Houghton House

What Houghton House does

Houghton House is a South African addiction rehabilitation centre and private psychiatric hospital headquartered in Randburg, Johannesburg, founded in 1995 by Alex Hamlyn. Operated by Houghton House Addiction Recovery Centres (Pty) Ltd, it treats drug addiction, alcohol addiction, and gambling addiction, with a stated specialisation in dual diagnosis — the simultaneous treatment of substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. The clinical programme combines medically supervised detoxification, the Minnesota Model, 12-step integration, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) within a bio-psycho-social framework, delivered across a three-phase treatment model (stabilisation, core treatment, reintegration).

The facility's distinguishing regulatory asset is its dual licensing as both a rehabilitation centre and a private psychiatric hospital, achieved formally through a 2023 private psychiatric hospital registration. This allows patients to claim treatment costs from South African medical aid schemes under both substance use disorder and psychiatric Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs), with most patients fully covered for up to 42 days on hospital plans under a once-off R1,850 admission fee. Operations span four properties on York Avenue in Randburg: primary inpatient (432 York Ave), First Step Outpatient Services (420 York Ave), the General Addiction Programme long-term accommodation (418 York Ave), and the York Halfway House for transitional sober living (355 York Ave).

Revenue is derived primarily from medical aid claims (Discovery, GEMS, Bonitas, POLMED, Momentum, Bestmed, Medihelp, Fedhealth, Profmed, CAMAF, plus recently added BPOMAS, Pulamed, and Cigna), supplemented by private-pay admissions and a Corporate Addiction Programme targeting employer-funded intervention and treatment. Distribution is concentrated in Johannesburg with emerging international patient capability. Go-to-market combines healthcare provider referrals, medical aid partnerships, content marketing, social media, and family-driven outreach. The organisation is privately held by the founding group, with no external private equity, venture capital, or corporate parent disclosed in the source data.

Name

Houghton House

Legal name

Houghton House Addiction Recovery Centres

Website

https://houghtonhouse.co.za

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Houghton House is a Johannesburg-based, dual-licensed addiction rehabilitation centre and private psychiatric hospital treating drug, alcohol, and gambling addiction — including co-occurring mental health conditions — for medically insured South African patients. Founded in 1995, it operates an integrated care continuum from inpatient detox through outpatient and sober-living programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Addiction Rehabilitation Services

NAICS

Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities (623220), Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals (6222)

SIC

Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050)

akta.pro primary industry

Residential Substance Use Rehabilitation (Inpatient Rehab) (HLAFACAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitals & Units (HLAFACAB)

Keywords

• Addiction rehabilitation
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Psychiatric hospital services
• Substance abuse treatment
• Medical detox services

Headquarters

HQ city

Johannesburg

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Medical Aid Claims: As a dual-licensed rehabilitation center and private psychiatric hospital, Houghton House generates revenue primarily through medical aid claims. Treatment is covered under Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) for substance use disorders and psychiatric conditions. Most patients have treatment fully covered by medical aid for up to 42 days under hospital plans.
2. Private Pay: Self-paying patients who do not have medical aid coverage or whose plans do not cover the full treatment cost. A once-off admission fee of R1,850 applies.
3. Corporate Addiction Programs: Employee assistance programs and corporate wellness services for businesses seeking addiction intervention and treatment support for staff members.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Houghton House is a dual-licensed rehabilitation centre and private psychiatric hospital that delivers residential, outpatient, and aftercare programmes for drug addiction, alcohol addiction, and gambling addiction. Its defining capability is dual diagnosis treatment, which allows patients with co-occurring psychiatric conditions (depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder) to receive addiction care and psychiatric treatment simultaneously under Prescribed Minimum Benefits. The facility operates from multiple locations on York Avenue in Randburg, Johannesburg, combining medical detox, 12-step programming, CBT/DBT therapy, family support, and transitional sober living.

