FAQ

We offer a wide range of services to support mental well-being for individuals of all ages. These include:

• Psychiatric evaluation and treatment for the entire range of mental disorders
• Psychotherapy (individual, couple, family, and group) including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Child and adolescent mental health services
• Psychological testing and assessment
• Medication management
• Speech and language therapy for development issues
• Occupational therapy for developmental issues
• Stress and anxiety management programs
• Parental training for challenges in children
• Marital and Family Therapy
• Psychoeducation for families

Each treatment plan is personalized based on the individual’s needs.

You should consider seeking help if you or someone you care about is experiencing:

• Persistent sadness, anxiety, or mood swings

• Marked change in behaviour

• Difficulty coping with stress or everyday tasks

• Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy

• Social withdrawal or loss of interest in activities

• Trouble focusing or remembering things

• Thoughts of self-harm

• Unexplained physical symptoms (like headaches or fatigue)

• Behavioural problems in children or adolescents

• Decline in academic or work performance

• Difficulty controlling certain behaviours

Early intervention can make a big difference in recovery and well-being.

• Psychiatrists are medical doctors specialized and licensed in the field of mental health who can prescribe medications and offer medical treatments for mental health disorders. They focus on diagnosis, medical management, and sometimes psychotherapy.

• Psychologists usually hold qualifications in clinical psychology. They provide psychological assessments and therapy but do not prescribe medications.

Both often work together to provide holistic care.

During your first visit, the doctor or therapist will:

• Ask about your current concerns and symptoms

• Take a detailed personal, medical, and family history

• Explore how the issue affects your daily life

• May ask you to fill out questionnaires or screening tools

• Work with you to develop a plan for evaluation and treatment

This is a safe and confidential space where your concerns are taken seriously and respectfully.

Yes. Most mental health conditions are treatable, especially with early and appropriate care. Treatment may include:

• Medication

• Psychotherapy or counseling

• Lifestyle modifications

• Family support

• Rehabilitation services (e.g., speech or occupational therapy)

• Community resources

The goal is to help individuals is recovery from symptoms, regain control over their lives and function effectively at home, work, school, and in relationships.

Not everyone needs medication. The decision is made based on:

• The type and severity of symptoms

• Whether therapy alone is effective

• Presence of biological or neurochemical imbalances

• Past treatment history

For many conditions, a combination of therapy and medication provides the best results. You will have a clear discussion with the psychiatrist before starting any medication.

Yes. Everything you discuss in treatment or therapy is kept confidential.

We follow strict ethical and legal guidelines to protect your privacy.

We provide evidence-based therapies, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Mindfulness-Based Therapy

• Psychodynamic Therapy

• Interpersonal Therapy

• Family and Couples Counseling

• Play Therapy (for children)

• Behavioral Therapy

• Supportive Counseling

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

The choice of therapy depends on your condition and personal preferences.

The length of therapy varies from person to person. Some people feel better within a few sessions, while others may need several months or longer. Factors that affect progress include:

• Severity and type of issue

• Personal goals

• Regularity of sessions

• Motivation and engagement in therapy

Your therapist will review your progress regularly and adjust the plan as needed.

To prepare for your first visit:

• Make of note of your symptoms, concerns, or questions

• Bring a list of any medications you’re currently taking

• Bring your previous lab reports, medical reports or any other relevant information

• Note important personal, family, or medical history

• Be honest and open — this helps in accurate diagnosis and planning

• Arrive early if you have paperwork to complete

• If appropriate or required, bring a friend or family member who understands your difficulties

You don’t need to have everything figured out — just a willingness to talk is enough.

Yes. Our child and adolescent mental health team includes psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. We help with:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Learning difficulties

• Behavioral issues

• Speech and language delays

• Other developmental delays

• Emotional and social challenges in children

• School-related stress

• Parent-child relationship issues

We use child-friendly assessments and therapeutic techniques tailored for younger age groups.

Absolutely. We provide:

• Detailed psychological and educational assessments

• Behavior modification programs

• Parent training sessions

• Support for ADHD and learning disorders

• Coordination with schools for accommodations

• Speech and occupational therapy, if needed

We aim to identify the root cause of the difficulties and provide targeted support.

Developmental assessments use clinical observation and interviews, and standardized tests to evaluate whether a child is reaching appropriate milestones in:

• Speech and communication

• Cognitive skills

• Fine and gross motor skills

• Social and emotional functioning

• Behavior and adaptability

These assessments are helpful for diagnosing autism, developmental delays, learning disorders and any other relevant issues. Based on the findings, a therapy plan is recommended.

