CHMC, Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychology in Dubai is a German clinic founded in Dubai in 2010 by Dr. Kowal. For 15 years, our clinic has provided state-of-the-art treatment for Dubai and the neighbouring countries.
We see that people’s general well-being depends critically on mental health. Therefore, our holistic therapy methods focus not just on symptom relief but also on improving our patient’s quality of life. We focus on the root cause of our patient’s problems and not just silencing them with medication.
Several clinics in Dubai employ rotating or visiting doctors. However, high-quality psychiatric and psychological care requires the constant presence of the specialists. You will see on every visit the same psychiatrist and psychologist to form an enduring therapeutic relationship in which you will feel understood, valued, and supported.
On Dr. Kowal, Consultant for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Our Medical Director
Dr. Gregor Kowal is a German-certified consultant for psychiatry and psychotherapy. Since 2010, he has been our medical director and leading psychiatrist at CHMC.
Dr. Kowal graduated from one of the top medical schools in Germany, the University of Heidelberg. He participated in clinical research at the same university, closing it with a doctoral dissertation.
After 5 years of training in psychiatry and psychotherapy, Dr. Kowal was awarded the license as Consultant in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the Medical Chamber in Koblenz, Germany. In the following years, he worked as a head of department and later as medical director in psychiatric hospitals in Germany.
Dr. Kowal is trained not only as a psychiatrist but also as a psychotherapist. His therapeutic background is psychoanalytical psychotherapy. Therefore, in his treatment approach, he integrates evidence-based psychiatric treatment with his dedication to individualised psychotherapeutic treatment. Among the several mental illnesses, Dr. Kowal is specialised on treatment for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, psychosis, and more.
Set Your Psychitric Consultation at CHMC Dubai
Starting to think about your mental health is a big and brave choice. Our team is here to guide you at every stage of the process. We provide friendly, confidential surroundings where you can feel free and at ease sharing your worries.
Please contact us if you have questions or would like to make an appointment. You can get in touch with us by phone at.
Our clinic is open 6 days per week, Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
To meet Dr. Kowal, please contact our DHCC (Dubai Healthcare City) Branch
We recommend that you directly call our reception: +971 4 4574240
Our experienced psychiatric nurses will inform you about the treatment options and help you to select a therapist.
What should I expect from my first visit to CHMC psychiatric clinic?
Depending on your problems, you will see our psychiatrist, Dr. Kowal, or one of our psychologists. After an initial consultation, they will offer you the treatment options and discuss the frequency of visits and the treatment costs.
The first visit by our psychiatrists or psychologists, preferably in person, allows identifying your problem. The follow-up visits can take place in person or online. However, we suggest “face-to-face “therapy, which is more natural.
Dr. Kowal usually sees his patients for 30 minutes for the initial consultation. Such pre-assessment allows him to make a provisional diagnosis and explain which treatment would be the most appropriate. In emergency cases, he will move immediately to full evaluation, which takes 90 minutes.
In cases of treatment with medication, our clinic follows the international standard for treatment of mental health disorders. The initial assessment lasts around 90 minutes. The investigation starts with the clinical interview evaluating your symptoms, medical background, and personal situation. After the interview, other investigations, such as physical examination, laboratory test, and ECG, are necessary.
The reason for such in-depth evaluation is the exclusion of pre-existent physical conditions and for creating a benchmark for later controls. The psychiatric medication today is very well tolerated and used in the proper way, unlikely to create side effects. Nevertheless, five to six weeks after starting the treatment with medication, laboratory and ECG control are necessary to exclude any adverse effects.
The aim for such methodological and profound investigation is to arrive at a correct diagnosis in order to create a tailored treatment plan.
Why Choose Our Psychiatric Services at CHMC in Dubai?
Therapy for psychiatric disorders requires not only knowledge and compassion but also time and patience. Our psychiatrist has for each follow-up consultation 30 minutes; our psychotherapists offer 60-minute sessions. Providing community-based patient-centred care, we are always accessible to our patients.
The internal clinic organisation is based on proven German medical, psychiatric, and psychotherapy standards. In a collaborative effort, our patients and mental healthcare providers will identify a diagnosis or other need and develop treatment goals and a therapeutic treatment plan. Since its foundation, CHMC has become one of the most regarded psychiatric institutions in Dubai, providing state-of-the-art psychiatric and psychological services.
