Mental Health Support in Dubai: How to Get Care and Know Your Rights

How mental health care works here

1. 1

   Understand that providers must be licensed

   Mental health services are not offered informally. The law requires permission from the competent authorities in order to provide mental health services, so when you seek help, look for a properly authorised facility or practitioner rather than an unregulated one.

2. 2

   Know how admission works

   The law defines types of admission to mental healthcare facilities, including regulations relating to voluntary admission for the treatment of abuse of psychotropic substances. It also sets out the obligations of the mental health facility in case of a patient's escape or death in the facility, so both entry into care and the facility's duties are clearly framed.

3. 3

   Rely on your patient rights

   Each health facility must establish a dedicated committee to ensure the protection of patients' rights. If you or a family member are receiving care, you can expect this safeguard to be in place at any compliant facility.

4. 4

   See the wider national direction

   The National Policy for the Promotion of Mental Health in the UAE identifies five main strategic objectives, giving the whole system a shared direction rather than leaving care to chance.

5. 5

   Use the newer digital options

   In early 2019, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) announced the launch of a number of digital solutions technologies in the mental and psychological field, which will lead to a quantum leap in the clinical practices field. Ask your provider what digital tools are available to you.

6. 6

   Tap community-focused programmes

   The Mental Health Program at Abu Dhabi Public Health Center aims to develop projects and provide resources to promote community mental health and reduce self and social stigma around mental disorders and associated treatment, useful if you are looking for support beyond a clinic setting.

7. 7

   Find dedicated care for older adults

   Emirates Health Services (EHS) provides specialised geriatric and mental health clinics. These clinics focus on early detection and interventional treatment of memory disorders, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions affecting older adults, which is worth knowing if you are caring for an elderly relative.

Fees and timelines may change, verify with the official source.

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