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Aimee Howard Foundation
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Application Requirements

Here's who we're able to support, and what to expect when you apply.

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Ages 13–25Living in South AfricaDemonstrated financial needActively seeking or currently in therapy

The Aimee Howard Foundation is dedicated to supporting young individuals between the ages of 13 and 25, as we believe this period is a critical time for mental and emotional development. During these years, many young people face significant mental health challenges, yet often lack the resources to seek proper treatment.

We focus on those with demonstrated financial need because we understand that access to mental health services can be a financial burden that prevents many from receiving the care they deserve. Our goal is to ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of life-saving therapy, and that young people struggling with their mental health can get the support they need to thrive.

By offering assistance to those who are actively seeking or currently receiving mental health treatment, we aim to provide tangible help to those in need.

We fund up to 6 sessions per approved application. If you'd like to keep seeing your therapist after that, you're welcome to, just at your own expense from that point. We'll always be upfront about what's being funded before support begins.

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Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for support?
We support young people between the ages of 13 and 25, living in South Africa, who have a demonstrated financial need and who are either actively seeking mental health treatment or already receiving it.
Do you support people outside South Africa?
Not at the moment. We're a South African based non-profit, and for now we're only able to support young people living in South Africa. This is something we hope to grow into in future.
How many sessions does the Foundation fund?
As a standard, we fund up to 6 sessions per approved application. This can vary depending on individual circumstances and the funds we have available, and we will always be upfront with you about what is being funded. If you would like to continue with your therapist after that, you are welcome to, just at your own expense from that point.
What if I need medication, not just therapy?
We fund therapy, not medication or psychiatrist appointments, so we're not able to cover those directly. Your nearest public clinic or hospital can assess you and prescribe first-line medication, often at low or no cost depending on your income, and can refer you to psychiatric services if it's more complex. SADAG's Mental Health Line (011 234 4837, 8am to 8pm) also keeps a referral list of affordable psychiatrists and GPs across the country and can help point you in the right direction.
Can I apply on behalf of someone else?
Yes. Parents and guardians, family members, friends, teachers and support workers can all start an application for a young person they are worried about. The form asks who you are and how you know them, so we can follow up with the right person.
How much does it cost?
Nothing. Where an application is approved, the Foundation covers the cost of therapy sessions directly, so there is no cost passed on to the young person or their family.
The young person is under 18. Can they still get support?
Yes. Where the young person is under 18 we will involve a parent or guardian appropriately when arranging their care.
Do I need my parents’ permission to get therapy?
Not necessarily. Under South Africa's Children's Act, anyone 12 or older can legally consent to their own medical treatment, including therapy, if they have the maturity to understand what it involves. You don't automatically need a parent or guardian's permission. Every situation is different, and a therapist will always use their own judgement about what's appropriate for your specific circumstances.
Can they keep seeing their current therapist?
Where possible, yes. We can either connect them with a therapist from our partner network or support the cost of sessions with a therapist they already see and trust.
Is the application confidential?
Yes. Everything shared in an application is handled confidentially by our team and is only used to assess and arrange support.
What happens after applying?
Our team reviews each application against the eligibility criteria above and will make contact using the email address and phone number provided to talk through next steps.