Breaking Barriers - Papillon Recovery Centre's Holistic Mental Health Approach

Papillon Recovery Centre has been operating for over 12 years with a 70 percent success rate versus the national average of 12 percent success rate. We therefore remain the leaders in mental health rehabilitation. 

Papillon is SA's only private step-down for mental health. We pride ourselves on being internationally accredited with McLean, the world's oldest psychiatric hospital based in Boston USA. McLean is also a Harvard Affiliate. 

Papillon Recovery Centre employs a full multi-disciplinary team to run the programme - all team members are HPCSA certified and meet weekly to discuss individuals’ progress. Individual programmes are created for clients - each client is unique and requires a special focus based on their individual needs.  

The program is holistic focussing on mind, body and spirit. Papillon also features all the expressive therapies such as, art, music and drama therapies. The emphasis is on creating well rounded individuals to re-enter society and be active contributors to the world at large.   

Papillon is registered with the Department of Health (DoH) as a Residential facility. It is regarded by DoH as a flagship organisation and by many a pioneer in the future of mental health rehabilitation internationally. 

“As a respected Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre, we take an integrated approach to healing by offering accessible care. Our mission is to end the tragic cycle of years lost due to mental illness stigma and trauma. Our team acts as facilitators as they guide residents toward a transformative way of living. At Papillon there's no concept of "fixing" people; but rather support along the journey for individuals on their individual paths of discovery and growth,” says Yolande Geyser the founding director. 

“Intervening against a person’s will is always emotionally upsetting, which is why at Papillon we help families in navigating their loved ones' treatment with dignity and ensuring it goes as planned. ‘Our intervention team, comprising qualified communication professionals and medical specialists, has consistently led interventions safely, ensuring both emotional and physical safety for everyone involved,” relates Yolande. 

“We strive to encourage mentalization for personal growth and transformation. Our dedicated team acts as an agent of change by leading individuals towards profound shifts in well-being. At our facility, residents are not seen simply as suffering but as individuals seeking wellness,” elaborates Yolande. 

The professional team of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, and nurses at our Psychiatric Recovery Centre are highly qualified to treat a variety of mental disorders. The programme has been successful in helping individuals with the following disorders: 

Bipolar Disorder: People with Bipolar Disorder have difficulty with daily tasks at school, at work, and in maintaining relationships. 

Schizophrenia Disorder: Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that can cause hallucinations, auditory or visual, and beliefs that are significantly different from reality. 

Borderline Personality Disorder: This condition manifests as ongoing challenges with self-regulation. 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: This disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry about people or events that occur in a person's life. 

Dual Diagnosis Disorders: This condition is characterized by the co-occurrence of both a mental illness and an addiction. Treatment plans are tailored to each illness. 

Eating Disorders: Chronic conditions that are characterized by severely disturbed eating behaviours. These include Anorexia Nervosa (also known as Bulimia Nervosa), Binge-eating disorders, and others. 

Depression & Mood Disorders: Depression is a serious medical illness that results from changes in the brain chemistry. It causes persistent feelings of sadness for extended periods. 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder:  Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features a repetitive pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead you to do recurring behaviours (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily life and cause substantial difficulty. 

Papillon Recovery Centre provides vital assistance in an age of growing mental health issues in South Africa. Papillon remains dedicated to providing outstanding mental health care, serving as a beacon of hope on the journey of transformation.