Dr. Spiri Katsenos
MBBS, MMed, FRANZCP
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Spiri Katsenos
Days of consultation
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
About
Dr Spiri Katsenos is the Co Director of The South Melbourne Consulting Suites.
Spiri has many years of experience in caring for women as they navigate the various stages and seasons in their personal lives.
As a trained adult psychiatrist with a special interest in women’s mental health, perinatal mental health, couple and family wellbeing, Spiri provides a holistic approach to care that incorporates women’s unique individual needs in the context of their relationship with the baby. The baby’s needs and the needs of their partner and broader family are sensitively considered.
Care is provided in the context of a detailed assessment including how biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual factors may contribute to current difficulties.
Spiri has a wealth of experience in managing a wide range of presentations including adjustment issues to parenthood, pregnancy loss, infertility, still birth, trauma, mood disturbance and psychosis. With experience in prescribing medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, Spiri will work collaboratively with women and their next of kin to facilitate an informed decision about medication.
Spiri creates a safe and mindful space for her patients. Individual therapy, parent-infant therapy, couple therapy and family therapy may be recommended. Medication is advised when necessary. Spiri works collaboratively with paediatricians, child psychiatrists and obstetricians.
Spiri will recommend a mother baby inpatient unit stay if required and is credentialed for inpatient admissions at the Albert Road Clinic if clinically necessary. Ideally, treatment at home is encouraged and supported where possible.
Background
Dr Spiri Katsenos holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree from Monash University and a Masters postgraduate degree from the University of Melbourne. She is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry.
Spiri has vast experience in perinatal psychiatry having worked at the Mercy mother baby unit in East Melbourne and privately at The Albert Road Clinic Parent Infant Unit for many years. In her role at the Albert Road Clinic she provided assessment and treatment to families in need, supervised staff, managed the Day Program and worked closely with team members to facilitate the best outcome for her patients and their families.
Spiri has worked at the Royal Free hospital in London and has experience in both inner city and regional centres. She is an Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne and has been enthusiastically involved in teaching medical undergraduates for many years.
Spiri is published in the area of women’s mental health and medicines in pregnancy and the postpartum. She has delivered presentations at conferences and GP workshops. In addition, she is involved with the Mental Health Tribunal and has been a sessional member for many years. She is experienced with the Mental Health Act (2014) with its emphasis on a recovery model and increasing patient’s rights.
Dr Spiri Katsenos came to the field of psychiatry following many interests including, ethics and health care, community development, obstetrics, philosophy, the law and health, and the vital importance of empathy, compassion and humanity in the work of helping others. She remains inquisitive of the impact of social media on the development of self, family and society. She is holistic in her approach and mindful of the diverse and complex lives people have which require an open mindedness and flexibility to the notion of treatment.