Shaheen Ashraf Kagee

Shaheen Ashraf Kagee is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Psychology and Co-Director of the Alan Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health at Stellenbosch University, bringing extensive expertise as a researcher and educator in public mental health, HIV-related behavioural health, trauma, mental health interventions, and health psychology. His academic background includes a PhD in Counselling Psychology from Ball State University (1999), a Master of Public Health from the University of Cape Town (2005), a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring & Evaluation from Stellenbosch University (2011), an M.A. in Counselling Psychology from the University of Portland (1991), a B.A. in Psychology & Political Science from the University of Cape Town (1986), and a B.A. Hons. in International Relations from Stellenbosch University (2021).

Dr. Kagee's professional career at Stellenbosch University spans roles as an Associate Professor (2003–2004), Professor (2004–2014), and Distinguished Professor (2014–Present), alongside his leadership as Co-Director of the Alan Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health since 2017. His research focuses on public mental health in resource-constrained settings, HIV, ART adherence, depression, PTSD, suicidality, trauma, substance use, health psychology, psychosocial interventions, and international collaborative capacity building, resulting in over 200 journal articles and scholarly publications.

Recognized widely for his scholarly achievements, Dr. Kagee has received a B2 category rating from the National Research Foundation (2025), has been a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) since 2017, and was honored with the 2024 Outstanding Contribution to the Field of CBT in Africa award. His accolades from Stellenbosch University include Research Excellence Awards (2006, 2018, 2019, and 2022), a Distinguished Teacher Award (2021), and the Chancellor’s Award for Sustained Excellent Career Performance (2018). Furthermore, he contributes extensively to the academic community as an Editorial Board Member for Social Science & Medicine: Mental Health, Psychology, Health & Medicine, and the Journal of Health Psychology, a Membership Committee Member for the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and a Guest Editor for the Scandinavian Journal of Disability Research (2025).