Mental Health Support in Dubai (2026 Crisis & Resources Guide)
Dubai mental health resources: 24/7 crisis hotlines (800 1717), free CDA counselling, employer EAP, online therapy, addiction recovery, children's mental health, and how to find a therapist that fits.
Last updated: May 2026
Priya Sharma· Family & Education Writer
Mother of two (11 and 8). Schools reviewer 2019–present. Former KHDA consultant.
In a mental health crisis now? Call 800 1717
National Mental Health Helpline: 800 1717 — free, 24/7, multilingual. For immediate danger: 999. DFAC (domestic crisis): 800 7283. Suicide prevention (Mind Institute): 800 6463. American Hospital Crisis Line: +971 4 377 6644.
This page is the crisis and practical resources guide for mental health in Dubai. It covers 24/7 hotlines, emergency A&E pathways, free services, workplace EAP programmes, online therapy, addiction recovery, children's mental health, and a step-by-step guide to finding the right therapist. For a full clinic-by-clinic finder with session costs and insurance coverage, see /mental-health-services-guide.
24/7 crisis hotlines in Dubai
HelplineNational Mental Health Helpline
Number800 1717
Hours24/7
LanguagesArabic, English + others
Use forAny mental health crisis, suicidal ideation, acute distress
HelplineDFAC — Dubai Foundation for Women and Children
Number800 7283
Hours24/7
LanguagesArabic, English, Urdu, others
Use forDomestic violence, family crisis, child protection
HelplineMind Institute — Suicide Prevention
Number800 6463
Hours24/7
LanguagesArabic, English
Use forSuicidal thoughts, self-harm, emotional crisis
HelplineAmerican Hospital Crisis Line
Number+971 4 377 6644
Hours24/7
LanguagesEnglish, Arabic
Use forPsychiatric emergency, crisis assessment
HelplineDubai Police (emergency)
Number999
Hours24/7
LanguagesArabic, English
Use forImmediate danger to life — police + ambulance
All calls to 800 1717 are free and confidential
The National Mental Health Helpline is operated by the National Programme for Happiness and Wellbeing. Calls are free from any UAE mobile or landline. They are confidential — your call is not reported to employers, immigration authorities, or the police unless there is immediate risk to life of a named third party. You can call anonymously.
Crisis response — 4-step protocol
- 1
Recognise the crisis signs
Immediate safety concern: thoughts of self-harm or suicide, active panic attack, severe dissociation, inability to care for yourself, or other mental health emergency. Go to step 2 immediately. If someone else is in danger and refuses help: call 999. If not a crisis but feeling overwhelmed: start at step 3.Time: Immediate - 2
Call 800 1717 — National Mental Health Helpline (free, 24/7)
Dubai's National Mental Health Helpline: 800 1717. Free, available 24/7, multilingual (Arabic and English primarily; some other languages available). Staffed by trained crisis counsellors. They will assess immediate risk, provide emotional support, and advise on the appropriate next step — whether that is staying on the phone, going to an A&E, or a next-day appointment. DFAC (domestic violence and family crisis): 800 7283. Suicide prevention / Mind Institute: 800 6463.Time: Call immediately - 3
For immediate danger — 999 or go to Rashid Hospital A&E
If you or someone is in immediate physical danger: call 999 for emergency services. For mental health emergencies requiring in-person immediate care: Rashid Hospital A&E (Bur Dubai) has mental health intake and is the main public emergency facility for psychiatric crises. Mediclinic City Hospital A&E also has mental health intake. You do not need pre-authorisation for a mental health emergency A&E visit.Time: Immediate - 4
Safety plan for next-day follow-up
After immediate crisis is stabilised, make a plan for the next 24 hours: who will be with you, what activities are grounding, who to call if symptoms escalate. The crisis hotline (800 1717) can help you build a simple safety plan during the call. Write the plan down and share it with a trusted person.Time: Same day
Free and low-cost mental health services
- National Mental Health Helpline — 800 1717: Free 24/7 phone counselling. Not just for crises — also for ongoing phone-based support sessions.
