Psychotherapies in Dubai – Book Trusted Psychotherapy Clinics

Dr. Michael Elias Hamarneh is a consultant psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry and mental health disorders.

Mental health struggles are just like physical health struggles. We all experience them to different and certain degrees, there is no shame seeking help for mental health and we are here for you. -Hana Al GeilaniI am a psychiatrist whose commitment is rooted in a deep belief in the unique nature of each person's psychological journey, circumstances, genetics, personality and condition. My mission is to provide personalized and holistic compassionate based care.I am the chairperson of Al Warood Polyclinic's board of directors in Riyadh, KSA and the general manager of its holding company which constitutes of a polyclinic, kidney dialysis center, and a medical equipment center.I obtained my degree from the University of Liverpool and continued my higher training in West London and Charing cross. I am a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and gained a special interest in education after teaching medical students from Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Furthermore, I attained a diploma in teaching and have since incorporated it in my clinical practices.Drawing upon a tapestry of medical knowledge with more than a decade of experience in different psychiatry specialities across the United Kingdom, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, I am an advocate of compassion-based medicine.

I am Deborah, a passionate psychologist from the United Kingdom dedicated to supporting individuals through their psychological challenges and supporting their journey towards recovery and well-being. With a background in both forensic and clinical psychology, my approach is centred around creating a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, behaviours and experiences. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with diverse populations, particularly those facing complex challenges such as substance misuse, mood and personality disorders, trauma, and navigating the intersection of mental health and legal systems. My therapeutic approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and I also utilise systemic therapy, tailoring each intervention to meet the unique needs of my clients. I recognise how culture plays a huge role in shaping core beliefs, values, and experiences, and I strive to ensure my therapeutic interventions respect and honour everyone’s cultural background.

Action is the foundational key to all success. (Pablo Picasso)As a DHA-certified psychiatrist with a rich educational and professional background, my journey in the field of psychiatry began at Keio University, School of Medicine in Tokyo, Japan, where I completed both my undergraduate and postgraduate education. Between 2012 and 2016, I deepened my knowledge in psychiatry and neurology, which laid the foundation for my career. My passion for understanding the human mind and behavior further took me to St George’s University of London as a visiting researcher in the Neurosciences Research Centre from 2017 to 2019, an experience that significantly broadened my clinical perspective and research skills.Since April 2006, I have been serving patients in various general and psychiatric hospitals across Japan, bringing a comprehensive approach to mental health care. I hold a Japanese Medical Doctor’s License and am recognized as a Designated Psychiatrist under the Japanese Mental Health and Welfare Law. My board certifications include memberships in the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine, the Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology, and I am a Board-Certified Dementia Instructor of the Japanese Society of Dementia Research. Additionally, I am a clinical neuropsychologist and certified in the prescription of Clozapine in Japan.In my practice, I specialize in medication management, individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy, addressing a wide range of conditions from mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, to challenges related to pregnancy, menopause, infertility, and more. Fluent in both English and Japanese, I strive to offer empathetic, culturally sensitive care, guiding my patients toward healing and improved mental health.

“ I believe in patient-centered approach, where each patient should be evaluated as an individual in the context of one's life circumstances”.I have been practicing Psychiatry for almost two decades in New York USA. As a senior Psychiatrist at Central New York Psychiatric Center’s (CNYPC) Bedford Hills Operation, I serve a unique but vulnerable population of incarcerated woman. Over the years, it is not only my service to my patients, but I have the great opportunity to learn how trauma and other mental health issues starting at an early age of life let someone to step in wrongdoing in the eyes of the society. I also gained enormous expertise in rehabilitating my patients to be a part of the healthy society.In addition, my work with adult and geriatric population at Lincoln Hospital is obviously challenging but very fulfilling. I believe in patient-centered approach, where each patient should be evaluated as an individual in the context of one's life circumstances. By understanding a patient's subjective experience and his/her goals, I offer individualized, evidence-based treatment focusing on the person, rather than a disorder.My expertise in both psychopharmacology and psychotherapy, I offer not only state of the art psychiatric treatment but also a path towards long-lasting change and a deeper understanding of the mind.I have been actively involved in teaching, health education, and community service. I am also involved with the “Young Physician’s Career Advancement Program,” in helping newly migrating Bangladeshi doctors finding medical careers in the U.S. health care system. I am an Executive Board Member of a non-profit organization “Connect Get Up and Go” that functions in collaboration with US and Bangladesh, sponsoring disadvantaged children with their educational and health care needs.

