Who Needs a Psychiatrist?
Mental symptoms* can indicate a primary psychiatric disorder like Depression, but can also reveal an underlying medical or neurological disease.
I am the doctor who diagnoses your anxiety, but i could be the one who discovers your brain tumour, thyroid problem , epilepsy or heart arrhythmia. I help your chronic pain, and calm your irritable bowel syndrome. The mind affects every organ in the body , and body, mind and brain are in constant cahoots, letting you know when something is wrong.
*Mental symptoms include any emotional or behavioural state that is not your ‘usual’, including anxiety, sadness, change in sleep, appetite,energy, concerntration, guilty feelings and suicidal thoughts
Do you fear a Psychiatrist?
Many avoid getting the help they need as they fear stigma, they fear medication, and fear the process of self reflection. I have seen that often one has to hit rock-bottom – to be “suffering enough” – for help to be sought – but you will find its the way to accomplish meaningful change in your life.
Your tipping point – where seeking treatment becomes unavoidable – may be precipitated by a sudden event, or a slow inexorable process that erodes the soul – “once the volcano has exploded, theres no way to put the lava back inside, plant some trees, mow the grass, and let the sheep out to graze” – Paulo Coelho
Outpatients
I run a private outpatient psychiatry practice, located at Netcare Linksfield Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The practice is equipped with the recommended current protocols in prevention of spread of Covid-19.
Aside from in-person consulting, I offer online sessions via Zoom or whatsappp videocall, to accomodate patient preference.
Hospital Program
I am a co-director of Brain-Mind-Body, an acute , short stay inpatient mental health program, specialising in the management of hospitalised psychiatric patients in a holistic manner.
During this phase, patients are thoroughly assessed by psychiatrists, and treatment desicions are formulated. Patients are offered daily problem-focused psychotherapy, as well as sessions coaching life skills and mindfulness by our dedicated clinical psychologist and occupational therapists. This approach maximises their gains and expedites their journey to wellness.
Consultation-Liaison
I work as an in-hospital Consultant Psychiatrist at Netcare Linksfield Hospital, in the field of Consultation-Liason psychiatry. I advise cardiologists, physicians, surgeons and neurologists on how best to manage mental symptoms in their hospitalised patients. This is the field of Organic Psychiatry.
Testimonial
” When first meeting Dr Saffer, I immediately felt comfortable and was treated as a person, not only a patient. I had lost faith after my very long dark road. After much encouragement, compassion, empathy and support, anytime of day or night, I was awakened from the nightmare I was living” – name withheld on request