Psychiatric Treatment at CHMC Where Science Meets Empathy
CHMC German Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychology in Dubai
CHMC is a German Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychology located in Dubai, offering state-of-the-art psychiatric and psychological treatment.
Our experienced Western-trained therapists offer individualized in-person therapy. The objective of our holistic treatment concept is not only symptom relief by using medication but also full restoration of our patient’s quality of life.
We aim to address the underlying causes of our clients’ mental health problems, which is why we consistently integrate pharmacotherapy with counselling to facilitate complete healing.
CHMC operates in two locations:
DHCC (Dubai Healthcare City) Branch
JLT (Jumeirah Lake Towers) Branch
Offering mental health services for patients from foreign countries, CHMC provides long-term psychiatric care using also telemedicine so that patients may continue their psychiatric treatment right from their homes.
Dr. Kowal, Our Leading Psychiatrist at CHMC
On Dr. Kowal, 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 several 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 period, he worked as a head of department and later as medical director in psychiatric hospitals in Germany. Dr. Kowal has received training not only as a psychiatrist but also as a psychotherapist. His therapeutic background is psychoanalytical psychotherapy. Therefore, in his therapy approach, he integrates evidence-based psychiatric treatment with his dedication to individualised psychotherapy.
Dr. Kowal is specialised on treatment for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, psychoses, and more.
Set Consultation with Our Psychiatrist Dr. Kowal
Our clinic is open 6 days per week, Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
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.
Psychiatric therapy requires knowledge and compassion but also time, patients, and consistency. For this reason, the therapy at CHMC will be provided by the same psychiatrist and psychologist. Therefore, CHMC doesn’t employ any visiting therapists.
The psychiatric treatment starts with an in-depth assessment of 90 minutes. Each follow-up consultation lasts 30 minutes.
Our psychotherapists offer 60-minute sessions. Providing community-based, patient-centered care, we are always accessible to our patients.
Our therapy is based on a treatment plan relying on scientifically proven methods, including the most recent studies in mental health care.
Table of Contents
When Should One Seek a Psychiatrist?
Within the field treating psychiatric conditions, the majority of people in Dubai are confused about who can help with their particular problems. Whether it’s a psychiatrist or psychologist, the choice should align with the patient’s specific needs.
Certain psychiatric conditions may manifest with physical symptoms, often managed by a primary care physician. However, if a psychiatric disorder is the cause, the problem remains undiscovered.
Psychiatric disorders can arise suddenly, like panic attacks or distressing hallucinations. Other mental disorders may appear gradually, such as depression, eating disorders, and generalized anxiety.
It’s essential to understand that no mental health problem is too insignificant for a visit to a psychiatrist. 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. Especially for serious psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder or psychosis, an early intervention from the start is crucial. Addressing a problem promptly can prevent it from escalating and evolving into prolonged suffering.
Unfortunately, many people delay seeking treatment, often attempting to handle problems on their own before realizing they are in deep trouble.
Psychiatric Assessments at CHMC Dubai
Our psychiatric services address a wide range of mental health conditions. 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 standard, allowing us to identify not only the main psychiatric diagnosis but also any co-occurring mental health and physical disorder.
Step-by-step psychiatric diagnostic procedure
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 to the patient the best treatment options, the frequency of visits, and the treatment costs. In emergency cases, he will move immediately to full evaluation, which takes 90 minutes. The follow-up visits can take place in person or online. However, we suggest “face-to-face” therapy, which is more natural.
In cases of treatment with medication, our clinic follows the international standard for treatment of mental health disorders. The proper in-depth psychiatric assessment lasts around 90 minutes. The investigation starts with the clinical interview, physical examination, laboratory test, and ECG. In some cases, more elaborated diagnostics (CT-Scan, EEG) may be necessary.
The reason for such a profund assessment is securing the diagnosis as well as excluding pre-existing physical and/or psychiatric illnesses. 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.
Psychiatric Diagnostic System
Psychiatric diagnoses today are made based on international agreements. Due to the multifactoral genesis of mental health disorders, the current diagnostic systems abandoned the classification based on the root causes of the psychitric illnesses They classify mental illnesses according to their symptoms quality and severity. These systems are expert-approved manuals serving as “psychiatric common language” to exchange information between mental health specialists but also for statistical purposes. They ensure consistent diagnoses and facilitate treatment of psychiatric disorders.
The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) is the most widely recognized system for diagnostic classification and coding worldwide used by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), developed by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), is another classification system. The current versions of those manuals are ICD-10 and DSM-5. The diagnostic criteria of psychiatric diagnoses overlap largly in both systems.
Comprehensive Treatment for Mental Health Disorders at CHMC
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.
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 fever, we will not remove the root cause, the bacteria or viruses causing the infection.
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.
Conflicts are the rootcauses of 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.
The main objective of therapy for psychiatric disorders is to understand the nature of the conflict causing the symptoms and then find its resolution. 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.
