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Dr de Clercq provides comprehensive psychiatric assessments and evidence-based, individualised treatment and care for adults.

Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital in Pinelands, Cape Town

About Dr Claudia De Clercq

Dr de Clercq obtained her medical degree at the University of Pretoria. She completed her specialist training at the University of Cape Town. She has worked at Stikland, Lentegeur, Alexandra and Valkenberg Hospitals in both the acute and forensic psychiatric services. She is also recognized by the Health Professional Council of South Africa as a Forensic Psychiatrist.

Dr de Clercq speaks English and Afrikaans. She offers both inpatient and outpatient consultations and psychiatric treatments. Inpatient treatment is mainly offered at St Vincent’s Hospital at Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team consisting of psychiatric nurses, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, and social workers.

Dr de Clercq obtained her medical degree at the University of Pretoria. She completed her specialist training at the University of Cape Town. She has worked at Stikland, Lentegeur, Alexandra and Valkenberg Hospitals in both the acute and forensic psychiatric services. She is also recognized by the Health Professional Council of South Africa as a Forensic Psychiatrist.

Dr de Clercq speaks English and Afrikaans. She offers both inpatient and outpatient consultations and psychiatric treatments. Inpatient treatment is mainly offered at St Vincent’s Hospital at Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team consisting of psychiatric nurses, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, and social workers.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery – MBChB, University of Pretoria
  • Fellowship of the College of Psychiatrists of South Africa – FCPsych SA, Colleges of Medicine
  • Diploma in Postgraduate Education – Dip PG Ed, University of Cape Town

Services

In her general practice Dr de Clercq treats adult populations from 18 years and older. She treats all psychiatric conditions, with a special focus on the following:

In her general practice Dr de Clercq treats adult populations from 18 years and older. She treats all psychiatric conditions, with a special focus on the following:

Depressive Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Bipolar Mood Disorders
Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Disorders
Trauma- and Stressor-related Disorders
Neurocognitive disorders and Dementia
Neurocognitive disorders and Dementia

In her limited medico-legal practice she offers independent psychiatric assessments based upon an evidence-based medical model. This includes objective second opinions and reliable, coherent reports. Her client population is currently limited to the assessments of Temporary and Permanent Psychiatric Impairment.

In her limited medico-legal practice she offers independent psychiatric assessments based upon an evidence-based medical model. This includes objective second opinions and reliable, coherent reports. Her client population is currently limited to the assessments of Temporary and Permanent Psychiatric Impairment.

Questions and Answers

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with experience in the field of psychiatry which includes mental, physical and behavioural disorders. Psychiatrists assess, diagnose, and treat relatively minor emotional problems to complex mental health conditions/ psychiatric disorders. They can prescribe psychiatric medication and other medical treatments. They often need to order and perform medical investigations such as blood tests and radiological investigations. Although it is preferable that psychologists or physicians refer patients to psychiatrists, patients can also make an appointment without a referral.

There are many reasons for seeing a psychiatrist. Here are some of the things that often brings patients for an assessment.

  • If you feel you can’t control your emotions like you use to.
  • If there has been a noticeable change in your sleeping and eating patterns.
  • If you have become withdrawn and disinterested in others.
  • If you are experiencing uncontrollable irritability or anger.
  • If you have excessive worry or irrational fears.
  • If you are feeling chronically sad and overwhelmed.
  • If you have thought of harming yourself or anyone else.
  • If you started engaging in risky behaviours such as substance abuse.
  • If you or a loved one feel that you have lost touch with reality.
  • If you or a loved one think you have become increasingly forgetful or confused.

Questions and Answers

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with experience in the field of psychiatry which includes mental, physical and behavioural disorders. Psychiatrists assess, diagnose, and treat relatively minor emotional problems to complex mental health conditions/ psychiatric disorders. They can prescribe psychiatric medication and other medical treatments. They often need to order and perform medical investigations such as blood tests and radiological investigations. Although it is preferable that psychologists or physicians refer patients to psychiatrists, patients can also make an appointment without a referral.
There are many reasons for seeing a psychiatrist. Here are some of the things that often brings patients for an assessment.

  • If you feel you can’t control your emotions like you use to.
  • If there has been a noticeable change in your sleeping and eating patterns.
  • If you have become withdrawn and disinterested in others.
  • If you are experiencing uncontrollable irritability or anger.
  • If you have excessive worry or irrational fears.
  • If you are feeling chronically sad and overwhelmed.
  • If you have thought of harming yourself or anyone else.
  • If you started engaging in risky behaviours such as substance abuse.
  • If you or a loved one feel that you have lost touch with reality.
  • If you or a loved one think you have become increasingly forgetful or confused.
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