Yes. Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health concerns. We provide:

• Psychiatric evaluation and medication (if needed)

• Psychotherapy (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness based Therapies)

• Stress management

• Lifestyle advice (e.g., Sleep Hygiene, role of exercise)

• Supportive therapy and crisis intervention

Recovery is possible with the right support and treatment plan.

The Psychiatry department has a walk-in clinic that works on “first come – first served” basis. Information about the availability of doctors is available over phone (971 6 5512913).

The Clinical Psychology, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy departments see patients only on Appointment. Appointments can be scheduled by phone (+971 6 5512913) or in person.

• Psychiatric consultations and treatment are strictly in-person. We do not offer online appointments for psychiatric services.
• For Clinical Psychology, some services may be available through video or teleconsultation. These may include:
  • Some kinds of therapy / counseling sessions (this will be decided by the clinical psychologist)
  • Parental guidance
  • Review and discussion of previous psychological assessments
• Please note:
  • First-time assessments with the Clinical Psychologist are always conducted in person.
  • Psychometric testing is done in-person
  • Certain therapies (such as Behavior Therapy) also require in-person attendance.
  • We recommend discussing your specific needs with our Clinical Psychology team to determine whether teleconsultation or video sessions are appropriate in your case

We will explain the fee structure clearly before your first appointment. Some insurance plans may cover mental health services.

You can call the clinic for further information.

Yes, we work with several insurance providers. Coverage may depend on your plan. We recommend:

• Checking with your insurance company before the appointment if Mental Health is covered

• Bringing your insurance card and ID to your visit

• Asking your insurance provider if pre-authorization is needed for psychiatric or psychological services

Our admin staff can help guide you through the process.

Yes, if you feel more comfortable, you can bring a trusted family member or friend.

For children, a parent or guardian must accompany.

All our clinicians are fully qualified, MOH licensed, and experienced in their respective fields.

A good therapeutic relationship is essential for effective treatment. If you feel uncomfortable:

• Share your concerns directly with the psychiatrist or therapist directly, if you feel safe doing so

• Talk to our clinic coordinator about switching to another professional

• You always have the right to request a change

Your comfort and progress are our priorities.

Psychological assessments are standardized tests and interviews used to understand an individual’s:

• Intelligence and cognitive skills (IQ)

• Emotional functioning

• Personality traits

• Academic abilities (reading, writing, math)

• Attention, memory, and executive functioning

They help diagnose conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disorders, intellectual disability, personality, and other psychiatric disorders. Reports can also be used for school accommodations or treatment planning.

Children with ADHD may:

• Be excessively restless or fidgety

• Have trouble sitting still or staying focused

• Be impulsive or interrupt others

• Struggle with organizing tasks

• Forget or lose things often

• Perform below their potential at school despite normal intelligence

If these behaviors are persistent and affect functioning at home or school, a professional evaluation is recommended.

Frequent complaints from School regarding behaviour may be another pointer towards ADHD.

Some mild issues may improve over time, especially with support and positive changes in life circumstances. However, many mental health disorders:

• Persist or worsen without treatment

• Can lead to other health or relationship problems

• Interfere with academic, occupational, family or social functioning

Seeking timely help improves recovery chances and prevents complications.

This is a common and challenging situation. You can:

• Approach the person gently and non-judgmentally

• Express concern using “I” statements (“I’m worried about you…”)

• Offer to help make an appointment

• Share that mental health care is common and effective

• Avoid pressuring or arguing

• If safety is a concern (self-harm, violence), contact emergency services

Sometimes a family session or intervention may be necessary.

Here are some ways to help:

• Be patient and listen without judgment

• Learn about their condition

• Encourage professional help

• Avoid minimizing their struggles (“Just snap out of it”)

• Support their treatment and recovery goals

• Take care of your own well-being too

Being supportive can significantly impact their recovery journey.

Occupational therapy helps individuals build skills for everyday living, especially when emotional or cognitive issues interfere with functioning. OT can support:

• Children with sensory processing issues, autism, or developmental delays

• Adults struggling with time management, work skills, or daily routines

• Rehabilitation after trauma or illness

Therapists use structured activities to build independence, focus, and coping skills.

Speech therapy helps with:

• Speech delays or unclear speech

• Difficulty understanding or using language

• Stammering or stuttering

• Social communication difficulties (e.g., in autism)

• Swallowing and feeding issues in young children

A speech-language pathologist will assess and create a treatment plan specific to the child’s needs.