Product overview

Houghton House is a dual-licensed rehabilitation centre and private psychiatric hospital in Johannesburg offering a comprehensive addiction treatment portfolio. The core offering consists of residential inpatient treatment programmes for drug addiction, alcohol addiction, and gambling addiction, supported by medical detox, psychiatric care, and integrated therapeutic modalities. Treatment integrates evidence-based approaches including the 12-step programme, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The continuum of care extends through outpatient treatment (First Step Outpatient Services), aftercare programmes, family support services, and transitional sober living (York Halfway House). Additional services include intervention services, a corporate addiction programme, and specialised gambling addiction rehabilitation. The company operates multiple facilities across York Avenue in Randburg, with distinct locations for primary inpatient care, outpatient services, the General Addiction Programme (G.A.P.) for long-term accommodation, and the York Halfway House for sober living transition.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Inpatient Treatment Programme Residential addiction treatment programme offering comprehensive inpatient care for drug, alcohol, and gambling addiction, including medical detox, psychiatric care, and evidence-based therapies. Targets adult patients in South Africa with moderate to severe substance use or behavioural addiction.
• Outpatient Treatment Programme Non-residential addiction treatment including First Step Outpatient Services, intensive outpatient sessions, and evening aftercare sessions for step-down and mild SUD cases. Serves patients transitioning from inpatient care or seeking outpatient-only care.
• Medical Detox Medically supervised detoxification programme managing withdrawal safely for severe substance dependence, using clinical protocols to minimise discomfort and risk. For patients with severe drug or alcohol dependence entering treatment.
• Psychiatric Care On-site psychiatric assessment and treatment for dual diagnosis patients with co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. Delivered alongside addiction treatment under psychiatric Prescribed Minimum Benefits.
• Alcohol Rehab Programme Specialised residential treatment programme addressing alcohol dependence and alcohol use disorder, incorporating detox, therapy, and 12-step integration. Serves adults with chronic or acute alcohol dependency.
• Drug Rehab Programme Specialised residential treatment programme addressing drug addiction and substance use disorders, including medical detox and comprehensive therapeutic intervention. For patients dependent on illicit or prescription substances.
• Gambling Addiction Rehab Programme Specialised treatment programme for gambling disorder and compulsive gambling using CBT, DBT, group therapy, and 12-step integration. Serves individuals with behavioural (non-substance) addiction.
• Family Support Programme Family therapy and involvement services helping families heal relationships, improve communication, and equip loved ones with tools to support sobriety and long-term recovery. For families of patients in active treatment.
• Aftercare Programme Continuing care programme providing ongoing therapeutic support, accountability, and relapse prevention resources after primary residential treatment. For graduates of inpatient programmes seeking long-term recovery support.
• York Halfway House Sober living transitional housing at 355 York Avenue providing a safe, communal environment that supports recovery and eases transition back to independent living. For patients stepping down from inpatient care.
• Intervention Process Professional intervention services helping families and loved ones approach someone struggling with addiction and guide them toward seeking treatment. For families seeking clinical support to initiate the treatment journey.
• Corporate Addiction Programme Workplace addiction services for organisations providing assessment, intervention, and treatment support for employees struggling with addiction. For South African employers needing EAP-style support.
• General Addiction Programme (G.A.P.) Long-term rehabilitation accommodation at 418 York Avenue providing extended residential addiction treatment for sustained recovery. For patients requiring longer-duration structured residential care beyond the primary programme.
• First Step Outpatient Services Outpatient addiction treatment services located at 420 York Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg, providing non-residential therapeutic support for patients seeking step-down care or outpatient-only treatment.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 15,000 people have found hope and healing at Houghton House
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Discovery HealthcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor South African medical aid scheme offering coverage for Houghton House addiction treatment services under Prescribed Minimum Benefits.
• GEMS (Government Employees Medical Scheme)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth African government employees medical scheme covering Houghton House addiction treatment services.
• Bonitas Medical FundcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor South African open medical scheme covering Houghton House addiction treatment services.
• POLMEDminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth African medical scheme covering Houghton House addiction treatment services.
• Momentum HealthcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor South African medical scheme covering Houghton House addiction treatment services.
• BestmedcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth African medical scheme covering Houghton House addiction treatment services.
• MedihelpminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth African medical scheme covering Houghton House addiction treatment services.
• FedhealthminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth African medical scheme covering Houghton House addiction treatment services.
• ProfmedminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth African medical scheme covering Houghton House addiction treatment services.
• CAMAF (Cape Medical Aid Fund)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth African medical scheme covering Houghton House addiction treatment services.
• National Hospital NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHoughton House is a proud member of the National Hospital Network, connecting them with other hospitals in the healthcare ecosystem.
• SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner24/7 Crisis helpline partnership with SADAG. SADAG provides crisis support for patients and families dealing with addiction and mental health issues.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Netcare Akeso: Netcare Akeso is South Africa's largest private psychiatric hospital network, operating multiple inpatient facilities nationwide that treat acute psychiatric conditions and co-occurring substance use disorders. Direct overlap with Houghton House's psychiatric hospital services and PMB-funded model, with broader geographic reach.
• Ardmore Lodge: Private addiction treatment centre in KwaZulu-Natal offering inpatient programs following the 12-step and Minnesota Model. Comparable therapeutic approach to Houghton House's foundation model, serving as a regional alternative.
• SANCA (South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence): National non-profit federation providing inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment across South Africa. Comparable target population (substance use disorders) and therapeutic modalities, though operates on a subsidized model rather than PMB-funded private hospital structure.
• Crescent Clinic Cape Town: Cape Town-based private inpatient addiction and psychiatric treatment facility offering medical detox, dual diagnosis, and residential rehabilitation. Direct comparable in service model and patient segment, though operating in the Western Cape rather than Gauteng.

Broad incumbents

• Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation: Large US-based addiction treatment nonprofit operating the Minnesota Model that Houghton House explicitly adopted. Global category leader; comparable clinical philosophy and patient segment, though operating at vastly different scale and in a different regulatory environment.
• Mediclinic Southern Africa: One of South Africa's three largest private hospital groups with psychiatric wards and addiction treatment capability across its network. Broader incumbent with overlap on PMB-covered psychiatric services but not specialized in addiction-only treatment.

Regional players

• The Pavilion at Westville Hospital: Durban-based private addiction treatment unit operating within Life Healthcare's Westville Hospital. Comparable inpatient rehab model with medical aid coverage, serving KwaZulu-Natal rather than Gauteng.
• White River Recovery Centre: Private residential addiction treatment facility in Mpumalanga offering 21-day inpatient programs similar to Houghton House's model. Comparable continuum of care but located in a different province and oriented toward a quieter recovery setting.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/houghtonhouse
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-houghton-house-group
• Instagraminstagram.com/houghtonhouserehab
• TikToktiktok.com/@houghtonhouserehab

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Houghton House