Primarily, Twin Rivers is a Dual Diagnosis treatment centre which means that we treat addiction and mental health issues simultaneously. A more common example of this would be addressing alcohol and depression at the same time. Twin Rivers also treats ‘process addictions’ such as gambling or sexual addiction. A ‘process addiction’ does not involve any kind of addictive substance so would also include addictions such as ‘video gaming’ or shopping addiction. Some clients have a ‘cross addiction’ which could be a combination of any two or more addictions.
The good news is though that no matter how long addiction has impacted your life there is always hope!
Twin Rivers is NOT a clinical treadmill; rather a family orientated home, with pets that focuses on each client’s individual needs. Even though all our clients have addiction and mental health disorders (depression for example) what they need going forward does vary considerably.
Individual counselling plays a pivotal role in addiction treatment by addressing psychological and behavioural aspects of the addiction cycle, providing emotional support and guidance necessary for a sustainable recovery and a better quality of life.
All clients receive two sessions of counselling a week with their focal counsellor as well as sessions with our psychiatrist.
Mental health is a vital component of overall health and well-being for everyone, especially for those suffering with an addiction disorder as well. Twin Rivers Dual Diagnosis Programme effectively addresses both addiction and mental health components whilst at the same time educating clients about the ‘management’ of both elements.
All clients are expected to adhere to the house rules and expectations which are common sense based yet we understand that clients do not always pack their common sense when they come to Twin Rivers which is why we ask all clients to sign a ‘conduct contract’ which we can then refer too if the client has difficulties in adjusting to an environment with rules and time lines.
ADMISSION FAQ’s
Twin Rivers has been in operation since 2011 and so many of our referrals come via ex-clients. Some clients are referred by a psychiatrist or a General Practitioner or self-refer via the ‘contact form’ on our web site.
Twin Rivers preadmission process is swift and uncomplicated ensuring effective and supportive admissions.
Clients can fly directly to Plettenberg Bay Airport or to George Airport, also in the Western Cape where they will be met by our driver. Some clients are driven to Twin Rivers by a friend or family member.
Twin Rivers does supply a pre-admission handbook that explains what to bring and what not to bring.
PRICES & PAYMENTS FAQ’s
Twin Rivers Treatment fees are inclusive of all therapeutic process, accommodation, laundry, outings and gymnasium. The only other financial requirement is for a medical and pocket money float. Pocket money is for cigarettes and sundries and the medical float is for Doctors appointments and medication. Funds not used from the floats are refunded to the payee.
Short term clients (28 days) are expected to pay in full in advance of the treatment process. Clients who stay for longer periods (3-6 months) can pay monthly in advance.
There is a certain amount of flexibility here but most visitors visit over the weekends. International clients visitations are normally centred around family conferences when family visit for family counselling.
All clients have access to their phones every Sunday afternoon for 3 hours to phone family and friends. Clients with young children or a terminally ill family member get extra phone times during the week.
Clients with businesses to manage also get extra phone time.
Twin Rivers is a registered centre and so we do accept insurance (Medical Aid) for South African clients.Once the Medical Aid has authorised a financial contribution towards the treatment costs then arrangements can be made to start the pre-admission process.
RULES & REGULATIONS FAQ’s
Yes, at the weekends. Even International clients receive visitors who travel a long way to Plettenberg Bay to support their partner/ family member. Visiting sometimes takes place during the week if weekends are not possible.
Yes, you can have access to your e-mails at the weekends on your own laptop or on a Twin Rivers PC. You will have to complete a request form so as this can be arranged.
No, unfortunately not due to licencing regulations, but Twin Rivers does allow clients out with a ‘Recovery Assistant’. Clients leave the premises at many points during the week to go to AA or NA meetings, the gym, outings, shopping and to the beach.
Yes, and the care-worker ensures all, clients are in bed by 11pm each night.
Yes, there is no smoking in the house at all so there are smoking areas in the garden. There is a no smoking garden area to for non-smokers
FAQ’s FOR INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS
David Briskham, Twin Rivers Helpline +27(0)828 633 159 – Whatsapp friendly
Speak with Tom or Vincent through Twin Rivers ‘Speak to An Ex-Client’ Service and they can assist with any questions you may have about Twin Rivers.
Tom +44(0)747 103 6484 – Whatsapp friendly
Vincent +44(0)758 656 1958 – Whatsapp friendly
Not at all! Contact a UK Consultant or Twin Rivers HELPLINE directly and a pre-admission form will be sent to you along with other important information about Twin Rivers weekly programme and residential treatment fees. You will be invited to complete and return the pre-admission form with any recent psychiatrist or psychologists reports (if available) affording the Twin Rivers Clinical Team an opportunity to discuss client suitability and their immediate medical and psychological needs. Any concerns regarding the pre-admission information will be discussed with the client, family member or their GP.
Twin Rivers is not a clinical treadmill! We fully appreciate that all clients are individuals and we are respectful of the fact that despite all of our clients are attending Twin Rivers for similar reasons, what each client needs going forward does vary widely.
Fly directly to Johannesburg or Cape Town, short domestic flight to Plettenberg Bay or George Airport. Transfer arranged from George Airport to Twin Rivers.
On a European/UK passport, you will get a visitor’s visa stamped in your passport for 3 months on arrival to South Africa. Visa laws are changing all the time so please check if you require to apply for a visa in advance and if so may need a letter of introduction from Twin Rivers.
Acute detoxification is carried out at our local hospital under the supervision of our psychiatrist or general practitioner. Time spent in hospital is normally 3-6 days and then the clients recovery process is monitored back at Twin Rivers by our registered nurse.
A visa extension is easily obtained via Twin Rivers immigration consultants.
Twin Rivers has a Consultant Psychiatrist who plays a significant role in our client’s recovery process.
Twin Rivers Psychiatric Nurse oversees the medical welfare of all our clients.
You are welcome to bring your phone which you will have access to every Sunday to phone family and friends. Clients with young children or an elderly or terminally ill family member will have more phone time during the week. There is really no need to bring an iPad or laptop as you can use a computer at Twin Rivers to check emails for example.
Maximum of 12 clients for men and women, often diverse group from various country’s.
- Deep-Sea Fishing-Obviously weather dependent
- Africanyon-Kloofing in The Crags
- Walking with Elephants
- We also go on river trips, hikes and have a braai (BBQ)
Twin Rivers has a lot of contacts with various therapists across Europe and we set up an aftercare plan in advance of the client completing their programme at Twin Rivers Rehab.