Comprehensive Mental Health Services at CHMC
The initial investigation consists of a psychiatric and/or psychological evaluation and diagnostic measures performed in our clinic. Our psychiatrist uses medication to treat psychiatric disorders, and our psychologists use evidence-based talk therapy (psychotherapy). Year around, our psychiatrists and psychologists are dedicated to continuously providing high-quality therapy during the treatment process. The clinic’s guiding principle is to always do what is in the patient’s best interest.We offer psychiatric and psychological services developed to address a wide range of mental health conditions. They include:
Diagnostic Assessments
We take the time to understand our patients’ backgrounds and their private and professional situations. The starting point of effective psychiatric treatment is an extensive clinical interview, physical examination, and further diagnostic measures. Such methodological and profound investigation reflects the highest German treatment standard, allowing us to identify not only the main psychiatric diagnosis but also any co-occurring mental health and physical disorder.
Customised Psychiatric Treatment Programmes at CHMC Dubai
People trapped in critical or uncomfortable situations develop mental health disorders that just reflect their individual suffering. Depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric symptoms are just a signal of a deeper-rooted problem.
Every patient is different, and so are their treatment requirements. At our psychiatric clinic, we create customised treatment plans addressing every patient’s particular needs. Your treatment can rely only on psychotherapy or a combination of both: psychiatric treatment with medication combined with psychotherapy.
Mental health Illnesses
A mental health illness is defined as a prolonged or recurring significant disturbance affecting a person’s thinking, feeling, and actions. Due to the increasing pace of life and social isolation in the two cities, psychiatric disorders are on the rise. Nearly one in two people will experience a significant mental health condition at least once in their life. In recent years, the number of sick leave days and early retirements due to mental health disorders has consistently risen, with depression and anxiety on the top.
Psychiatric illnesses usually have multiple causes, such as genetic factors, physical illnesses, current life events, past traumatic experiences, or interpersonal tensions.
What is psychiatry, and who is a psychiatrist?
Treatment of Mental Illnesses
Due to the complex causes of mental health illnesses, treatment is multi-dimensional, involving coordination with fields such as neurology, psychosomatic medicine, general medicine, and clinical psychology. Additionally, knowledge of current neurobiological, psychological, and social science findings is essential.
Mental illnesses are treated with psychotherapy, medication (pharmacotherapy), or often a combination of both approaches. The choice of treatment depends on the specific individual’s circumstances. For moderate to severe conditions, medication is typically combined with psychotherapy, while for milder cases, counselling or psychotherapy alone is usually preferred.
There are various types of mental psychiatric disorders, reaching from mild depression or anxiety to very severe conditions such as psychosis or mania.
Healing Mental Health Disorders
The fundamental reasons for mental health illnesses are the unconscious disparity, called a “conflict,” between patients’ internal “blue print” for what they are “designed to be” and their real situation.
From this perspective, a mental health disorder is a “cry for help.” It can be compared to a fever by someone suffering from pneumonia caused by bacteria. Treating the fifth, we will not remove the root cause, the bacterial infection.
The main objective of therapy for psychiatric disorders is to understand the nature of the conflict and then find a solution to the problem. Resolving an inner conflict always requires the patient’s “change of paradigm,” which means a deeper shift of understanding of himself and the world around him. The process requires the support of an experienced psychotherapist. Once the problem becomes conscious, the patient will be guided by the psychotherapist to find a solution.
The therapeutic guidance shouldn’t deprive the patient of his autonomy on how to make important life choices. The role of the psychotherapist is comparable to a mirror reflecting the patient’s thoughts and feelings. He helps the patient to find the connections with past experiences and traumas, often being the cause of his current symptoms. However, it’s always the patient himself who must find the way out of the crisis.
One can understand that such a process requires a particular setting, patience, consistency, and time. Therefore, we prefer rather longer but less frequent psychotherapeutic sessions. An ideal frequency of psychotherapy is initially twice per week and later once per month, but for at least one year. Escalating the number of sessions will not accelerate the patient’s inner transformation and healing. We offer, of course, more frequent sessions for people in major personal crises until stabilising their status.
