how to access free support in the UAE

Finding mental health support can seem overwhelming.

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day on October 10th The National spoke to several mental health professionals in the UAE to show you how and where to find and access support.

There are a number of free hotlines and support groups run by clinics in the UAE that people can access. Many of these are listed below.

“It’s really important for people to know that help is out there and that they shouldn’t suffer in silence,” said Dr. Yaseen Aslam, Medical Director of the Psychiatry and Therapy Center in Dubai.

“It can be daunting and challenging to take the first step and ask for help.

“It takes courage, but it’s certainly a step worth taking that can lead to a number of potential benefits for your health and well-being.”

Finding help can be as simple as logging onto the internet and searching for clinics in your area that offer mental health services.

Most clinics have information about their staff on their websites, and some people choose to make an appointment with a psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist based on their background.

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Inside Out Day at British School Al Khubairat Abu Dhabi during Children’s Mental Health Week. All photos: Victor Besa / The National

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Carolyn Yaffe, a psychotherapist at Camali Clinic in Dubai, said people could also go to their GP and ask for a reference.

Once someone contacts a clinic, they may face a short or long wait.

“If it’s an emergency, they come to us and ask us if there’s a way we can accommodate them and we’ll figure something out,” Ms. Yaffe said.

She explained that when a client calls a clinic, they usually have to answer a few questions, e.g. B. what kind of service he is looking for.

The first appointment

“It’s really important to make sure the person is comfortable because it’s very difficult seeing someone for the first time…opening up is incredibly difficult,” said Dr. Asad Sadiq, Consultant Psychiatrist at The Psychiatry and Therapy Center in Dubai.

He said the first session is crucial not only in terms of working with the expert but also with mental health services going forward.

“Then you have to give someone hope and reassure them that they will get better and listen carefully to what their problems and expectations are,” he said.

insurance coverage

One thing that keeps many people from seeking mental health support is the lack of health insurance coverage and costs for therapy or treatment, experts said.

Ms Yaffe said administrative staff at clinics are trained to help people check whether their insurance will cover their mental health treatment.

Some insurance providers may have a network they work with so one can choose from a selection of approved clinics.

“Unfortunately, many major providers still do not have adequate insurance coverage for mental illness. However, this is certainly improving,” said Dr. Aslam.

“It’s always good to check with your insurance provider directly to determine the amount of coverage they provide for mental illness based on the terms of your individual policy.”

Free Resources

The UAE has many initiatives for citizens and residents where people can access mental health services for free.

These free hotlines are set up by government initiatives and can be used to access mental health support from qualified professionals. These include:

— The Estijaba hotline: 8001717.

This hotline was set up to take calls for mental health emergencies, including community emergencies. It is a free service available six days a week from Sunday to Friday between 8am and 6pm.

— The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention also has a hotline for those seeking help: 045192519

– This is the UAE Mental Health Support Hotline – 800 4673 (Hope). Visit https://hope.hw.gov.ae for more information

Free online resources can also provide guidance, tools, and information about mental health issues. These include resources provided by the Mind Mental Health charity in England and Wales, the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK and the UK’s publicly funded health service, the NHS

People may also consider undergoing online therapy from clinicians in other parts of the world.

“Clinicians in other parts of the world can work from home and not have the overhead associated with working in a clinic, allowing them to keep costs down,” said Dr. Sadiq.

support groups

dr Hussain Riaz, a consultant psychiatrist at The LightHouse Arabia in Dubai, said the center offers low-cost and free group services both online and in person.

LightHouse Arabia has more than 20 support groups for people struggling with various life circumstances such as bereavement, infertility, a cancer diagnosis, single parents, expat adjustments or divorce.

“It’s important to note that support groups are not for everyone, and if someone is very clinical in their presentation, we would recommend psychiatric and/or psychological care in addition to the support group,” said Dr. Riaz.

roadblocks

Some of the biggest obstacles people faced were finding someone they were comfortable with and paying for services.

“Sometimes we may run into hurdles in the form of insurance coverage, which is still too limited by many mental health providers,” said Dr. Aslam.

Common misunderstandings

“People are often afraid of being prescribed ‘mind-altering drugs’. However, not all drugs are addictive.”

dr Aslam said drugs were only prescribed as part of a treatment plan drawn up by and under the supervision of an experienced psychiatrist.

dr Riaz said he “wants to reassure everyone that most mental illnesses don’t require you to be on medication for an extended period of time.”

“Antidepressants used for depression and anxiety are not addictive,” said Dr. Riaz.

“Some of the fast-acting drugs can be addictive if taken over a long period of time, but any sane and competent psychiatrist will not encourage or engage in such practice.”

Although medications are important, said Dr. Riaz said the goal is to enable people to engage in other therapeutic interventions, such as therapy and counseling.

He said these therapies help build resilience and allow you to address similar challenges you may face in the future.

Find the right help

dr Sadiq advised people to find someone they are comfortable with.

“When that happens and you feel like you can build trust, then it works really well.

“The most important thing that will make you better is your relationship with the therapist or psychiatrist.”

Updated October 10, 2022 8:09 am