Psychiatrist in Dubai – Dr. Gregor Kowal at CHMC

Psychiatrist in Dubai – Psychiatric Assessment and Treatment

If you are looking for an experienced psychiatrist in Dubai, CHMC provides comprehensive psychiatric diagnosis and treatment for adults and adolescents from the age of 16.

CHMC is led by Dr. Gregor Kowal, German Board-Certified Consultant in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, who has worked in senior psychiatric positions in Germany and has been practising in Dubai since 2010.

Our approach combines careful psychiatric assessment, medication when indicated, and psychotherapy. Treatment is individualized according to the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, medical history, and personal circumstances of each patient.

At CHMC, psychiatric care is not limited to prescribing medication. We aim to understand the biological, psychological, and personal factors contributing to a patient’s difficulties and develop a treatment plan based on this broader clinical picture.

Book an Appointment. We are available Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.

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Dr. Gregor Kowal – German Psychiatrist in Dubai

Dr. Gregor Kowal is a German Board-Certified Consultant in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and the Medical Director of CHMC Dubai.

He studied medicine at the University of Heidelberg, Germany, where he also completed his doctoral research. Following his medical studies, he underwent specialist postgraduate training in psychiatry and psychotherapy in Germany.

Before moving to Dubai, Dr. Kowal worked in psychiatric hospitals in Germany, including senior positions as Head of Department and Medical Director. He founded CHMC in Dubai in 2010 and has since provided psychiatric treatment to patients from Dubai, the wider UAE, and internationally.

In addition to his medical specialization in psychiatry, Dr. Kowal is trained in psychotherapy with a psychoanalytic and psychodynamic orientation. This dual qualification allows psychiatric treatment to integrate medical and psychological approaches rather than viewing medication and psychotherapy as separate forms of care.

His clinical work includes the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, sleep disorders, psychotic disorders, and other psychiatric conditions.

Psychiatric Assessment and Treatment at CHMC Dubai

Effective psychiatric treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. Symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, poor concentration, exhaustion, insomnia, irritability, or mood fluctuations can have many different causes. Similar symptoms may occur in different psychiatric disorders and can sometimes be related to physical illness, medication, substance use, sleep disorders, or stressful life circumstances.

For this reason, the first psychiatric consultation at CHMC focuses on understanding the complete clinical picture rather than individual symptoms in isolation.

The initial assessment includes a detailed psychiatric and medical history, evaluation of current symptoms, previous treatment and medication, personal and family history, and relevant psychosocial circumstances.

When clinically indicated, the assessment may be supplemented by physical examination, laboratory investigations, ECG, psychological testing, or other diagnostic procedures.

The purpose is not simply to assign a diagnosis but to determine what is causing the symptoms and which treatment is most appropriate.

Conditions Treated by Our Psychiatrist in Dubai

CHMC provides psychiatric assessment and treatment for a broad range of mental health conditions.

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Panic attacks and panic disorder
• Flying Phobia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Adult ADHD
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Sleep disorders
• Burnout and stress-related conditions
• Psychotic disorders
• Personality disorders
• Eating disorders
• Substance-related and dependency disorders

Psychiatric symptoms frequently overlap. Depression may occur together with anxiety; ADHD can coexist with depression or anxiety; and bipolar depression can initially resemble major depressive disorder.

A comprehensive psychiatric assessment is therefore particularly important when symptoms are complex, recurrent, or have not responded adequately to previous treatment.

When Should You See a Psychiatrist?

You do not need to wait until symptoms become severe before consulting a psychiatrist. A psychiatric assessment may be appropriate when emotional, cognitive, behavioural, or physical symptoms persist and begin to interfere with everyday life.

People commonly consult our psychiatrist in Dubai because of persistent anxiety, depressed mood, panic attacks, sleep problems, difficulties concentrating, emotional instability, loss of motivation, unexplained changes in behaviour, or problems functioning at work or in relationships.

A psychiatric consultation can also be useful when a previous diagnosis is uncertain, medication has not produced the expected improvement, several medications have already been tried, or symptoms could belong to more than one psychiatric condition.

Early assessment can clarify the diagnosis and help determine whether treatment should involve psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, further medical investigations, or a combination of approaches.

Psychiatrist or Psychologist – Whom Should I See?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed specialist training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. Psychiatrists can diagnose psychiatric conditions, evaluate possible medical causes of symptoms, prescribe medication, and monitor its effects.

A psychologist is trained in psychological assessment and psychotherapy but is not a medical doctor and does not prescribe psychiatric medication.

For mild or moderate psychological difficulties, psychotherapy with a psychologist may be sufficient. A psychiatric assessment is particularly useful when symptoms are severe, the diagnosis is unclear, medication may be required, or physical and psychiatric factors need to be considered together.

Many patients benefit from a combination of psychiatric treatment and psychotherapy.

At CHMC, psychiatrists and psychologists work within the same clinic, allowing treatment to be coordinated when both approaches are required.

Medication and Psychotherapy

Medication can be highly effective in psychiatric treatment, but it is not automatically necessary for every patient. The decision to prescribe medication depends on the diagnosis, severity and duration of symptoms, previous treatment, medical history, potential side effects, and the patient’s individual circumstances.

When medication is indicated, treatment is monitored and adjusted according to clinical response and tolerability. At the same time, medication alone may not address psychological conflicts, behavioural patterns, relationship difficulties, traumatic experiences, or other factors contributing to a person’s symptoms.

For this reason, CHMC combines psychiatry and psychotherapy whenever clinically appropriate.

