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Specialist Psychiatric Care · KwaZulu-Natal

Your journey to mental wellness begins in a space of trust.

Compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care for adults. A warm, confidential, and non-judgmental environment — in person at our Umhlanga and Berea practices, or online.

Book a Consultation Meet Dr Maharaj
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HPCSA Registered
Two Convenient Practices
Telehealth Available
Confidential & Safe Environment
078 781 8515
HPCSA Registered
Two Convenient Practices
Telehealth Available
Confidential & Safe Environment
078 781 8515
Dr Varsha Maharaj
15+
Years of clinical experience

Meet Your Specialist

Dr Varsha Maharaj

Specialist Psychiatrist

A safe space for

Dr Maharaj brings warmth, clinical rigour, and a deeply patient-centred approach to every consultation. Her practice is grounded in the belief that mental health is integral to overall wellbeing — and that every person deserves access to compassionate, evidence-based care delivered in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

Akeso Clinic — Umhlanga 16 Chestnut Crescent, Prestondale
St Joseph's — Berea 82 Mazisi Kunene Rd, Durban
Book an Appointment Read Full Bio

About Dr Maharaj

A compassionate specialist in mental health & wellbeing

Dr Varsha Maharaj is a highly regarded Specialist Psychiatrist practising in KwaZulu-Natal, with consulting rooms at Akeso Clinic in Umhlanga and St Joseph's Hospital in Berea, Durban. She brings warmth, clinical rigour, and a deeply patient-centred approach to every consultation.

With extensive training and experience in general adult psychiatry, Dr Maharaj provides comprehensive assessments, diagnoses, and treatment plans tailored to each individual. She is committed to working collaboratively with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Dr Maharaj's practice is underpinned by a belief that mental health is integral to overall wellbeing — and that every person deserves access to compassionate, evidence-based care delivered in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

Qualifications

MBChB — University of KwaZulu-Natal
DA (SA) — Diploma in Anaesthetics
MMed (Psych) — Master of Medicine in Psychiatry
FCPsych (SA) — Fellow of the College of Psychiatrists of South Africa

Areas of Special Interest

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Mood & Anxiety Disorders ADHD Autism Spectrum Disorders

Consulting Rooms

Two practice locations serving KwaZulu-Natal

Dr Maharaj sees patients at two consulting locations in the greater Durban area, with telehealth also available for those unable to attend in person.

Akeso Clinic — Umhlanga
Primary Practice
1st Floor, Akeso Clinic uMhlanga
16 Chestnut Crescent, Prestondale, 4319
Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal
078 781 8515
Monday – Friday, by appointment
Get Directions
St Joseph's Hospital — Berea
Consulting Rooms
82 Mazisi Kunene Road (South Ridge Road)
Berea, Durban, 4001
KwaZulu-Natal
031 261 2688
Selected days, by appointment
Get Directions

What We Offer

Comprehensive psychiatric services

Dr Maharaj offers a broad range of psychiatric services, from initial assessment and diagnosis through to ongoing management and support.

Psychiatric Assessment

Thorough diagnostic evaluations to understand your mental health history, current symptoms, and functional wellbeing — the foundation of effective treatment.

Medication Management

Evidence-based pharmacological treatment, carefully monitored and adjusted to achieve optimal outcomes with minimal side effects.

Psychotherapy

Individual supportive therapy and evidence-based psychological interventions delivered within a confidential and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship.

Telehealth Consultations

Secure video consultations from the comfort of your home — ideal for follow-up appointments, those living outside Durban, or when travel is not possible.

Medico-Legal Reports

Expert psychiatric assessments and reports for legal, insurance, and occupational purposes, prepared with rigour and attention to detail.

Inpatient Referrals

Where hospitalisation is required, Dr Maharaj facilitates appropriate inpatient placements and coordinates care with hospital multidisciplinary teams.

Conditions Treated

Areas of clinical focus

Dr Maharaj has expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions in adults.