Psychotherapy and Counselling at CHMC Dubai
Based on the above-mentioned concept, the main pillar of our treatment is psychotherapy. In a more severe case, the psychotherapy wouldn’t be applicable without using medication. In patients suffering from ongoing panic attacks or being fully inhibited by depression, we offer supportive therapy without “touching” the patient’s main conflict. Going to the “core” problem is possible after suppressing the anxiety and restoring the energy, mood, and sleep.
At CHMC Dubai, we provide a variety of therapeutic methods such as DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), psychodynamic therapy, hypnotherapy, couples counselling, and more.
Our treatment assists patients, helping them to find coping mechanisms until they find the resolution without just “cope.”. The short-term scope of psychotherapy is enhancing emotional control and restoring patient’s social and professional skills. The ideal long-term goal is helping patients to change their perspective along with reshaping their social and professional situation. Such changes need a secure and comfortable therapeutic environment and experienced therapists who are accessible at any time in case of a crisis.
CHMC’s strength is our relatively small, dedicated team consisting of psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and nurses. We cooperate closely with each other, providing the best possible treatment quality.
Treatment with Psychiatric Medication at CHMC Dubai
Many people think that treatment of mental health disorders mostly depends on medication. This is partially trough. Why partially? With medication, we are able to reduce or even fully suppress the symptoms, but not to heal the psychiatric disorder.
The medication is indispensable in severe cases. Patients suffering from severe anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness are not accessible for psychotherapeutic treatment. The use of medication allows us to stabilise the patient by suppressing his symptoms, opening the door for psychotherapeutic treatment. Psychotherapy is not a “mental short cut”; it requires time. During this process, patients have to be fully functional, performing their social and professional duties. However, patients treated only with medication are very likely to relapse even while taking the same dosage that was effective at the beginning.
At CHMC, we provide medication management solutions, choosing the proper medication in order to avoid or minimise the side effects. In the majority of our patients, the side effects can be fully avoided.
It’s well known that psychiatric medications need several weeks to unfold their full potential. The same happens by reducing the medication dosage, as their effect on the central nervous system doesn’t stop abruptly. Therefore, the use of medication at the beginning, during the titration process, and at the end of therapy should happen slowly and under close monitoring.
After suppressing the symptoms with medication, the patient needs several months of psychotherapeutic treatment. After the patient’s sufficient stabilisation with medication, along with psychotherapy, the medication dosage can be gradually reduced. We always start the process in small steps, reducing the dosage gradually over a longer period of time.
Combining Medication with Psychotherapy
The combination of medication and psychotherapy is state-of-the-art therapy, providing the best results. Simplifying the process: with medication we suppress the symptoms, while psychotherapy makes its use obsolete. By using such a method, in most cases the medication can be fully discontinued, and if not, then at least significantly reduced.
Our individualised treatment for challenging mental health disorders is evidence-based, addressing patient’s particular demands. Medication and psychotherapy should be chosen individually. For example, for PTSD treatment, we use EMDR, or trauma-focused psychotherapy. For phobias, CBT or exposure therapy combined with medication will be the best fit.
Insurance Coverage and Payment
Our patients from Dubai and abroad possess a variety of medical insurances. Therefore, it’s impossible for us to have pre-assigned agreements with all insurances. Therefore, we offer a pay-and-claim option.
Most of our patients possess insurances covering psychiatric and psychotherapeutic services. In such cases, we help them to clarify whether the treatment in our facility can be paid for or not. In case the insurance doesn’t cover the treatment, we do not start the therapy unless the patient wants to cover the costs privately.
For further information regarding the particular plans and how we could help you understand your coverage, kindly get in touch with our office.
Mental Health Disorders We Treat
At CHMC Dubai, we offer treatment for a broad spectrum of mental health disorders, such as:
Depression
Depression is a widespread illness that can influence all aspects of life. Depression affects the main areas of a person’s well-being, such as mood, energy level, self-esteem, concentration, and sleep.