In more severe conditions, medication may first be necessary to reduce symptoms such as intense anxiety, severe depression, insomnia, agitation, or mood instability. Once the patient is more stable, psychotherapy can address underlying psychological difficulties and support longer-term recovery.

A German Approach to Psychiatric Care in Dubai

CHMC was established to provide psychiatric and psychological treatment in Dubai based on the clinical principles Dr. Kowal developed during his medical training and psychiatric work in Germany.

This approach emphasizes careful diagnosis before treatment, evidence-based medicine, and the integration of psychiatry with psychotherapy. Psychiatric symptoms are considered within the broader context of a patient’s physical health, psychological development, relationships, work, family circumstances, and previous experiences.

The aim is to understand not only the symptoms themselves, but also the factors contributing to their development and persistence.

Psychiatric Medication in Dubai

Psychiatric medications in the UAE are subject to specific prescribing regulations. Before medication can be prescribed, the psychiatrist must assess the patient, establish the clinical indication, and review relevant medical and treatment history.

Patients already receiving psychiatric medication abroad should bring, whenever possible, a medical report or letter from their previous psychiatrist together with details of their current medication and dosage.

Availability and prescribing regulations can differ from those in other countries. Our psychiatrist can review the existing treatment and determine how it can be continued appropriately in Dubai. 

Regular psychiatric follow-up is particularly important for medications requiring dose adjustment, monitoring, or controlled prescribing.

Moving to Dubai With an Existing Psychiatric Diagnosis

CHMC regularly sees patients who have recently moved to Dubai and want to continue psychiatric treatment started in another country.

If you have an established diagnosis, bringing previous medical documentation can make the transition easier. Useful information includes your diagnosis, previous and current medication, treatment response, relevant investigations, and a summary from your previous psychiatrist or psychologist.

Your previous treatment will be reviewed during the first consultation. Where clinically appropriate, treatment can then be continued or adjusted according to your current condition and the medications available in the UAE.

Why Choose CHMC for Psychiatric Treatment in Dubai?

Patients looking for a psychiatrist in Dubai often have very different needs. Some are seeking their first psychiatric assessment, while others have been receiving treatment for many years and want a second opinion or continuity of care after moving to the UAE.

CHMC offers several features intended to provide consistent and comprehensive psychiatric care:

• German Board-Certified Consultant Psychiatrist
• Three decades of psychiatric experience
• Former Head of Department and Medical Director in Germany
• Practising in Dubai since 2010
• Training in both psychiatry and psychotherapy
• Medication and psychotherapy within one treatment concept
• Continuity with the same treating specialist

Our aim is not simply to suppress symptoms but to understand why they developed, identify factors that maintain them, and choose treatment according to the individual patient’s needs.

Book an Appointment With a Psychiatrist in Dubai

If you are experiencing persistent psychological symptoms, require psychiatric medication, would like a second opinion, or need to continue psychiatric treatment after moving to Dubai, you can arrange an assessment at CHMC.

The first consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your symptoms, previous treatment, medical history, and current circumstances in detail. Based on this assessment, the psychiatrist will discuss the diagnosis and appropriate treatment options with you.

CHMC German Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychology

Dubai Healthcare City
Al Razi Building No. 64, Block B
3rd Floor, Clinic 3006
Dubai, UAE

Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Telephone: +971 4 457 4240

Book an Appointment:

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a psychiatrist in Dubai?

Important factors include the psychiatrist’s medical qualifications, specialist certification, clinical experience, areas of expertise, and approach to treatment. It can also be useful to consider whether the psychiatrist provides psychotherapy or works closely with psychologists when combined treatment is required.

What happens during the first psychiatric consultation?

The psychiatrist will ask about your current symptoms, when they began, previous psychiatric or psychological treatment, medication, medical conditions, family history, sleep, substance use, and relevant personal circumstances. Further investigations may be recommended when clinically indicated. The purpose is to establish a diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication in Dubai?

Yes. A licensed psychiatrist can prescribe psychiatric medication when there is a clinical indication. Some psychiatric medications are subject to additional UAE prescribing and dispensing regulations.

Do I need a psychiatrist or a psychologist?

A psychiatrist is particularly appropriate when symptoms are severe, the diagnosis is uncertain, medication may be necessary, or medical causes need to be considered. A psychologist primarily provides psychological assessment and psychotherapy. Many patients benefit from both.

Does CHMC provide psychotherapy as well as psychiatric treatment?

Yes. Psychotherapy is an important part of the CHMC treatment concept. Depending on the patient’s needs, psychotherapy may be provided alongside psychiatric treatment and medication.

Can I continue medication prescribed by my psychiatrist abroad?

In many cases, treatment can be continued after psychiatric assessment in Dubai. However, medication availability and UAE prescribing regulations may differ from those in your home country. Bring your previous medical reports and medication details to your appointment whenever possible.

Can I see a psychiatrist for ADHD in Dubai?

Yes. CHMC provides assessment and treatment of ADHD in adults and adolescents from the age of 16. Diagnosis includes evaluation of current symptoms, developmental history, functional impairment, possible coexisting disorders, and alternative explanations for concentration difficulties.

Does CHMC treat depression and anxiety?

Yes. Depression and anxiety disorders are among the conditions commonly assessed and treated at CHMC. Treatment may involve psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both depending on the diagnosis and severity of symptoms.

Can I get a second psychiatric opinion?

Yes. Patients may consult our psychiatrist for a second opinion regarding a diagnosis, medication, previous treatment, or a treatment plan that has not produced the expected improvement.

Where is CHMC located?

CHMC provides psychiatric services in Dubai, with its main psychiatric clinic located in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC). Appointments are available Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.