Sending a Family Member to Rehab in Cape Town
A clear, step-by-step guide for Zimbabwean families.
Deciding to send someone you love to treatment in another country is a big step. Families worry about how to raise it, whether the person will agree, how travel works and how they will stay involved.
Here is how the process works at Hillhouse Clinics, from the first call to the day your family member comes home.
- 1. Confidential call with our admissions team
- 2. Assessment in Harare or by video
- 3. Intervention support if needed
- 4. Travel and airport pickup in Cape Town
- 5. Treatment with weekly family contact
- 6. Return home with a relapse-prevention plan
Talking to your loved one
Choose a calm, sober moment. Explain what you have seen and how it affects you, and that you have found a place where they can get help. If talking alone does not work, our team can lead a professional intervention, including in Zimbabwe.
Staying involved
Relatives take part in remote family sessions and receive updates with the client's consent. This prepares the whole family for the return home.
Cost
Primary Care: approximately USD 1,504.80 per week for eight weeks in Cape Town. Re-entry: approximately USD 1,128.60 per week for four weeks near Harare. Full 12-week programme: approximately USD 16,552.80, all-inclusive with no additional programme costs.. Treatment is self-funded.
Editorial standards & clinical review
Author
Jeroen Decker
Founder, Hillhouse Clinics
Founder of Hillhouse Clinics with 15+ years building licensed residential addiction treatment in Cape Town. Personal lived experience of recovery.
Reviewed by
David McNamara
Clinical Director
Clinical Director with 20+ years in addiction medicine. Oversees ASAM-aligned treatment protocols, medical detox and the multi-disciplinary clinical team supporting both treatment paths at The Hillhouse and a move to The Re-entry House.
Medically reviewed by
Bryan Hellmann
Clinical Psychologist
Registered Clinical Psychologist specialising in trauma, dual diagnosis and evidence-based therapies (CBT, DBT, EMDR) for substance use disorders.
Last clinically reviewed: May 7, 2026 · Next review scheduled: November 2026 · Hillhouse Clinics is licensed by the South African Department of Social Development. Content is informational and does not replace medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I admit an adult family member against their will?+
No. Admission is voluntary. A professional intervention can help your loved one choose treatment.
Can I travel with them?+
Yes, and many families do.
Will I be informed about progress?+
With the client's consent, yes, through family sessions and contact with the team.
How fast can admission happen?+
Usually within 24 to 48 hours of assessment.
A confidential conversation — on your terms
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Last reviewed: October 2026. Admissions: +263 8612 882006. Hillhouse Clinics is licensed by the South African Department of Social Development. Outcomes vary; no treatment guarantees recovery. For emergencies in Zimbabwe call 994 (ambulance) or your nearest hospital.