Professor Dr Xavier Vincent Pereira is a medical doctor (MBBS), psychiatrist (Masters in Psychological Medicine – Psychiatry, University of Malaya), and holds certification in Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) from the IPT Institute, USA.

He is an Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry and was formerly the Head of Discipline of Psychiatry at Taylor’s University School of Medicine. Prof Xavier completed his Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) certification in 2006. He subsequently obtained certification as an IPT Supervisor in 2011 and IPT Trainer in 2013 from the IPT Institute, USA.

He currently serves as the Global Chair of IPT with Cultural Adaptations under the Section of Psychotherapy of the World Psychiatric Association (since 2019) and is the founder of IPT Malaysia.

Clinical Services

Prof. Dr Xavier provides general psychiatric services that include:

• Clinical assessments and management for adolescents and adults

• Assessments for psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions in children

• Clinical assessment of intellectual disability, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Medicolegal psychiatric assessments and reports related to neurocognitive disorders following traumatic brain injury

• Medicolegal psychiatric assessments and reports for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders

• Integration of psychological, cognitive, and behavioural strategies with or without medication, according to clinical needs

Therapeutic Approaches Used in Practice
Prof. Dr Xavier utilises a range of evidence-based psychological therapies, which may include:

• Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Interpersonal Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)

• Trauma-informed psychological interventions

• Relaxation and stress-management strategies

• IPT approaches adapted for adolescents

• IPT approaches adapted for older adults

• IPT approaches for couples

• IPT approaches for interpersonal difficulties, grief, loss, or adjustment challenges

Prof. Dr Xavier incorporates a psycho-socio-spiritual approach in selected contexts, integrating psychological, social, and spiritual perspectives where appropriate in psychotherapy and life guidance. He has been involved in the development of mentor-mentee programmes at the International Medical University (IMU) and Taylor’s University School of Medicine, and continues to provide mentorship to adolescents and adults.

He also facilitates workshops and educational sessions on stress and stress management, anxiety disorders (including PTSD), depressive and mood disorders, and suicide prevention awareness.

Prof Xavier is a life member of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and a life member of the Malaysian Psychiatric Association (MPA).