Justine Dreyer

Practice Description:

I am a general psychiatrist with a special interest in mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, schizophrenia and personality disorders. I see adults and adolescents, and work with outpatients as well as inpatients. I admit to both the Neuroclinic and Akeso Hospitals in George.

I studied medicine at the University of Pretoria, and after completing my internship and community service years, I specialised in psychiatry for a further 4 years. I have experience in both the public and private sectors. Prior to moving to private practice, I worked at Steve Biko Hospital, Weskoppies Hospital and George Hospital. My time in the public sector was very valuable and I gained a good understanding of resource awareness, intersectoral and multidisciplinary connectedness, and the value of rural outreaches, primary healthcare and task-shifting, as well as the massive gap between mental health needs and service availability.

Private practice has helped me refocus on the therapeutic relationship and direct patient care, which I greatly enjoy.

My first consultation with clients lasts an hour, and usually involves an assessment and discussion of management options. I consider biological, psychological and social factors. It is important to me to offer my clients sound clinical advice regarding evidence-based treatment options, and in letting my clients be involved with decision-making. Treatment options may include medications, lifestyle changes and/or therapy. In my experience, most presenting problems are severe enough to require medication by the time a client sees a psychiatrist. Sometimes, however, I do not recommend medication, and may instead focus on lifestyle changes that incorporate elements of cognitive behavioural therapy, e.g. for chronic insomnia. If therapy is indicated, I may refer you to a psychologist or an occupational therapist. I am excited about newer modalities of treatment such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and with time may incorporate these options into treatment when they become available locally.

I have a special interest in the interface between psychiatry and christianity and therefore welcome referrals from pastors and pastoral counsellors.

I enjoy working as part of a multidisciplinary team in the following conditions:

• Co-occurring disorders / dual diagnosis: I incorporate motivational interviewing into my general practice and may offer medication-assisted relapse prevention when indicated for alcohol, tobacco or opioid use disorders, for clients who are following up with substance rehabilitation services.


• Eating disorders: I do not prescribe stimulant medication for weight loss, but I may recommend other medications when indicated, such as antidepressants, bupropion and naltrexone, for clients who are also following a therapeutic/physical treatment programme.


• Pain disorders: I may recommend biological, physical and psychological approaches to chronic pain management when acute pain treatments are no longer helpful.


• Gender dysphoria: I am comfortable seeing clients who are gender non-conforming and welcome referrals from health practitioners involved with either the medical (hormone) or surgical gender transition processes.


• Personality disorders: Medication is generally only indicated for specific symptoms or comorbid conditions. The primary treatment for personality disorders remains psychotherapy.

Practice Telephone:  044 333 0520
Practice Fax: 
Practice Email:  reception@georgepsychiatry.co.za

Practice Hours:
Mondays to Thursdays 9am - 2pm

Practice Location:
33°57'3450.73"S     22°27'1635.34"E
Street Address:
3 Varing Ave,
George,
6529
Windsor Park