Dr Lené Le Roux Practice

Dr Lené Le Roux Practice Dr Lené Le Roux is an experienced Mental Health Care GP practising in Claremont, Cape Town.

Today is Substance Abuse Awareness Day.The words we use matter.Labels like "addict", "ju**ie" or "substance abuser" can ...
26/06/2026

Today is Substance Abuse Awareness Day.

The words we use matter.

Labels like "addict", "ju**ie" or "substance abuser" can reinforce stigma, making it harder for people to seek the support they deserve. Person first, respectful language reminds us that people are more than their diagnosis.

Tomorrow, Dr John will be sharing a short video exploring how the language we use shapes attitudes towards substance use disorders, and why changing our words can help change lives.

25/06/2026

Late diagnosis of ADHD is one of my favourite things to work with.

Often, patterns are only recognised later in life. These may include people who have underperformed despite having lots of ideas, exceptional out-of-the-box thinking, and incredibly intelligent brains; those who have struggled to be reliable for friends and family because of poor time management, time blindness, and difficulty completing tasks on time, impacting the people around them; those with poor self-esteem because they've never been able to perform as well as others (or as quickly), or have struggled with "boring" but essential functions like admin and consistency; or those in top CEO and management roles because of their exceptional creativity and problem-solving abilities, but who burn out trying to juggle all the other responsibilities in workplaces designed for neurotypical employees.

The oldest patient I've diagnosed with ADHD was a 68-year-old gentleman. His grandson first came to see me as a teenager for an assessment. Afterwards, the grandson's mom realised she recognised so many of the same behaviours in herself. Then she thought, "Wait... my dad has never been able to succeed despite having so much talent and passion."

He clearly met the criteria for inattentive ADHD, which often goes unnoticed in schools—especially when he was at school 60 years ago. Children with inattentive ADHD aren't necessarily hyperactive or disruptive. Instead, they're often the daydreamers who don't cause trouble and simply find their way through to matric.

Throughout his life, he had one failed business venture after another. He was retrenched from multiple positions because he struggled to keep up with the admin, meet deadlines, and consistently follow through on projects.

At 68 years old, he finally understood that his brain simply worked differently. He started medication, worked with an occupational therapist for ADHD coaching, and launched a woodworking business that relied on his creativity and problem-solving abilities rather than constant administrative demands. He absolutely loved creating beautiful pieces.

It's never too late to investigate ADHD.

📞 083 284 8159
💻 [email protected]
🌐 leneleroux.co.za

We love keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, and today we’re thrilled to officially introduce a vital mem...
23/06/2026



We love keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, and today we’re thrilled to officially introduce a vital member of our practice family!

​Meet Tracey Reyes, our wonderful Virtual Assistant, who has been an integral part of Dr. Lené Le Roux’s practice since 2024. If you’ve interacted with our practice recently, chances are you’ve experienced her dedication first-hand.

Tracey has been a professional Virtual Assistant since 2019, bringing a high level of expertise, organization, and precision to everything she does. In addition to her administrative mastery, Tracey runs her own events business - this unique skill set means she is an absolute natural at managing logistics, coordinating details, and solving problems seamlessly for our clients and patients.

What truly sets Tracey apart is her deeply empathetic nature. She loves her daily interactions with our patients and has spent the last three years continuously learning and growing within the medical administrative field to offer the absolute best support possible.

When she’s not keeping our practice perfectly organized, Tracey is a proud single mom to her beautiful 18-year-old daughter.

📞 083 284 8159
💻 [email protected]
🌐 leneleroux.co.za

21/06/2026

The first “like and share” on each of our posts from the beginning has been by Deon, Lené’s dad.

Despite not growing up in a time or home culture that mental health is spoken about, he shares some of his insights in this video for Father’s Day 🩵

20/06/2026

What to expect when coming for an Autism assessment.

📞 083 284 8159
💻 [email protected]
🌐 leneleroux.co.za

Dr Kirsten WhitlockDr Kirsten Whitlock is a General Practitioner with a deep focus on mental health, from her foundatio...
18/06/2026



Dr Kirsten Whitlock

Dr Kirsten Whitlock is a General Practitioner with a deep focus on mental health, from her foundational training at Wits Medical School to practical experiences at Paarl and Stellenbosch hospitals, where she honed her expertise across a spectrum of mental health conditions, including substance use, psychosis, and personality disorders.

In 2023, Dr Whitlock expanded her scope to include anxiety, ADHD, depression, and trauma-related conditions through her practice in Newlands and a Diploma in Mental Health. She values a holistic approach, integrating various therapies to support mental well-being. Dr Kirsten has also worked under Dr Lené and become experienced and skilled in managing infusion therapies for treatment resistant depression over the last 2 years of practice.

In her own time time she enjoys running on the mountain with her dog, or cuddling up with a library book and some Rooibos”

17/06/2026

June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month - a reminder that behind strength, success, and even a smile, many men are carrying struggles that no one sees.

Men are significantly more likely to die by su***de, yet many never reach out for help. Too often they're taught to "be strong," "push through," or keep their emotions to themselves. But asking for help is not a sign of weakness - it's an act of courage.

