiety Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Mood Disorders
Schizophrenia
Post Discharge Support
Mindful Moment Blog
Need some advice and support after you or a family member is discharged from Vista? We have a Blog that is specifically designed to give support and advise on how to stay healthy and happy after being discharged from Vista Clinic. The Blog is open for everyone who need support in dealing with mental illnesses. We would love to hear from you.
Visit Mindful Moment