Dr Thea van der Merwe
Dr Van Der Merwe is the resident specialist psychiatrist for Changes Rehab in Johannesburg.
Dr Thea has worked in private practice since 2006 and has worked closely with other physicians and neurologists to find better ways to treat patients more comprehensively. She took a special interest in addiction back in 2003 while she was still studying. She learned that addiction was a much more complex mental health issue than it seemed and that the substance abuse was often only a symptom of many complex deeper problems.
It became my passion to look at a patient as a whole, using medication, supplements, therapy and some lifestyle changes. These all play a role. Full Remission is the goal in modern psychiatry. We should do as much as we can to achieve this.
Did you know Changes Rehab is accredited by all major healthcare associations and national health organisations and adheres to internal protocols that far exceed the codes of conduct or norms and standards for effective treatment of patients with addictions and other mental health issues.
Premium South African Medical Aid associations pay for patient treatment for the first 21 days in our private primary care facility in Johannesburg.
Changes addiction counsellors are registered professionals who use a proven track record and therapeutic techniques to help your loved one overcome their addiction. With expertise and compassionate approaches, we are able to guide individuals towards leading a healthy, normal life, free from addiction.
Worried About a Loved One?
Our dedicated team is here to provide the support and guidance you need to help your loved ones on the path to recovery.
Free and confidential- Available 24/7
- Access to professional treatment
You don't have to do this alone. Speak to one of our experienced counsellors today.
With over 100 years of collective experience, the majority of the Changes Multidisciplinary Addiction Counselling Team has faced addiction firsthand. They not only hold the qualifications but also possess the personal experience to truly understand and assist loved ones that are struggling through addiction. It is a privilege to work alongside some of the best counselling minds in South Africa.
Sheryl Rahme
Founder & Director
Head of Treatment for Primary Care
Gareth Carter
Director
Internationally Qualified Counsellor
Kate Saxton
Group Practice Director
Counselling Psychologist
Dr. Thea van der Merwe
Resident Psychiatrist
Dr. Rajesh Bhoola
Group Medical Practitioner
Lolly Kikine
Occupational Therapist
Christianne Jones
Counselling Psychologist
Carmen Du Toit
Head of Treatment at River Manor
Skye Warrener
Addictions Counsellor
Melissa Adendorff
Registered Counsellor
Otsile Ramarumo
Recovery Assistant
Brian Muhumuza
Addictions Counsellor
Ingrid Ter Horst
Recovery Assistant
Dominique Roussouw
Social Worker
Bruce Hesom
Intake Coordinator
JP Le Roux
Recovery Assistant
Tanya Figueiredo
Office Manager
I just wanted to say thank you to the Changes Family for everything that you did so far to assist with my son. In the beginning, I felt like a terrible mom, but you guys have been truely incredible.
★★★★★I was done with life and reached out to rehab centers. Within 5 minutes, Changes called back, confirmed my medical aid authorisation, and after a week of being admitted I finally felt hope.
★★★★★In the dark days leading up to finding Changes, I never knew the journey I was about to embark on. I had no idea what rehabilitation really meant and always had a stigma about addiction.
★★★★★My nephew has been battling drug addiction for years and was isolating. Since he went to Changes Rehab, he is no longer isolating. He engages with us and has been sober. We got one of our own back.
★★★★★My first interaction with Changes gave me peace of mind. I knew that they would help. Thank you for looking after my son so well. You made a world of difference, not only in his life but also mine.
★★★★★Omw!!! I have absolutely no idea how to express my gratitude! My son initially went to another rehab. They couldn't contain him there and he was sent to a state hospital, where he was restrained.
★★★★★Thank you to everyone at Changes who helped my daughter through this difficult time. They not only helped her but kept in constant contact with me, updating me on her progress and checking up on how I was doing.
★★★★★I had a close friend who was having a hard time and we sent him to Changes. Admission staff was polite, friendly and professional. The counsellors were very well trained and professional.
★★★★★If Amy W wanted to go to Rehab then it would have been Changes! I had no idea what rehabilitation and treatment was but when I arrived, I didn't realise how broken and in need of repair I was.
★★★★★A phenomenal loving environment. Was well taken care off in my biological, psychological, social and spiritual healing. Got me to give the 12 steps a real shot and that changed everything.
★★★★★I was fortunate to be a patient at Changes for 90 days. I did treatment at the primary and secondary facility and it really changed my life! I am forever grateful for the help I received.
★★★★★My husband entered Changes at his lowest point. The care and expert guidance he received have not only saved his life but also saved our marriage. We can now look forward to a future together.
★★★★★