Psychiatrist - Mental Health and Addiction Recovery - Wellness Hospital - White River, Mpumalanga

Introduction We are seeking a suitably qualified, compassionate and experienced Psychiatrist with a strong interest in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine to provide specialist psychiatric services within a residential rehabilitation environment

The successful candidate will be responsible for psychiatric assessments, diagnosis, medication management and ongoing psychiatric care for patients presenting with substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions and complex psychological challenges

The Psychiatrist will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, therapists, addiction counsellors and healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualised, evidence-based treatment plans

Duties & Responsibilities 1. Psychiatric Assessment and Diagnosis

Conduct comprehensive psychiatric assessments of patients entering the rehabilitation programme Diagnose and manage psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, trauma-related disorders and other mental health conditions Assess patients presenting with substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions Identify underlying psychiatric conditions that may contribute to addictive behaviours Conduct ongoing psychiatric reviews and monitor patient progress

 

2. Addiction Psychiatry and Dual Diagnosis

Provide specialist psychiatric care to patients experiencing alcohol dependency, drug addiction and behavioural addictions Diagnose and manage dual diagnosis presentations involving both substance use disorders and mental health conditions Assess withdrawal-related psychiatric symptoms and coordinate appropriate medical care Collaborate with medical practitioners and specialist facilities where medically supervised detoxification is required Support relapse prevention through psychiatric interventions and medication management Assist in developing integrated treatment plans addressing both addiction and psychiatric conditions

 

3. Medication Management

Prescribe and monitor appropriate psychiatric medication Review medication effectiveness, side effects and potential interactions Provide medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders where clinically appropriate Ensure responsible prescribing practices, particularly for patients with a history of substance dependency Maintain accurate medication and treatment records

 

4. Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Work collaboratively with clinical psychologists, addiction therapists, counsellors and other healthcare professionals Participate in multidisciplinary case discussions and treatment planning Provide psychiatric recommendations to support individualised rehabilitation programmes Assist the clinical team in managing complex psychiatric presentations Contribute to continuity of care and appropriate discharge planning

 

5. Patient Care and Risk Management

Provide compassionate, confidential and patient-centred psychiatric care Assess and manage psychiatric risks, including suicidal ideation, self-harm and acute psychiatric deterioration Identify patients requiring a higher level of psychiatric or medical care and facilitate appropriate referrals Support patients in developing insight into their mental health and addiction-related challenges Provide psychoeducation to patients and, where appropriate, their families.

 

6. Clinical Governance and Compliance

Maintain accurate and confidential clinical documentation Practise in accordance with HPCSA ethical standards and applicable South African healthcare legislation Ensure compliance with the Mental Health Care Act and relevant clinical protocols Participate in clinical quality improvement and patient safety initiatives Maintain professional boundaries and uphold patient dignity, confidentiality and informed consent

Desired Experience & Qualification Qualifications and Registration

MBChB or equivalent recognised medical qualification Postgraduate specialist qualification in Psychiatry, such as MMed (Psych) or FC Psych (SA), or an equivalent recognised qualification Current registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Specialist Psychiatrist Valid professional indemnity cover appropriate to the scope of practice

 

Experience

Previous clinical experience in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis and treatment Experience managing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions Experience in addiction psychiatry, rehabilitation, mental health facilities or private psychiatric practice would be highly advantageous Experience working within a multidisciplinary clinical environment Sound knowledge of psychiatric pharmacology and evidence-based treatment approaches

 

ESSENTIAL CLINICAL KNOWLEDGE

The ideal candidate should demonstrate sound clinical knowledge of:

Substance use disorders and addiction psychiatry Dual diagnosis and co-occurring psychiatric conditions Depression, anxiety and mood disorders Trauma-related conditions and PTSD Psychiatric medication management Withdrawal-related psychiatric complications Suicide and self-harm risk assessment Relapse prevention and recovery-oriented care Evidence-based psychiatric treatment Mental health legislation, ethics and clinical governance

 

KEY COMPETENCIES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Strong clinical judgement and diagnostic ability Compassionate, empathetic and non-judgemental approach to patients Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Ability to manage complex psychiatric presentations Strong multidisciplinary teamwork and collaboration High professional and ethical standards Excellent clinical documentation and organisational skills Ability to maintain strict patient confidentiality Cultural sensitivity and respect for individual patient needs Genuine passion for mental health, addiction recovery and patient rehabilitation