With compassion and specialist expertise, Dr Luzaan Cooke provides care for mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and more. Available in-person or through secure online psychiatry consultations across South Africa.
REGISTERED SPECIALIST PSYCHIATRIST | BASED IN RANDBURG | TELEPSYCHIATRY AVAILABLE
At Synapse Specialist Psychiatrists, we offer expert support for those navigating life’s mental health challenges. Led by Dr Luzaan Cooke, a registered psychiatrist with experience in both adolescent and adult psychiatry, we are committed to creating a safe, personalised space for your recovery journey.
Whether you prefer face-to-face consultations in Randburg or secure online psychiatry sessions across South Africa, we’re here to walk alongside you.
We diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of psychiatric conditions with empathy and clinical care.
Mood disorders
Anxiety disorders
Psychotic disorders
Trauma & PTSD
Starting your mental health journey can be daunting, but we’re here to make it easier. Visit our Patient Info section to learn about consultation fees and how to prepare for your first session.
Too far to travel? Prefer the comfort of home? We offer online psychiatry consultations for individuals across South Africa. Your privacy and care remain our top priority, wherever you’re based.
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a condition that may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance behaviours.
Scripts cannot be issued if you have not been reviewed for 6 months or more.
Eligible script requests must be made at least 3 working days in advance.
PTSD is treated through a combination of psychiatric care (such as medication for anxiety or mood symptoms) and trauma-focused therapy. Treatment is tailored to each person’s needs.
Anxiety symptoms may include constant worry, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, racing thoughts, muscle tension, and physical symptoms like chest tightness or nausea.
Try to ground yourself using deep breathing, focusing on your surroundings, or applying cold water to your hands. If attacks are recurring, psychiatric evaluation and treatment can help reduce their frequency and intensity.
Common signs include persistent sadness, fatigue, loss of interest in usual activities, difficulty concentrating, and changes in appetite or sleep. If these symptoms last more than two weeks, it’s worth speaking to a psychiatrist.
Bipolar disorder is usually treated with mood stabilisers, sometimes alongside other medications. Regular psychiatric monitoring is important to manage mood episodes effectively.
OCD is diagnosed through clinical evaluation of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. Treatment often includes medication and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
Warning signs include restrictive eating, bingeing, purging, preoccupation with food or body weight, and distress around eating. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.
They can impact emotional regulation, relationships, decision-making, and self-image. With appropriate psychiatric and therapeutic care, these challenges can be managed effectively.
Your first session will involve a detailed discussion about your symptoms, personal history, and mental health goals. This helps the psychiatrist create a personalised treatment plan.
Initial appointments are usually 45–60 minutes. Follow-up sessions may be shorter, depending on your needs.
We accept most major medical aids. Please visit our Medical Aids page or contact us to confirm cover.
Fees vary depending on the type and length of the session. Please refer to our Costs & Fees page for full details.
Yes — you can use our Book Appointment page to schedule an in-person or online consultation.
Yes. We offer secure online consultations for patients across South Africa.