I am a Clinical Psychologist with a Master's degree from the University of Saint Joseph in Lebanon and a DESS - Degree of Higher Specialized Studies in Psychology and Psychopathology - from the University of Lyon Lumiere 2 in France. I completed a 2 years program training in the highly acclaimed Psychiatric Hospital of Vinatier in Lyon for adults, and in the renowned institution of “Fondation Richard” for children and teenagers. After specialising in psychoanalytic therapeutic processes, upon my return to Lebanon, I have noticed not all patients would respond to that approach. Based on my findings and observations, I studied and perfected the EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) method to better address traumas (PTSD) and their somatic symptoms. On a clinical experience level, prior to joining AWC I worked for two years as a Clinical Psychologist at The American Hospital in Dubai. Previous to that, I headed the Psychology Department at SESOBEL, an NGO specialising in disability-related projects. I have built the department, created a training curriculum for university students, recruited psychologists, supervised professional work and provided psychotherapy to children and their parents as well as introducing group art therapies. I also simultaneously ran two offices in Lebanon for my private practice (adults, children and teenagers) while teaching psychology at the University of Saint Joseph in Lebanon.

.As a Senior Clinical Psychologist with over 23 years of experience, I specialize in applied clinical and healthcare psychology, focusing on psychotherapy and comprehensive psychometric assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. I excel in conducting a wide range of evaluations, including psycho-educational, cognitive, behavioural, personality, neuro-cognitive, ADHD, and ASD assessments.My extensive background includes serving at the Regional Institution for Mental Health in Utrecht, The Netherlands, where I was involved in inpatient, outpatient, crisis intervention, and aftercare psychiatric departments from 1995 until 2004. Additionally, I have significant experience as a forensic psychologist with the Department of Criminal Justice in Utrecht and The Hague from 2002 to 2008.I am well-versed in addressing diverse psychological needs and have also worked in various capacities in Tehran, Iran, including the State Welfare Organization's Prevention and Addiction Department, a private practice, and the Addiction and Research Center until 2012.I hold a post doctorate degree as a Clinical Health Care Psychologist from 2002, a doctoral degree as a Clinical Psychologist from 1999 from Utrecht University, and a degree in Forensic Psychology obtained in 2003 from the Forensic Psychiatric Service Department of the Ministry of Justice in The Netherlands."I am currently working at the American Wellness Center, where I continue to apply my extensive experience and skills to help my clients achieve their mental health goals."

I am Mrs. Carla Chedid, a Lebanese senior clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience in mental health. My journey in this field has equipped me with extensive knowledge in assessment and therapy, supported by a second BA in psychomotor therapy from Saint-Joseph University. I earned my BA in psychology from the Lebanese American University and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Haigazian University. Additionally, I completed a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) at La-Croix Hospital in affiliation with Saint-Anne Hospital in France and attended specialized workshops at the Beck Institute in Pennsylvania, focusing on depression and anxiety. In my practice, I adopt an eclectic approach, drawing from various therapeutic schools, including CBT, relaxation, schema therapy, and play therapy for children, among others. I have worked with numerous cases involving anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias, sexual abuse, burnout, stress, mood disorders, and learning difficulties.

I am a DHA-certified Clinical Psychologist with a specialized focus on neurodevelopmental disorders in children and their associated comorbidities. Over the past six years, I have dedicated myself to the intricate art and science of child development and psychotherapy. My career has been marked by extensive experience in conducting comprehensive psychological assessments of children and adolescents. These assessments are crucial for diagnostic clarification, educational classification, and crafting tailored treatment plans. My proficiency lies in evidence-based clinical psychology practices. I am well-versed in sophisticated therapeutic and evaluation techniques, and I bring a deep sensitivity to multicultural issues into my practice. This expertise allows me to administer a variety of standardized tests, including SIT-4, WPPSI IV, WISC-V, WAIS IV, and WIAT-4, as well as specialized tests and scales like CBCL for assessing ADHD, Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Learning Disabilities, Anxiety Disorders, and Behavioral Disorders in children. In therapy, I employ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with children, Play therapy, and Group therapy, adapting these approaches to meet the unique needs of each child. Furthermore, I am committed to education and prevention, regularly conducting teacher training webinars on psychological issues and practical interventions in school settings.