At CHMC Dubai, we offer customised treatment consisting of psychotherapy and medication. Our treatment plan is individually tailored. In less severe cases, the method of choice is the use of psychotherapy. However, in moderate and severe depression affecting a person’s performance and putting at risk his family life and job, medication is necessary. It restores a fairly quick person’s normal functioning, opening the door for the psychotherapeutic treatment addressing the underlying causes of depression.
The psychotherapy methods applied at our psychiatric clinic in Dubai for treatment of depression are evidence-based therapies, including CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), interpersonal therapy (IPT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, trauma therapy, EMDR, and family therapy. Involving family members in the treatment created a solid support system.
Anxiety Disorders
There are a variety of anxiety forms, such as generalised anxiety disorder, panic attacks, social anxiety, and particular phobias.
We provide focused therapies meant to reduce the level of anxiety and improve our patient’s day-to-day performance. The treatment of anxiety disorders is not that different from treating depression. In some people, the “inner discomfort” appears in the form of depression; in others, it appears as anxiety.
Also, here the mild forms of anxiety can be treated psychotherapeutically. In more severe cases, the medication offers quick symptoms suppression. However, mediation alone will not be enough to achieve a full healing; therefore, we always combine it with psychotherapy.
For treatment of anxiety, we are using CBT, exposure treatment, as well as psychodynamic psychotherapy. We help our patients to pinpoint the causes of their worries and create a treatment plan for sensible management.
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
A person’s mental health can suffer long after a traumatic event. Our specific PTSD treatment heals trauma by processing trauma memories and lowering symptoms, including hypervigilance and flashbacks. We apply trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT), EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing), and prolonged exposure treatment, among other evidence-based therapies. Our therapists are qualified to create a secure and encouraging space in which you may work through your experiences at your own speed.
Long-Term Psychiatric Treatment at CHMC Dubai
Apart from “conventional” psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and treatment for burnout or trauma, we provide specialised therapy for more complex psychiatric illnesses. Such disorders as bipolar disorder, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), or psychosis require a high level of psychiatric and psychotherapeutic expertise as well as much longer treatment intervals.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a severe psychiatric illness that often needs lifelong treatment. Managing the highs and lows in bipolar patients requires consistent management by an experienced psychiatrist. In the treatment of bipolar disorder, medication plays the most important role. Untreated bipolar disorder can run out of control, ending in so-called “rapid cycling.” The frequent manic episodes, followed by depressive phases interrupted by short periods of stability and frequent hospitalisations, lead to job loss, disruption of family ties, and often to full invalidism.
Treatment for bipolar disorder emphasises long-term management with medication supported by psychotherapy under family involvement in the treatment plan. The treatment with medication doesn’t mean that the patient will suffer from side effects. Using mood stabilisers in long-term treatment usually does not create any adverse effects. The combination of tailored pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes protects patients from relapses, helps to sustain a stable mood, and restores their normal social and professional performance.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
ADHD affects not only children but also adults. We provide comprehensive diagnostics and psychometric testing to secure the ADHD diagnosis.
We shouldn’t understand ADHD as an illness. Individuals with ADHD have a particular “brain wiring.” They have an “interest-based nervous system.” They are not motivated by reward or punishment but only by passion for a task. Therefore, ADHD can’t be healed. Under everyday life circumstances, we are not able to do only interesting things. While a normal individual can compromise and fulfil repetitive or boring tasks, people with ADHD “zone out.” If they are interested in the task, they will excel. However, to fulfil normal duties at school and later in professional life, they need life-long treatment.
The most effective treatment method is the use of medication. In parallel, we employ behavioural therapies, psychoeducation, and family therapy. We involve families in the treatment in order to create understanding and support for the affected individuals.
OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
OCD is marked by repeated behaviours (compulsions) and intrusive thoughts (obsessions). To help our patients control intrusive thoughts and obsessive behaviours, we provide individually tailored therapies. The state-of-the-art treatment for OCD is a combination of medication (usually using antidepressants) with CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) with exposure and response prevention (ERP).
Psychosis
Psychosis is a severe mental condition. The most serious form of psychosis is schizophrenia. People with psychosis disconnect from reality. In the psychotic state, the border between the surreal world of delusions and hallucinations and the real world frequently doesn’t exist. People’s thinking, emotions, perception (seeing, hearing, smelling, touching), and the sense of one’s own body all change. Psychosis is like dreaming with open eyes.