Anxiety Disorders
Generalised anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, and health anxiety.
Depression
Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and treatment-resistant depression.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I and II, cyclothymia, and mood stabilisation.
Trauma & PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder, complex trauma, and adjustment disorders.
OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder and related conditions including body dysmorphic disorder.
Psychotic Disorders
Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and first-episode psychosis.
ADHD
Adult ADHD assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing pharmacological management.
Insomnia & Sleep
Sleep disorders, insomnia, and their impact on mental health and daytime functioning.
Substance Use
Assessment and management of substance use disorders and dual diagnosis presentations.
Personality Disorders
Borderline, narcissistic, and other personality disorders with a compassionate approach.
Eating Disorders
Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
Perinatal Psychiatry
Ante- and postnatal depression, anxiety, and psychosis during pregnancy and postpartum.

Telehealth

Psychiatric care from wherever you are

Dr Maharaj offers secure, confidential video consultations — bringing specialist psychiatric care to you, wherever you are in South Africa.

01
Request a Telehealth Appointment

Contact the practice by phone or email to schedule your virtual consultation at a time that suits you.

02
Receive Your Secure Meeting Link

A secure video call link will be sent to your email prior to your appointment — no downloads required for most devices.

03
Attend Your Consultation

Connect with Dr Maharaj from the privacy of your home. The consultation is fully confidential and mirrors an in-person experience.

04
Prescription & Follow-Up

Prescriptions and letters can be arranged electronically. Ongoing telehealth follow-ups are available for suitable patients.

Book a Telehealth Session

Blog & Resources

Mental health insights & guidance

Evidence-based articles and resources to help you understand mental health, reduce stigma, and support your wellbeing journey.

Anxiety
Understanding Anxiety: When Worry Becomes a Disorder

It's normal to feel anxious at times — but when anxiety begins to interfere with daily life, it may be time to seek professional support. Here's what to look for.

Read article
Depression
Beyond Sadness: Recognising the Many Faces of Depression

Depression is more than persistent low mood. Fatigue, irritability, changes in appetite and concentration are all part of the picture — and all treatable.

Read article
Wellbeing
The Importance of Sleep for Mental Health

Sleep and mental health are deeply intertwined. Disrupted sleep can worsen anxiety and depression — while good sleep hygiene is one of the most powerful wellness tools available.

Read article
ADHD
Adult ADHD: Often Missed, Highly Treatable

Many adults with ADHD spent years undiagnosed, believing they were simply disorganised or lazy. Recognising ADHD in adulthood can be life-changing.

Read article
Trauma
Healing After Trauma: Understanding PTSD and Its Treatment

Trauma can leave lasting imprints on the mind and body. Understanding PTSD — and knowing that effective treatment exists — is the first step toward recovery.

Read article
Medication
Psychiatric Medication: Myths, Facts, and What to Expect

Stigma around psychiatric medication is common — and often unfounded. This article addresses the most frequent misconceptions and what starting medication actually involves.

Read article

Fees & Medical Aid

Transparent, fair pricing

Dr Maharaj charges at medical aid rates. Patients are encouraged to contact the practice directly for the most up-to-date fee information.

Medical Aids Accepted

Dr Maharaj is registered with the major South African medical aid schemes. Patients are seen as a specialist — please ensure your plan includes specialist psychiatric cover.

Discovery Health Momentum Health Bonitas Fedhealth Medihelp Bestmed Gems Profmed Polmed Hosmed Other schemes
Not all plans within a scheme may cover specialist psychiatry. Please contact our rooms on 078 781 8515 to confirm your cover before your appointment.

Book an Appointment

Get in touch

To book a consultation or make an enquiry, please contact the practice by phone or complete the enquiry form. We aim to respond to all enquiries within one business day.

Telephone
078 781 8515 (Akeso — primary)
031 261 2688 (St Joseph's)
Akeso Clinic — Umhlanga
1st Floor, Akeso Clinic uMhlanga
16 Chestnut Crescent, Prestondale, 4319
078 781 8515
St Joseph's Hospital — Berea
82 Mazisi Kunene Road (South Ridge Road)
Berea, Durban, 4001
031 261 2688
Consulting Hours
Monday – Friday
By appointment only

Crisis support: If you are in crisis or require immediate assistance, please contact SADAG 0800 456 789 (24-hour helpline) or go to your nearest emergency department.