Dubai, UAE — Emirates Health Services (EHS) has unveiled 15 new specialized mental health clinics as part of its nationwide initiative, “Together for Mental Well-being.” The clinics, inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al-Serkal, Director-General of EHS, will operate within primary healthcare centers across six emirates, ranging from Dubai to Fujairah.
This expansion underscores EHS’s commitment to advancing community mental health by enhancing accessibility and delivering comprehensive care aligned with the UAE’s National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031. By strengthening mental health infrastructure, EHS aims to improve the quality of life and provide holistic, patient-centered services.
Dr. Noor Al Mheiri, Director of the Mental Health Department at EHS, emphasized that integrating mental health services into primary care is a strategic priority. “Our goal is to embed specialized mental health care sustainably within community settings, ensuring early and accessible interventions for all,” she said.
Supporting this vision, Dr. Kareema Alraesi, Director of Primary Healthcare at EHS, highlighted the transformation towards a more inclusive health model. “Incorporating mental health into primary care facilities allows us to deliver timely psychological support. We are also investing heavily in training healthcare professionals to recognize early signs of mental disorders and apply effective treatment techniques,” Dr. Alraesi added.
The initiative involves the deployment of trained family physicians at the newly established clinics to diagnose and treat a range of psychological conditions. Alongside clinical services, EHS is conducting specialized workshops to equip healthcare staff with skills in early detection and intervention.
To ensure consistent, high-quality care, EHS plans to standardize treatment protocols based on the latest international best practices. Additionally, the program includes the integration of mental health modules into the “Wareed” electronic health information system, facilitating improved case management and data-driven decision-making.
The launch event featured a detailed agenda, beginning with a keynote speech that emphasized the critical role of integrating mental health with primary care services. It was followed by presentations outlining the initiative’s goals and workshops on key topics such as applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in primary care, managing anxiety and depression across all age groups, conducting psychological risk assessments, and performing early interventions in mental health emergencies.
This initiative marks a pivotal step in the UAE’s efforts to prioritize mental well-being as an essential component of overall health, ensuring broader community access to expert psychological care.