Treatment of psychosis requires a profound psychiatric experience and long treatment intervals, sometimes even treatment lasting for the entire life.
FAQ about Psychiatry and Psychiatrists
Psychiatry stands at the intersection of natural and human science, such as medicine and psychology.
What Is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry is a medical speciality focused on the treatment of mental health disorders. It stands at the intersection of natural and human science, providing comprehensive care to those grappling with mental health challenges. Psychiatry is focusing not only on the treatment of mental health disorders but also on preventing them. What makes this field unique is its position bridging natural and social sciences. Psychiatry integrates knowledge from fields like biochemistry, physiology, and genetics with psychology, sociology, and philosophy. Such an interdisciplinary approach is crucial, as physical and mental illnesses often intersect or influence each other.
Who is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor working in the field of psychiatry qualified to assess both the physical and psychological aspects of mental health conditions.
A specialist in psychiatry, her primary focus is on cases involving mental illnesses caused by neurobiological changes in the brain. He approaches these changes from a medical perspective, influencing them with medication. For instance, in cases of severe depression, psychiatrists prescribe antidepressants. While counteracting a deficiency in the mood-enhancing neurotransmitters, antidepressants reduce or even remove the symptoms. Simultaneously, a psychiatrist can apply psychotherapy himself or by referring the patient to a psychotherapist.
Difference between Psychiatrist and Psychologist
The main difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is that a psychiatrist is a medical doctor specialising in the neurochemistry of the brain. He treats mental health disorders by prescribing medication that restores the imbalance of the neurotransmitters in the brain, reducing or removing the symptoms. On the contrary, a psychologist uses “talk” therapy, known as psychotherapy or counselling.
When Should One Seek a Psychiatrist?
The decision to consult a psychiatrist depends on the impact of mental health issues on your life. Don’t underestimate the importance of seeking help, as early intervention can prevent problems from worsening. Whether it’s a sudden crisis or a persistent struggle, reaching out to a psychiatrist is a crucial step towards mental well-being and personal growth.
Psychiatric disorders can arise suddenly, like panic attacks or distressing hallucinations. Other mental problems may appear gradually, such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, eating disorders, and generalised anxiety. Unfortunately, many patients delay seeking treatment, often attempting to handle problems on their own before realising the need for professional help. Knowing when it’s time to seek professional help for mental health issues isn’t straightforward.
No Psychiatric Problem Is Insignificant
Firstly, it’s essential to understand that no problem is too insignificant for a visit to a psychiatrist. If it disrupts your daily life, it’s significant enough for treatment. Even if it doesn’t seem like a major issue, if you can’t resolve it independently, consulting a psychiatrist might be the right choice. Perhaps a single session could offer guidance, potentially eliminating the need for ongoing therapy. Why endure prolonged suffering when addressing the problem promptly can prevent it from escalating?
For more serious issues from the start, early intervention is crucial. In any case, scheduling an initial consultation is a wise step. During this session, you can discuss your concerns with the psychiatrist and, if necessary, arrange further appointments.
Certain psychiatric conditions may manifest with physical symptoms, often managed by a primary care physician. However, the underlying cause may remain undiscovered if it’s rooted in mental health. If you suspect that your physical symptoms could have a psychological basis, consulting a psychiatrist is advisable.
For less severe issues, psychotherapy provides an opportunity to plan the next steps, discover personal goals, and work towards improving one’s life.
How One Can Become a Psychiatrist?
To become a psychiatrist, candidates must first complete medical school and obtain a medical license. Subsequently, they undergo a specialised training program, with specific content determined by the medical boards in each country. During this period, they will spend a significant portion of training in inpatient psychiatric care, psychotherapy, and, in some countries, mandatory training in neurology.
Beyond formal education, psychiatrists need resilience because the patients you encounter often present complex cases. Maintaining professional distance is vital to prevent carrying their work into their personal life.
The crucial characteristics needed in the field of psychiatry are patience and empathy, as individuals suffering from mental illnesses rely on psychiatrist’s support and guidance. Additionally, psychiatrists should have an interest in understanding the neurobiological and chemical processes underpinning these disorders and treatment methods.