- Community Development Authority (CDA) Dubai: Free counselling for Dubai residents. Services include individual counselling, relationship counselling, family mediation, and pre-marital counselling. Walk-in and appointment basis. Priority access for residents below a certain income threshold.
- DHA Sehhati app: Free mental health screening (PHQ-9, GAD-7) + DHA-licensed provider directory. Available on App Store and Google Play.
- Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation:Dubai government's free confidential addiction treatment centre. Residential and outpatient programmes. Referral via DHA or self-referral.
- Religious counselling: Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) offers free pastoral counselling through mosques. Christian churches (many denominations have active pastoral care teams), Catholic Community Services, and other faith communities provide free counselling support.
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Free peer support meetings in Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai. Check aa.org.ae for schedule. Smart Recovery is a CBT-based alternative to AA also running in Dubai.
Workplace EAP and employer mental health benefits
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) are the most accessible and cost-free first step for employed adults in Dubai. They are anonymous — your employer receives no individual data from your sessions.
- How to access: Check your employee handbook or ask HR for the EAP provider name. Self-refer directly to the provider — no HR involvement needed.
- Typical benefit: 6–8 free sessions per year with a licensed counsellor, covering mental health, relationship stress, work issues, and financial anxiety.
- Common providers: Inaya Wellbeing (formerly Workplace Options), Optum EAP, Cigna EAP, Bupa corporate wellness EAP.
- After EAP sessions: If issues require longer-term support, your counsellor will recommend a referral path — to in-network insurance therapists or community services.
- Daman Health EAP add-on: Many companies purchasing Daman Premier include an EAP add-on. Check your insurance confirmation letter.
EAP is genuinely confidential — use it without fear
EAP confidentiality is protected under UAE healthcare privacy law and the EAP provider's own contractual obligations with the employer. Your employer receives only aggregate, anonymised data (e.g., total sessions accessed company-wide). Individual session details, diagnoses, and concerns are never disclosed to HR, line managers, or immigration authorities.
Online therapy options for Dubai residents
PlatformBetterHelp
Approximate CostAED 800–1,500/month
Session TypeVideo, phone, chat + messaging
NotesInternational platform; UAE residents widely use; large therapist pool
PlatformTalkspace
Approximate CostAED 900–2,000/month
Session TypeMessaging + video sessions
NotesInternational; psychiatry prescribing not available for UAE
PlatformLyte Health
Approximate CostAED 500–900/session
Session TypeVideo sessions
NotesUAE-based virtual platform; licensed UAE therapists
PlatformWellnest
Approximate CostAED 600–1,000/session
Session TypeVideo sessions
NotesUAE-based; Arabic and English therapists available
PlatformShezlong
Approximate CostAED 400–800/session
Session TypeVideo sessions
NotesArabic-language platform; serves MENA including UAE
Mental health service tiers — comparison
Service TierCrisis hotline (800 1717, 800 6463)
CostFree
Access24/7, immediate
Best ForAcute crisis, suicidal ideation, panic, immediate support
Service TierEmployer EAP
CostFree (employer-funded)
AccessSelf-refer; 6–8 sessions/year
Best ForWork stress, mild-moderate anxiety/depression, relationship issues
Service TierCDA Dubai free counselling
CostFree
AccessAppointment; walk-in for crisis
Best ForResidents needing free ongoing counselling or family support
Service TierOutpatient therapy (DHA-licensed clinic)
CostAED 400–1,500/session
AccessSelf-refer; insurance may cover
Best ForOngoing mental health conditions, CBT, trauma, complex issues
Service TierInpatient psychiatric facility
CostAED 2,500–8,000+/day
AccessA&E admission or psychiatrist referral
Best ForAcute psychosis, severe depression requiring monitoring, detox
How to find the right therapist in Dubai — 5 steps
- 1
Identify what you need — psychiatrist, psychologist, or counsellor
Psychiatrist (medical doctor): can prescribe medication + provide therapy. Needed for: severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, medication management. Psychologist (doctorate-level): evidence-based therapy, assessment, no prescribing in UAE. Best for: CBT, trauma processing, complex anxiety, personality disorders. Counsellor / therapist: broad range of approaches; most accessible for life stress, relationship issues, general wellbeing. GP referral not required for any of these in Dubai — you can self-refer.Time: Research stage - 2