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 our psychiatric clinic in Dubai, we provide a variety of psychotherapeutic methods such as DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), psychodynamic therapy, hypnosis, couples counselling, and more.
The goals of psychotherapy
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.
The therapeutic guidance shouldn’t deprive the patient of his autonomy on how to make important life choices. The psychotherapist serves as 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. The ideal frequency of psychotherapy is initially twice a week and subsequently once a month, for a minimum of one year. Escalating the number of sessions will not accelerate the patient’s inner transformation and healing.
Why Choose CHMC’s Psychiatrist Dubai?
We offer psychiatric services developed to address a wide range of mental health conditions. They include diagnostic assessments, developing treatment plans, and implementation of the therapy.
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. This thorough and methodical investigation meets the highest German standards and helps us to identify not only the main psychiatric diagnosis but also any other mental health or physical disorders that may be present.
Insurance Coverage for Psychiatric Treatment in Dubai
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 insurance 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.
Psychiatrists and Use of Psychotherapy
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.
Ultimately, both medical and psychological psychotherapists play crucial roles in Dubai’s mental healthcare, offering diverse approaches to treatment and working together to ensure patients receive the most appropriate care for their specific needs.
The therapeutic toolkit of well-trained 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.
In the field of psychotherapy, psychiatrists can also choose specializations and focus areas for further training and practice. Options include behaviour therapy, psychoanalysis/depth psychotherapy, or gestalt therapy. These specializations allow them to tailor their expertise to specific therapeutic approaches and patient needs.
During his psychiatric curriculum, Dr. Kowal was trained in biological psychiatry and, in parallel, psychoanalytical psychotherapy.
Treatment with Psychiatric Medication
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 psychiatric disorders.
The medication is indispensable in cases of severe psychiatric illnesses. Patients suffering from severe anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness are not accessible for psychotherapeutic treatment. By suppressing patient’s symptoms through medication, we can stabilize their status, paving the way 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.
Monitoring of psychiatric medication at CHMC Dubai
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 Psychiatric 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.
Mental Health Disorders We Treat
A psychiatric disorder is defined as a prolonged or recurring significant deviation of feeling, thinking, or behavior. In the past decades, mental health disorders have increased dramatically, ranking among the most common diseases. Nearly half of all people experience at least one relevant psychiatric disorder in their lifetime.
In recent years, sick days and early retirements due to psychiatric illnesses have steadily risen, with depression and anxiety making up most diagnoses.
A variety of factors can cause mental health disorders. Genetic factors, physical illnesses, current life events, past stressful events, psychological conflicts, and interpersonal tensions all can trigger the onset of psychiatric disorders.
At CHMC Dubai, we offer treatment for a broad spectrum of mental health disorders, such as:
Depression
Clinical depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is a widespread psychiatric condition characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, fatigue, loss of interest in activities, and sleep deprivation. Untreated depression has a devastating impact on an individual’s well-being, including decreased quality of life and increased suicide risk.
At CHMC Dubai, we offer customized 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 Behavioral 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 Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization 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, there is no cure for ADHD. 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 Behavioral 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 (Frequently Asked Questions)
A person who has developed mental problems very often is not sure whether to see a psychiatrist or psychologist. Many people are not aware of the differences between those two specialists. The following article will assist those interested in our psychiatric services in selecting the mental health professional who best suits their needs.
The following FAQs answer the most common question asked by our patients about the area of experience of our psychiatrist and the option of psychiatric treatment in Dubai.
Who is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor whose work 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 specialist in psychiatry focuses 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.
What is psychiatry?
Psychiatry is a medical field focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental health disorders. 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.
Difference between psychiatrist and psychologist
The main difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is that a psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing 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.
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.
Who is a neurologist?
like psychiatrists, are also medical doctors, but their focus is on conditions caused by physical malfunction of the central nervous system. These conditions can range from epilepsy to brain damage resulting from accidents or strokes and other conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, coordination problems, or motor skill impairments, consulting a neurologist is the prudent course of action.
However, when dealing with mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, phobias, OCD, or psychosis, consulting a psychiatrist is generally preferred.
Who are psychologists?
Psychologists come from a distinct educational background and hold master’s degrees in psychology. Their field revolves around comprehending and analysing human experiences, including thoughts, emotions, and behaviour.
One significant difference between psychologists and psychiatrists is that only the latter are authorized to prescribe medication and administer medical treatments due to their medical training.
Psychologists do not immediately obtain licensure upon graduation, which means they cannot treat individuals with mental illnesses right away. Often, they engage in research, education, or pursue careers in fields like human resources. Some psychologists undergo further training to become psychological psychotherapists, equipping them with the qualifications necessary for treating mental health conditions.
While psychiatrists focus on the medical aspects of mental health, psychologists delve deeper into the psychological dimensions, providing insights into the human mind and behaviour.
Who are psychotherapists?
