Psychology

Our psychologists see people of all ages across our hospitals and clinics, working with you to understand what you're going through and to find practical ways forward. The concerns they help with range from everyday stress and low mood to the strain of living with a long-term illness.

What is clinical psychology?

Clinical psychology focuses on the assessment and psychological treatment of emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties. Treatment may include talking therapies, psychological interventions and structured assessments.

A psychologist is a mental health professional, not a medical doctor, so they do not prescribe medication. They use interviews, questionnaires, and observation to understand concerns such as anxiety, low mood, or stress, then recommend an appropriate course of therapy. Where medication or a medical assessment is needed, a psychiatrist can lead that part of your care. Psychologists and psychiatrists often work together as part of the same care team.

When should you see a psychologist?

Book an appointment if you notice:

• Low mood or sadness that is affecting your daily life
• Anxiety or worry that is difficult to manage
• Stress that feels difficult to cope with
• Grief after a loss that feels overwhelming
• Sleep problems, irritability or trouble concentrating
• Relationship or family difficulties you'd like help with

If you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, seek emergency medical care or go to the nearest emergency department.

You don't have to wait for a crisis to see a psychologist. Many people come during a big life change, a new diagnosis or a stretch of stress at work or home. Long-term stress can build up and contribute to low mood and anxiety, so it helps to reach out before a difficult patch takes hold. If you're finding it hard to cope after a loss or a stressful time, talking it through with a psychologist can help you understand what's happening and take the next step.

What to expect

Your first session is mainly a conversation. The psychologist will explore what has brought you to the service, what you have been experiencing and how this is affecting your daily life. They may use questionnaires or structured assessments to understand your concerns more fully, including tests of memory, attention or mood where helpful.

Information shared during psychological sessions is kept confidential and is only accessible to you and authorised mental health professionals involved in your care, in accordance with applicable professional and legal requirements.

From there, the psychologist suggests a type of talking therapy that fits your situation. This might be cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which looks at how thoughts, feelings and behaviour connect. Others find counselling or family and couples sessions a better fit. Therapy usually takes place over several appointments, with the plan adjusted as your needs change.

Psychology at Mediclinic

Our psychologists work within the mental-health team at Mediclinic hospitals and clinics in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, alongside our psychiatrists. Our psychologists offer cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy and psychological assessments, with sessions adapted to the age and needs of children and adolescents. Where medication or a medical assessment is needed, psychologists can work alongside psychiatrists as part of the wider mental health team.