Check your insurance mental health benefit
Log into your insurance portal or call the member services line. Ask specifically: (1) is outpatient mental health covered? (2) how many sessions per year? (3) which clinics are in-network? (4) does coverage include psychology or only psychiatry? Most mid-comprehensive and premium plans include 10–20 sessions per year. EBP (basic) plans typically do not include mental health. Workplace EAP (see below) is a better first option if your insurance is basic.Time: 30 minutes - 3
Use the DHA Sehhati app for screening and provider search
The DHA Sehhati app includes a free mental health screening tool (PHQ-9 depression screen, GAD-7 anxiety screen) and a directory of DHA-licensed mental health providers. Download from App Store / Google Play, select 'Mental Health', and complete the screening. The app maps your results to recommended service tiers. It is a useful starting point to identify severity and find a licensed provider.Time: 20–30 minutes - 4
Contact your employer's EAP first if applicable
Many medium and large employers in Dubai offer an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) — anonymous, free, typically 6–8 sessions with a licensed counsellor. This is completely confidential: HR and your employer do not receive information about your sessions. Check your employee handbook, HR portal, or ask HR for the EAP provider name. Daman Health and Bupa corporate plans often bundle EAP. EAP is the most accessible and cost-free first step for working adults.Time: Check with HR - 5
Book a first appointment and assess the fit
First session with a new therapist is an assessment of fit as much as clinical intake. It is normal and acceptable to try 2–3 therapists before finding the right match. Ask in the first session: what is your approach (CBT, psychodynamic, trauma-focused EMDR)? Have you worked with expats and cross-cultural transitions? What are your fees and cancellation policies? There is no obligation to continue after the first session if the fit is not right.Cost: AED 400–1,500 depending on providerTime: 60–90 minutes per first session
Typical mental health session costs in Dubai (2026)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Crisis / free | |
National Mental Health Helpline (800 1717) | Free |
CDA Dubai counselling | Free |
Employer EAP sessions (first 6–8) | Free |
| Psychologist / therapist | |
Licensed counsellor / therapist (per session) | AED 400–800 |
Clinical psychologist (doctorate level) | AED 600–1,200 |
Psychiatrist consultation (assessment + medication) | AED 800–1,500 |
| Online therapy | |
BetterHelp (monthly subscription) | AED 800–1,500/month |
UAE-based virtual platform (per session) | AED 500–1,000 |
| Specialist | |
ADHD adult assessment (2 sessions) | AED 1,500–4,000 |
Child psychiatry assessment (Camali / hospital) | AED 800–2,000 |
Couples / relationship therapy | AED 500–1,200/session |
EMDR trauma therapy (per session) | AED 700–1,500 |
In-person therapy vs online vs religious counselling
In-person therapy (DHA-licensed clinic)
- Full range of clinical modalities (CBT, EMDR, group therapy)
- Psychiatrist can prescribe medication if needed
- Covered by mid-comprehensive and premium insurance
- Regulated by DHA — quality assurance and complaint processes exist
- Non-verbal communication and therapeutic alliance typically stronger in person
Limitations of in-person therapy
- Cost: AED 400–1,500/session without insurance
- Finding the right therapist can take 2–3 tries
- Traffic and location logistics can create barriers in Dubai
- Some clinics have 2–4 week waiting lists for popular therapists
- Insurance pre-authorisation required for some plans
Online therapy (BetterHelp, Lyte Health, Wellnest)
- Accessible from home — no traffic or location barrier
- Often faster therapist availability
- Many LGBTQ-affirming therapists accessible internationally
- Subscription pricing may be cheaper than per-session for frequent users
- Language choice wider (international platforms)
Religious / pastoral counselling
- Psychiatrists on international platforms cannot prescribe in UAE
- Insurance typically does not cover international online platforms
- No DHA regulation of international platforms
- Technical issues (connection quality) can disrupt sessions
- Religious counselling scope is limited to faith-based frameworks
Addiction recovery and substance use support
Dubai has dedicated, confidential addiction treatment services. UAE law takes substance use seriously — but the treatment system is designed for rehabilitation, not punishment, particularly for residents seeking voluntary help.
- Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation:Dubai government's official addiction treatment centre. Free for Dubai residents. Residential and outpatient programmes. Confidential — referrals from DHA clinics, GPs, or self-referral. Programmes available for alcohol, prescription drug dependence, and other substance use.
- DFAC (Dubai Foundation for Women and Children) — 800 7283:Supports families where addiction intersects with domestic stress, child welfare concerns, or relationship breakdown. 24/7 helpline.
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Active in Dubai. English-language meetings run regularly in Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai areas. Check aa.org.ae for the current schedule. Anonymous; no professional referral needed.
- Smart Recovery: Science-based CBT alternative to 12-step programmes. Runs peer support groups in Dubai. Suitable for alcohol, prescription drug, and other substance issues.
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Small but present in Dubai. Check na.org for meeting schedules in UAE.
- Private addiction psychiatry: Several Dubai hospitals have addiction medicine specialists (American Hospital Psychiatry Department, Medcare Hospital) who can provide outpatient assessment and detox management. Insurance mid-comprehensive and above typically covers addiction treatment.
Seeking help for addiction is not an immigration risk for expats
Voluntarily seeking treatment for substance use at a licensed UAE treatment centre (Erada, hospital-based) does not automatically trigger immigration action. The UAE healthcare system treats patients seeking voluntary addiction help under medical confidentiality. However, arrest for drug-related offences is a different matter — this guide covers healthcare pathways, not legal consequences of drug use.
Cultural, family, and specialist mental health support
Family and relationship counselling
CDA (Community Development Authority) Dubai provides free pre-marital counselling, family mediation, and post-divorce counselling for residents. Marriage counselling is available at CDA service centres by appointment. Most private mental health clinics also offer couples and family therapy — AED 500–1,200 per session.
Children's mental health in Dubai
Camali Clinic (Dubai Healthcare City) is the leading dedicated child and adolescent mental health facility in Dubai. Services include: ADHD assessment and treatment, autism spectrum assessment, anxiety and depression therapy for children and teens, learning disability assessment. The paediatric psychiatry departments at American Hospital Dubai, Mediclinic City, and King's College Hospital Dubai also see children. KHDA-mandated school counsellors at international schools are the usual first point of contact for school-age children.
Religious and community pastoral support
Religious community pastoral support is significant in Dubai:
- Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities (IACAD): Free counselling through mosque-based pastoral programmes. Arabic-primary, English available at some centres.
- Christian communities:Many Christian denominations have active pastoral care teams. St. Mary's Catholic Church Dubai, Dubai City Church (evangelical), and others provide pastoral counselling referral networks.
- Hindu temple communities: Several Indian community associations in Bur Dubai and Karama offer informal pastoral support through temple networks.
Burnout and workplace stress
Burnout is among the most common reasons expats seek mental health support in Dubai. The Dubai working culture — long hours, hot climate, high social expectations, and distance from home family — creates specific stress patterns. HR-confidential routes: EAP (see above) is the most appropriate first step for work-related burnout. For clinical assessment of burnout severity, a DHA-licensed psychologist or occupational health specialist at American Hospital or Mediclinic City can provide both assessment and documented sick leave recommendations if needed. UAE Labour Law entitles employees to sick leave: 15 days full pay + 30 days half pay per year.