Psychotherapists represent a diverse group with varied educational backgrounds, including completed medical degrees or master’s degrees in psychology. Both groups can choose psychotherapy training to become either medical psychotherapists or psychological psychotherapists.
This intensive training period typically spans 3 to 5 years. It culminates in the acquisition of a professional license that empowers them to independently treat patients. Both medical and psychological psychotherapists play indispensable roles in mental healthcare. They work hand in hand, offering diverse approaches to treatment to ensure that patients receive the most appropriate care tailored to their specific needs.
What is psychiatric treatment?
Mental health treatment comprises various therapeutic interventions and supportive services designed to address and manage mental health conditions and difficulties. Its objective is to enhance psychological well-being, alleviate symptoms, bolster coping strategies, and foster overall mental health and functioning. The specific approaches to treatment may differ depending on the type and severity of the mental health condition.
When should one seek a psychiatrist?
The decision to consult a psychiatrist depends on the impact of mental health issues on a person’s life. An 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 generalized anxiety.
Unfortunately, many people delay seeking treatment, often attempting to handle problems on their own before realizing the need for professional help.
What are psychiatric disorders?
A psychiatric disorder is defined as a prolonged or recurring significant deviation of feeling, thinking, or behavior. In the past decades, mental health disorders have increased dramatically, ranking among the most common diseases. Nearly half of all people experience at least one relevant psychiatric disorder in their lifetime.
In recent years, sick days and early retirements due to psychiatric illnesses have steadily risen, with depression and anxiety making up most diagnoses.
A variety of factors can cause mental health disorders. Genetic factors, physical illnesses, current life events, past stressful events, psychological conflicts, and interpersonal tensions all can trigger the onset of psychiatric disorders.
I am moving to the UAE. Is there any chance to continue my psychiatric treatment in Dubai?
Our psychiatrist and psychologist will be pleased to provide continued care for your daughter. We recommend that she request 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. I’m taking an antidepressant. How can I get it?
In the UAE, any kind of psychiatric drug, including antidepressants, is controlled medicine. Only a psychiatrist with access to the Ministry of Health digital panel can prescribe this type of medication. 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. How can I 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.
What types of psychiatric conditions do you treat at CHMC?
Our psychiatric clinic in Dubai typically treats a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse, eating disorders, and personality disorders, among others.
How do I know if I need psychiatric treatment?
If you find yourself grappling with enduring symptoms such as profound sadness, anxiety, mood fluctuations, alterations in behaviour, challenges in managing daily life, or contemplations of self-harm or harming others, it is crucial to seek assistance from a mental health professional.
What treatment options are available for psychiatric conditions in Dubai?
Treatment options may include medication, psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioural therapy or counselling), hospitalisation for severe cases, and lifestyle changes. Some facilities may also offer alternative treatments such as art therapy, yoga, or mindfulness practices.
Is psychiatric treatment covered by health insurance in Dubai?
Many health insurance plans in Dubai provide coverage for psychiatric treatment, but benefits can vary depending on your specific plan and provider. It’s important to check with your insurance company to understand what is covered and any associated costs.
Are there support groups for people with mental health conditions in Dubai?
Yes, there are various support groups, community organisations, and helplines available in Dubai for individuals struggling with mental health issues. These resources can provide valuable support, information, and connections to additional services.
What should I expect from my first visit to the CHMC psychiatric clinic?
In case of a mental health crisis, you can contact emergency services or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Many hospitals in Dubai have psychiatric emergency services available to provide immediate assistance. Additionally, you can reach out to helplines or crisis hotlines for support and guidance. If you’re in Dubai, please make your way to Rashid Hospital without delay. Situated in Oud Metha, it serves as the primary emergency department, equipped with a psychiatrist available around the clock.
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.
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.
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.
How can I get psychiatric medication in Dubai?
The UAE has a strict policy controlling psychiatric medications. Unless legally prescribed, one cannot import, transport, or possess psychiatric substances. In Dubai, only registered psychiatrists can prescribe psychiatric medications using a digital system linked to Emirates ID.
Does your psychiatrist 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.
Is a psychologist the right specialist to treat my bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder requires long-term medication, including psychiatric monitoring. 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 come from a different background. The field of psychology revolves around understanding and analysing human experiences, including thoughts, emotions, and behaviour.
While psychiatrists focus on the medical treatment of the bipolar disorder using medication, psychologists deal with the psychological problems, offering valuable insights on how to prevent bipolar relapses. The psychologists treat bipolar patients after the acute phase, especially a manic state, is under control and individuals are accessible for psychotherapy.
Book Consultation by Our Psychiatrist, Dr. Kowal
Dr. Kowal is a Counsultant in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy with over 30 years of experience in psychiatry. Before moving to Dubai, he worked in Germany, passing all levels of psychiatric training, including being a head of department and later medical director in distinct German psychiatric hospitals.
Dr.Kowal is specialized in the treatment of the entire spectrum of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and more.
Valuable Sources on Mental Health
American Psychiatric Association on