Psychiatric Residency
German board-certified psychiatrists Psychiatry is a very diversified field. In Germany, psychiatric hospitals can be specialised in the treatment of particular disorders, for example, depressions or psychosomatic disorders, while others treat only people with addiction. Big hospitals in Germany have several wards specialized in the treatment of different psychiatric disorders.
German-qualified psychiatrists meet rigorous requirements to be licensed to practice psychiatry. They must complete at least 5 years of postgraduate training. They initially work in certified hospitals that treat a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders. This assures that during their internship, psychiatrists will deal with every possible condition. This exposure gives them the knowledge and experience to practice psychiatry and treat patients once they can work independently.
Obtaining the License in Psychiatry
To obtain the specialist license of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (“Facharzt in Psychiatrie und Psychotherapy”) in Germany, medical doctors (MDs) participate in the psychiatric training for a minimum of five years. The training must include at least one year in neurology. Since 1994 in Germany, psychotherapy has been integrated into the specialist training for psychiatrists, allowing them to provide psychotherapeutic treatment. To acquire the Board Certificate in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, the applicant must pass a state exam in both fields, psychiatry and psychotherapy. The psychotherapeutic approaches include methods from cognitive-behavioural therapy and depth psychology.
Neurology as Part of Psychiatrist Curriculum
Psychiatry and neuroscience are two intertwined disciplines. Using the simplified hardware-software model, the psyche can be compared to the software (psychic processes) running on the hardware (brain). While psychiatry deals with the “software,” the mental processes, neurology focuses on the “hardware,” the human brain, and the peripheral nervous system.
Some neurological disorders affecting the brain, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Morbus Parkinson, strokes, etc., can influence the psyche and create symptoms similar to psychiatric disorders. Training in psychiatry must give an aspiring psychiatrist at least a minimum of insight into neurology. Therefore, the training in neurology is an essential part of the German psychiatric curriculum.
Psychiatrist and His Work Environment
While encountering challenging cases, psychiatrists treat mental health issues across all segments of society. They work in private practices, speciality and general hospitals, university hospitals, or run their own practices.
The psychiatrist’s workplace can vary, including private practices, specialised and general hospitals as well as university hospitals. Psychiatrist’s working hours differ based on mental health sectors. In hospitals, psychiatrists may work weekends, nights, and on-call shifts. In a private practice, they can schedule the treatment hours but often extend their availability into the evening to accommodate working patients. Flexibility is crucial, allowing psychiatrists to arrange appointments according to individual patient needs.
Furthermore, there are career options within the field of psychiatry, including research and teaching, typically requiring a doctoral degree.
Psychiatric Sub-Specialities
In the field of psychiatry, the candidates have several opportunities to specialise after completing their specialist training. Options include adult psychiatry and child psychiatry. More specific sub-specialities are:
- child psychiatry,
- social psychiatry, which focuses on the sociology and epidemiology of mental disorders
- gerontopsychiatry, concentrating on mental illnesses in older adults
- pharmacopsychiatry, where medication-based treatment is the primary focus
- biological psychiatry, researching biological methods for addressing mental disorders
- addiction medicine, which deals with dependency cases
- forensic psychiatry, where treating mentally ill offenders
To obtain the subspecialties licenses, psychiatrists need additional training of varying durations, typically ranging from one to three years.
Psychiatrists and Use of Psychotherapy
The therapeutic toolkit of modern psychiatrists encompasses psychotherapeutic approaches. For example, in Germany since 1994, psychotherapy has been an integral component of psychiatric specialization. This allows the psychiatrist to provide psychotherapeutic treatment to both private and public health insurance patients.
In the field of psychotherapy, psychiatrists can also choose specialisations and focus areas for further training and practice. Options include behaviour therapy, psychoanalysis/depth psychotherapy, or gestalt therapy. These specialisations allow them to tailor their expertise to specific therapeutic approaches and patient needs.