Take a moment to check in with the men in your life. Ask how they're really doing. Listen without judgement. Sometimes a simple conversation can make a bigger difference than you realise.

And if you're struggling, please know that you don't have to face it alone. Support is available, and reaching out is one of the strongest things you can do.

Let's break the stigma, let’s change the narrative around boys when it comes to emotions and what shows strength, let’s start the conversations with those we love, and remind every man that his mental health matters.

📞 083 284 8159
💻 [email protected]
🌐 leneleroux.co.za

Dr Lené le RouxI’m a medical doctor that has worked exclusively in mental health for 11 years now. I love the opportuni...
14/06/2026



Dr Lené le Roux

I’m a medical doctor that has worked exclusively in mental health for 11 years now. I love the opportunity to spend meaningful time with each patient, understand the complexity of their experiences, and support them on a path toward recovery and long-term well-being.

After completing my medical degree, I spent two years in public-sector medicine before moving into my area of greatest interest—mental health. A rare placement in a psychiatric hospital during my community service year confirmed my passion for psychiatry. I completed the Part 1 specialist examinations and went on to train for four years in both tertiary and community psychiatric services across Cape Town. In 2020, I stepped out of the specialist programme to focus on my own mental health and to be more present with my young daughter.

I work with a broad range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, burnout, PTSD, mood disorders, and psychosis. I have a particular passion for supporting mothers through the perinatal period and throughout the evolving stages of motherhood, as well a mom of two who has struggled with peripartum mental health myself, and I have a particular passion for women navigating peri-menopause and menopause.

My approach is holistic, considering biological, psychological, and social influences. I collaborate closely with psychologists, occupational therapists, counsellors, and other allied practitioners to create tailored, comprehensive treatment plans.

I remain committed to ongoing learning through regular academic conferences, clinical lectures, peer supervision, and specialised training. Recent additional courses include ADHD prescribing and perinatal prescribing. I am also actively involved in professional special interest groups focused on women’s mental health, ADHD, interventional psychiatry such as ketamine treatment, and neurodiversity.��

In my personal time, love spending time braaing in our garden while the kids play, or meeting up with friends over a cup of good coffee or glass of wine with a view. I’m also known to indulge in some good series or music (and yes, I’m still a Swiftie)

11/06/2026

Mental Health GPs and Psychiatrists

We get asked often “what is the difference between what you do and what a psychiatrist does?”

There are many subtle differences, but two of the key differences are:

The route of academic training is different after completing one’s medical and surgical degrees and doing internship and community service, which I explain in this video in more detail.

The scope of practice between psychiatrists and mental health GPs can differ. (I touch on this in the video, but it is more complex than a quick video) Scope is something we actively engage with individual patients on when referral on to a psychiatrist is more appropriate or needed, and help facilitate this process where needed.

📞 083 284 8159
💻 [email protected]
🌐 leneleroux.co.za

A mood disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects a person’s emotional state. While everyone experienc...
08/06/2026

A mood disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects a person’s emotional state. While everyone experiences natural ups and downs in mood, mood disorders involve emotional changes that are more intense, persistent, and long-lasting - often continuing for several weeks or longer. These ongoing shifts in mood can also impact behaviour, energy levels, and a person’s ability to manage everyday responsibilities such as school, work, and relationships.

There are several different types of mood disorders, each with its own patterns and challenges.

Major Depressive Disorder is characterised by persistent low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities (called anhedonia). It often affects physical functioning including sleep, appetite, and overall energy levels, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming. It’s so important however to rule out other causes, so a thorough clinical history taking and sometimes blood tests are needed to discern between other health conditions, or to rule out contributing factors to the depression.

Bipolar Mood Disorder involves significant shifts between emotional highs and lows. There are various forms of this condition, and the patterns can often be much more subtle than portrayed online or in media. During manic phases, a person may feel overly energised, impulsive, or “wired,” or have symptoms of psychosis. However they may also be describing their symptoms as anxiety or restlessness when actually there are hypomanic symptoms. Depressive phases can bring deep sadness, fatigue, and withdrawal. These mood changes can also affect thinking, sleep, and behaviour. We do also see mixed episodes where sometimes there’s a combination of manic and depressive symptoms, which can often look like depression with anxious distress. This is why a long clinical history taking appointment is needed when it comes to mental health assistance.

Cyclothymic Disorder can look similar, but the intensity of the It involves ongoing fluctuations between low-level depressive symptoms and periods of elevated mood (hypomania), though the symptoms are less severe than in bipolar disorder and don’t meet criteria for bipolar mood disorder.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) is a long-term form of depression where symptoms are less intense but more chronic. Individuals may experience ongoing feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, reduced motivation, and a general sense of inadequacy that can last.

Substance or Medication-Induced Depression refers to depressive symptoms that develop during or after substance use, withdrawal, or exposure to certain medications.

Mood disorders can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, but with appropriate support and treatment, many individuals are able to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives in all areas.

📞 083 284 8159
💻 [email protected]
🌐 leneleroux.co.za

Address

11 Imam Haron Road, Claremont
Cape Town
7708

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dr Lené Le Roux Practice posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category