Psychiatrists In South Africa

What is psychiatry?

Psychiatry is the study, diagnosis, and treatment of emotional disorders and mental health conditions. The goal of psychiatry is to get to the root of your mental issues, whether that means discovering the core problem with your emotional state or treating a preexisting condition. Psychiatry is distinct from psychology in that psychiatrists are also trained physicians. This means that they can use medical labs and other tests to diagnose your condition. This practical medical knowledge gives the Find Help psychiatrists methods that allow them to use medical tests and data (and even genetic research pertaining to your family history) to give you a full diagnosis of your problem - and actionable advice on what to do next.

How do treatments work?

There are a variety of treatments available through Find Help’s psychiatrists in Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria. These include medications, interventions, psychotherapy, and other treatments depending on what patients need. Since psychiatrists are trained physicians, they can prescribe medication to correct emotional or physical imbalances in their patients in order to help them reduce the symptoms of their mental disorders. Sometimes, patients will need long-term treatment on these medications, depending on the case, and will need to continue to see their psychiatrist to monitor their progress, dosage, and any side effects. These medications could include, but are not limited to: Antidepressants Sedatives Antipsychotics Hypnotics Stimulants, and Mood stabilizers Medication often works hand in hand with psychotherapy to provide a holistic treatment plan through Find Help’s network. Psychotherapy comes in many forms, but at its core, it’s designed to help patients work through their past, identify destructive behaviors, and solve them using goal-focused learning, problem-solving, and continued monitoring over the course of many years. Less conventional treatments might include nerve stimulation therapy or other more invasive procedures. Generally, conservative therapies will be tried first, as our psychiatrists want to find the simplest, safest solution that will provide the greatest benefit. Our psychiatrists in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and across South Africa will work with you to find these solutions.

Types of psychiatry

Psychiatry is a specialized field that combines traditional medical training with psychology. To become a Find Help psychiatrist, specialists must complete medical school, complete a written examination to obtain their practicing license through the Health Professions Council of South Africa, and undergo extended training on the job. Additional training includes pharmacology so they can prescribe medications accurately, and psychotherapy training so they can hone their diagnostic skills. After exams, residencies, licensing, and other preliminary work, psychiatrists can become certified (though, they have to recertify every few years). Ultimately, many psychiatrists in South Africa will undergo specialized training to focus on a particular field. The types of psychiatry that they could specialize in include but are not limited to: Geriatric Addiction Pain Sleep Child and adolescent Legal Psychosomatic Each type of psychiatry requires its own training and certification. So for example, if you’re searching, “psychiatrist near me for anxiety,” you may be looking for different certifications than if you’re interested in pain treatments. Find Help’s psychiatrists in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria and across the country have diverse training specifications to make your ideal treatment easily accessible.

Considering psychiatry

You may be wary or nervous about looking for a psychiatrist for yourself or someone you care about. However, many aspects of your life, from sleep to focus to happiness, could be impeded by your mental condition. A psychiatrist can work with you to find the right treatment options, especially if you find yourself with suicidal or destructive thoughts. Remember that Find Help’s network of caring and experienced nearby psychiatrists are always there to offer support! In addition to our registered psychiatrists, we also offer other services which may be of benefit, including: Occupational therapists Educational psychologists Counselling Psychologists Social workers

The benefits of using a psychiatrist

Find Help’s psychiatrists are trained mental practitioners who are happy to work in a style that suits you. Their clinics and treatment centers provide comprehensive care options no matter how severe the condition. A psychiatrist can help you work through and treat any mental disorder, ranging from drug addictions to eating disorders to conditions which require chronic medication. The psychiatrists at Find Help offer solution-centric therapy that helps patients really understand their conditions, and learn to treat them on their own. Overcoming challenges with a psychiatrist is one of the necessary first steps to learning how to cope with a mental illness. Overcoming them on your own is one of the potential results of extended sessions with a Find Help psychiatrist.

How to choose the right psychiatrist for you

Our psychiatrists in South Africa have a variety of training that gives them expertise in many areas of psychology. Finding the right treatment center and doctor for you can start right here at the Find Help network! We’ll help you jumpstart your treatment and recovery no matter what your issue is.

Frequently Asked Questions

This list of questions is designed to give you a little extra information so you can choose a Find Help psychiatrist that suits your needs.

What do sessions entail?

The psychiatrist will help ease you through your initial session and consultation, where they will talk you through your issues and expectations for your therapy. Remember that Find Help’s psychiatrists are trained not only to help you with your disorders, but also to speak to you in a calming and reassuring manner, and help you through even the roughest times.

Will my information be kept confidential?

Find Help psychiatrists keep all your information completely private and confidential. Beforehand, they will discuss with you the exact legal terms of your arrangement. It is only if your psychiatrist becomes convinced you could be a danger to yourself or others that they will be compelled to notify relevant authorities. Otherwise, your information is completely safe!

How long are the sessions?

Session length may vary depending on the psychiatrist’s assessment of your unique needs, and their own standard practice procedures. However, a normal session with a Find Help psychiatrist is around 45 minutes.

Can psychiatrists conduct online sessions?

Find Help psychiatrists are ready and willing to conduct online sessions when your distance from their location might impede your therapy. Find Help offers psychiatrists in Durban, Johannesburg, and Pretoria, as well as Cape Town, to give you someone close to you who can help. However, if you can’t make it to one of these locations for your therapy, online sessions are an option.

Are all of Find Help’s psychiatrists registered and qualified?

Yes, all our psychiatrists are trained, registered, and qualified by the Health Professions Council of South Africa. For more information on our psychiatrists, please get in touch with us - we would be more than happy to assist.