Psychiatric Intervention
The work of a psychiatrist revolves around cases where mental disorders intersect with physical illnesses or have neurobiological root causes. This intertwining of body and mind compels us to approach these disorders from a medical perspective. For instance, in treating depression, talk therapy (psychotherapy) can not be sufficient. In such situations, people need treatment with antidepressants to address neurotransmitter imbalances in their brains. A psychiatrist might also assist individuals in coping with the psychological challenges of physical conditions like cancer.
People seek the help of a psychiatrist for distinct reasons. The problems can appear suddenly, like in panic attacks, psychosis with frightening hallucinations, or mania with hyperactivity associated with elevated mood and frantic behaviour. The symptoms can also develop silently over the long term. Such examples could be depression with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or general anxiety with constantly present irrational fears. Other mental health disorders requiring psychiatric intervention are eating disorders such as anorexia and buliemia nervosa and substance abuse.
Diagnosing and Treating Psychiatric Disorders
Psychiatrists deal with a variety of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, neuroses, bipolar disorder, OCD, psychoses, eating disorders, and addictions. They possess knowledge of how mental illnesses develop and progress and how they can be treated.
Through anamnesis, assessments, and diagnostic tests such as laboratory assessments, ECG’s, EEG’s, CT scans, or MRI’s, psychiatrists identify the nature of a patient’s condition. At the end of the diagnostic process, psychiatrists develop treatment plans, coordinating the interactions between patients, their psychologists, and families.
After securing the diagnosis, the psychiatrist can apply a suitable treatment method.
Another important subject of psychiatric work is to detect signs of impending psychiatric disorders and take preventive measures.
What Is Psychiatry, and Who Is Psychiatrist? Conclusion
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor working in the field of psychiatry qualified to assess both the physical and psychological aspects of mental health conditions.
The field of psychology encompasses several subspecialties. The most common subspecialties are adult psychiatry and child psychiatry. More specific are gerontopsychiatry, treating elderly patients, and forensic psychiatry, dealing with mentally ill offenders.
Becoming a psychiatrist requires completing medical training.
FAQ about Psychiatrist and Psychiatric Treatment in Dubai
I’m not sure whether I should consult a psychiatrist or a psychologist
It’s not always straightforward to understand the differences between psychiatrists and psychologists. The rule of thumb is: if you suffer from severe depression or anxiety paralysing your life, your first choice would be to visit a psychiatrist. If the symptoms don’t affect your social and professional performance, you can start with the psychotherapy provided by a psychologist.
However, at CHMC, you are not alone. Regardless of whom you visit first, our therapists are interconnected, and they will guide you to the right professional.
Is a psychiatrist the right specialist for me?
Psychologists are medical doctors. They have completed medical school and earned a license to treat patients. This medical license grants them the right to practice as doctors in various healthcare fields. After finishing medical school, the medical doctor can choose a particular speciality.
In the initial years after graduating from medical school, psychiatrists work as assistant doctors within the field of psychiatry. This phase involves a 5-year residency program. Psychiatrists specialise in the brain and mental illnesses. Their training as “specialists in psychiatry” includes learning therapeutic techniques for treating mental disorders alongside medical knowledge, for example, with medications like antidepressants or neuroleptics.
After their training, not all psychiatrists provide psychotherapy. Some work in hospitals, leaving talk therapy to their psychology colleagues, while others establish outpatient psychiatric practices without offering counselling services.
Who Is a Psychiatrist, and Who Is a Neurologist?
Have you ever wondered about the distinction between a psychiatrist and a neurologist? Both disciplines are intertwined. Psychiatrists and neurologists are medical doctors. Both deal with the disorders affecting the brain.
However, while a psychiatrist primarily addresses mental disorders like depression, panic attacks, or schizophrenia, a neurologist focuses on physical changes of the nervous system. This includes conditions such as epilepsy, brain damage after accidents or strokes, multiple sclerosis, and more.
If you experience dizziness, headaches, coordination issues, or motor skill problems, seeking a neurologist’s expertise is the right choice.
For treatment of depression, anxiety, phobias, OCD, psychosis, and more, you shall consult a psychiatrist.
Is a psychologist the right specialist for my psychiatric problem?
Psychologists come from a different background. They hold a master’s or diploma degree in psychology. The field of psychology revolves around understanding and analysing human experiences, including thoughts, emotions, and behaviour.
