Dubai to enhance mental health services, provide patient safety and easier access

Doctors, psychologists, and nurses will collaborate more effectively with improved digital and online therapy options

Published: Mon., 17 Mar. 2025, 17:45

Dubai has adopted new standards for mental health services, in line with the latest international practices. This is part of the Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) efforts to develop a comprehensive and sustainable mental healthcare system in the emirate.

The new standards seek to establish an integrated approach among the various medical disciplines involved, enhancing collaboration between doctors, psychologists, and nurses to ensure the provision of comprehensive care that meets patients’ needs with the highest professional standards.

December 31, 2023
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The new standards also seek to integrate digital health services and teletherapy, adopting the latest international guidelines in virtual care to ensure high-quality psychological consultations while maintaining patient confidentiality and accessibility to services.

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Dr. Younis Kazim, Acting Executive Director of the Health Regulation Sector at Dubai Health Authority, highlighted the importance of these standards, which reflect the authority’s commitment to providing safe and effective mental healthcare, in line with Dubai’s ambitious vision and strategy to strengthen mental health as a fundamental component of the emirate’s healthcare system.

He highlighted the DHA’s efforts to provide an enabling environment for mental health professionals, foster innovation in therapeutic services, and raise the professional training levels of specialized personnel, ensuring the provision of advanced mental health services in accordance with global best practices.

Dr. Kazim explained that the new standards were developed in coordination with a select group of experts and specialists, in collaboration with international organizations such as the Healthcare Standards Organization/Accreditation Canada, to ensure compliance with global best practices while considering local privacy needs.

The new standards focus on evidence-based therapeutic protocols, based on recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA), to ensure the provision of effective treatment plans based on the latest research. They also include clear regulations for licensing and registration procedures, ensuring that services are provided by qualified personnel, with precise definitions of roles and responsibilities, thus contributing to the efficiency of services and improving the quality of care provided.

The standards emphasize creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment that meets the needs of different age groups, including children, adolescents, and the elderly. They also focus on enhancing the training and professional development of mental health specialists through advanced training programs and specialized workshops, ensuring they keep pace with global advancements and achieve continuous improvement in service levels.

It was noted that the Dubai Health Authority continually reviews and updates these standards to keep pace with rapid developments in mental health, digital health, teletherapy, and innovative therapeutic technologies, ensuring the provision of advanced services that align with the emirate’s goals of promoting innovation in the healthcare sector.

Dr. Ramadan Blooshi, Acting Director of the DHA’s Department of Public Health Protection, highlighted the importance of the new standards, which will effectively contribute to improving the quality of mental health services and supporting the mental well-being system in Dubai, especially as they align with global trends in providing holistic care that prioritizes people in the healthcare system.

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