This is hard. You're allowed to say so.

A rare diagnosis affects more than the person who has it, and the emotional weight of it is worth taking seriously in its own right. Counselling is available to patients, caregivers, siblings and partners.

2 kinds of support

Emotional and psychosocial counselling

For the weight of it: the diagnosis, the uncertainty, the caregiving, the grief that comes with a changed future. Open to patients and to the people around them.

Genetic counselling

For understanding a genetic diagnosis: what it means, what testing can tell you, what it means for other family members, and decisions about having children.

Who is it for?

Patients

Living with a rare condition, or living without a diagnosis while knowing something is wrong.

Parents and caregivers

Carrying the logistics and the worry, often while holding everything else together.

Siblings and partners

Often the least supported people in a rare disease family, and welcome to contact us directly rather than through anyone else.

If you need help right now

Counselling through RDSA is arranged rather than immediate. If you are in crisis or struggling to keep yourself safe, please contact SADAG on 0800 567 567, or their suicide crisis line on 0800 12 13 14.

Both are free and available 24 hours.

Asking for help isn't a weakness.

Most of the people we support say they wish they had done it sooner. You don't to be brave with us.

Request counselling

Before you start

Counselling is available to patients, caregivers, siblings and partners. You don't need a confirmed diagnosis, and you don't need to be able to explain what's wrong.

It takes about two minutes. We'll be in touch to arrange it.

Who you are

First name

Last name

Phone

Best way to reach you

Phone call

Any of these is fine

Tell us what suits you. Some people would rather not take a call that might be overheard.

Multi-line address

Country/Region

Address

City

Zip / Postal code

Are you an RDSA member?

Membership is free and it's not a requirement for counselling.

Who is the counselling for?

Who would be attending?

Their age (optional, if not you)

This helps us match you with someone who works well with that age group.

Condition (optional)

Only if you'd like us to know. It doesn't affect whether we can help.

What would suit you

How would you prefer to meet?

In person

Telephone

Online video call

Preferred language

Anything else

Is there anything you'd like us to know before we get in touch?

You don't have to explain anything here. A few words is fine, and so is leaving it blank.

The legal stuff

I'm happy for RDSA to keep my details and contact me about this request. We handle your information under POPIA and never share it without your permission.

We'll be in touch using the method you've chosen above.