A significant distinction between psychologists and psychiatrists is that only psychiatrists can prescribe medication and other medical treatments, a privilege granted through their medical training.
Psychologists do not receive immediate licensure after their studies. This means they cannot treat individuals with mental illnesses right after graduation. They often work in research, education, counselling, or business roles, such as human resources. Some pursue training to become psychological psychotherapists to gain the necessary qualifications for treating mental health conditions.
While psychiatrists focus on the medical aspect of mental health, psychologists delve into the psychological aspects, offering valuable insights into the human mind and behaviour. Both professions play essential roles in promoting mental well-being and providing assistance to those in need.
Specialists in Psychotherapy Recruit from Medical and Psychological Fields
Psychotherapists come from diverse educational backgrounds—either a completed medical degree or a master’s/diploma in psychology. Upon completion of psychotherapy training, they can become either medical psychotherapists or psychological psychotherapists. This training typically spans 3 to 5 years. Afterward, psychological psychotherapists also receive professional licenses, granting them the ability to independently treat patients.
A notable distinction is that psychological psychotherapists cannot prescribe medications, unlike their medical counterparts. It’s worth mentioning that many medical psychotherapists, such as psychiatrists, often refrain from prescribing drugs alongside therapy. They may refer patients needing medication to independent psychiatrists. This choice might stem from a desire to maintain a clear separation between treatment modalities or because, after years of focusing on psychotherapy, they may not feel as confident in administering medication as psychiatrists who routinely handle such prescriptions.
Ultimately, both medical and psychological psychotherapists play crucial roles in mental healthcare, offering diverse approaches to treatment and working together to ensure patients receive the most appropriate care for their specific needs.
Will I have access to psychiatric medication being treated in Dubai?
Yes. Treating psychiatric disorders in Dubai, we have access to modern medication, the same as used in the US or Europe.
How can I get psychiatric medication in Dubai?
The UAE has a strict policy controlling psychiatric medications. It is prohibited to import, transport, or possess psychiatric substances unless they are legally prescribed. In Dubai, only registered psychiatrists can prescribe psychiatric medications using a digital system linked to Emirates ID.
Can I bring psychiatric medication while moving to Dubai?
Travellers entering the UAE with psychiatric medications must get approval through the Ministry of Health portal. They are allowed to bring a maximum of a three-month supply. Travellers must also carry an original prescription from their home country and a medical report authenticated by the relevant health authority.
Does your clinic provide online treatment?
In cases of psychiatric treatment using medication, an in-person visit will be necessary. The follow-up consultation can be done online; however, we need between them also in-person contacts. The psychotherapy could be done entirely via telemedicine, but in the best interest of our clients, we recommend at least the first session be done in person.
I am moving to Dubai with my adult daughter from Canada. Is there any chance to continue her psychiatric treatment in Dubai?
Our psychiatrist and psychologist will be pleased to provide continued care for your daughter. We recommend that she requests a letter from her treating mental healthcare provider. Since you were not specific about her disorder and the care she receives, consider whether she will need an appointment with the psychiatrist, psychologist, or both. We can seamlessly take over her care and provide all necessary documentation when she leaves Dubai again.
I moved to Dubai. Currently I’m taking an antidepressant. How can I get it?
In the UAE, any kind of psychiatric drug, including antidepressants, is controlled medicine. This type of medication can be prescribed only by a psychiatrist using the Ministry of Health digital panel. If you plan to stay longer in the UAE, you will need a psychiatrist who will monitor and treat your depression, prescribing the right medication, for example, antidepressants. To issue a prescription, the psychiatrist is obliged to secure the diagnosis on his own, taking a history, doing an examination, and creating a file for the patient.
I’m planning to travel to Dubai and spend two months on my holiday visa. I’m taking currently an antidepressant. What do I need to provide to be able to purchase the medication in Dubai?
The easiest way would be to bring enough medication with you to Dubai. Before you travel, you should approve the medication on the website of the Ministry of Health. You can take with you a stock of medication for a maximum of 3 months. If you plan to stay longer in Dubai, the treatment and prescribing the medication should be continued by the local psychiatrist.