His decision to pursue psychiatry was shaped by early personal experiences. Exposure to family members and friends living with severe mental health conditions sparked a deep interest in understanding the human mind and its complexities. Over time, this interest evolved into a clear calling to psychiatry, a field he describes as both profound and deeply rewarding.
Dr Clay completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at the University of Cape Town in 2013, before going on to specialise in psychiatry. He obtained both his Fellowship of the College of Psychiatrists of South Africa (FC Psych (SA)) and his Master of Medicine (MMed) in Psychiatry from the University of Cape Town in 2023. His postgraduate research focused on the use of electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
His clinical training has been extensive and varied, including roles at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital, Groote Schuur Hospital, and Alexandra Psychiatric Hospital, where he managed acute and complex psychiatric wards, outpatient services, and psychogeriatric care. Throughout his career, Dr Clay has worked across a wide spectrum of psychiatric disciplines, including acute psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, addiction, maternal mental health, and community-based care.
Building on his training as a specialist psychiatrist, Dr Clay worked for two years as a subspecialty registrar in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. He is also completing an MPhil in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry through the University of Cape Town. He has a particular interest in working with children, adolescents, and their families, as well as in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD.
He views his role not simply as a clinician, but as a guide, helping patients navigate the psychological challenges that arise at different stages of life, from childhood through to older age. He is especially interested in transitional periods, such as the move from adolescence to adulthood, changes in relationships, and the shift from working life into retirement, where individuals may require additional support and insight.
Dr Clay is also actively involved in teaching and service development, having contributed to the training of medical students and healthcare staff, and to the strengthening of mental health services at primary care level.
Outside of his clinical work, he enjoys reading, hiking, and staying active through trail running and strength training. He also has a longstanding appreciation for sport and the outdoors.
With a strong academic background, diverse clinical experience, and a deep commitment to patient wellbeing, Dr Keagan Clay brings both insight and compassion to his psychiatric practice at Mediclinic Vergelegen.