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(January 2010) Montrose, a leading extended care facility for the treatment of mental health disorders, has welcomed more British patients than ever before. At the start of 2010, 75% of the clinic’s patients came from the UK, reflecting a growing acceptance in this country of the need for extended care as means of managing a lasting, self-sustainable recovery.Montrose is set amongst the beautiful foothills of Cape Town’s Table Mountain, affording clients the requisite privacy and discretion and providing the ideal environment for recovery. The site comprises Montrose Place, for clients requiring treatment for a range of addictions, chemical dependence and compulsive behaviours and the nearby property, Montrose Manor, which specialises in the rehabilitation of clients with eating disorders. Together, Montrose offers a supportive environment and unrivalled facilities where the world-class, resident team of experts use cutting-edge techniques to encourage long-term recovery. Montrose’s impressive medical credentials are further underpinned by a strong, international network of top clinicians across a range of disciplines.

The ‘Montrose Model’, which operates across both sites, is designed to help clients to heal and restore their wellbeing. It is in providing extended care – with clients resident for around three months – that Montrose is able to sensitively address any deep-seated psychological issues or concurrent psychiatric disorders which often manifest themselves in addiction, eating disorders and compulsive behaviours.

All clients receive group and individual therapy which is then supplemented by programmes such as art and drama therapy, life skills classes (including cooking for eating disorders sufferers), Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and other physical and recreational activities such as hiking, Yoga and Pilates.

Montrose specialists believe that it is only when addiction and other disorders are examined at this depth that the true cause and triggers for the problem can be addressed, thus greatly aiding the likelihood of successful rehabilitation. With the treatment programme adjusted to suit the unique needs of each client, the multi-disciplinary team at Montrose can develop bespoke, detailed relapse-prevention plans which are integral to establishing a lasting recovery that is sustainable once patients leave the clinic.

As part of its long-term commitment to clients, Montrose has responded to the recent increase in patients from the UK by establishing a new London office (scheduled to open later this year) which will provide first-class follow-up care for those returning from treatment to help ensure a smooth rehabilitation.

Montrose was founded by Johnny Graaff, himself a former addict, who is committed to the provision of extended rehabilitation. He comments: “I think that 2010 could be a turning point in changing attitudes towards the treatment of addiction and other mental health disorders. For many years, the UK has followed the adage that ‘less is more’ in terms of time spent in rehab and it is only recently that they seem to have accepted the importance of extended care to ensure a more sustained and successful rehabilitation. Montrose recognises that no two clients are the same, and we are committed to ensuring that our patients receive the best possible treatment for as long as they need. To that end, we are delighted to announce that we will shortly be opening a facility in London that will be able to ensure our clients receive the best possible care before and after their stay.”