My aim is to provide a safe, empathetic, confidential space in your journey as a stepping stone towards your fullest potential, a better version of yourself, learning coping strategies and/or decreasing distress and overall to promote recovery and well-being. I am DHA & CDA licensed as well as a member of the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS) with extensive training and educational experience from the United Kingdom. Coming from a bilingual household (Arabic and English) and being a native English speaker with diverse experiences having lived in the UK, the Middle East and Asia have afforded me with a rich, open-minded, judgement-free philosophy. This has enabled me to equip clients with effective strategies and most significantly to receive the best care in treatment. I see individuals, couples and families across the lifespan for mental health conditions that range from mild, moderate, severe, chronic, or complex. I specialise in addressing the emotional, cognitive and behavioural skills encompassed within adolescents and adults. I always place a clear emphasis on each session being highly personalized and centred around the individual using the latest evidence-based therapeutic techniques. I implement a holistic, integrative approach of modalities mainly using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Psychodynamic Therapy and solution- focused modalities. I am passionate in raising awareness and increasing access to mental health by facilitating support groups and by addressing issues in the wider community through leading school meetings, employee programs, seminars/workshops etc., It is both an honour and my pleasure to be entrusted with the challenges and experiences you are going through and by helping you towards achieving an overall better quality of life and well-being.

"Each day of our lives, we make deposits in the memory banks of our children"As an American Board-Certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist; my career has been defined by a steadfast commitment to the mental well-being of individuals across all ages. With board certifications in Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, my expertise lies in navigating the complexities of mental health care with compassion and understanding.Currently, I serve as an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University in the City of New York, USA, where I dedicate a significant portion of my time to teaching and mentoring the next generation of psychiatrists. My role extends to being an attending physician in the Psychiatry/Child Psychiatry Department at Columbia, where I apply my clinical skills to treat patients with diverse mental health needs.In addition to my academic responsibilities, I hold the position of Clinical Director at the Central NY Psychiatric Center’s Bedford Hills Correctional Facility operation, where I oversee the psychiatric care of individuals in the correctional system. This role complements my duties as the site director of the Columbia Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship program at Bedford Hills, where I supervise forensic fellows during their rotation and share insights from my extensive experience in emergency psychiatry and trauma-related illnesses.My commitment to mental health extends beyond the clinical and academic settings. I am deeply involved with the Bangladeshi medical community in North America and have founded an NGO aimed at providing essential health information to Bangladeshi populations through various media outlets.Fully licensed to practice medicine in the USA, Canada and U.A.E.I continue to practice in the State of New York, where I strive to make a positive impact on the mental health landscape, one patient at a time.

Dr. Farah Qadir is a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist and Executive Life Coach with over 20 years of practice supporting individuals, families, and organisations across diverse cultural and clinical settings. She holds a Bachelor’s (BA) and Master’s (MA) degree from accredited institutions in the United States, and completed her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the United Kingdom, with a focus on clinical psychology and counselling. In addition to her academic training, Dr. Qadir is a certified Executive and Life Coach, blending evidence-based psychological methods with practical coaching strategies to foster mental well-being and personal growth.

Ms. Farah El Khiami is a highly trained and compassionate Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience working with adults across a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and psychological concerns. She holds a BA and MA in Psychology as well as a PhD (in progress) from the Lebanese University, and also earned a BA in International Relations from Université Saint-Joseph. Her academic foundation is complemented by specialised training in psychoanalytic therapy from the École Psychanalytique du Nord, du Pas de Calais et de la Somme in France. Ms. El Khiami brings over seven years of clinical experience to her practice, including significant work in psychiatric settings in Lebanon where she collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support adults with trauma, addiction, mood disorders, and psychological distress. She is licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to practice psychology in the United Arab Emirates and serves as Lead Psychology – Adult at the American Wellness Center in Dubai Healthcare City. Ms. El Khiami’s approach is person-centred and integrative, drawing on psychodynamic and evidence-based frameworks to help clients deepen their self-understanding, process emotional wounds, and develop healthier behavioural patterns. She works effectively with individuals navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relational difficulties, stress, and life transitions. Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, she provides culturally informed care to a diverse clientele. Known for her empathy, clarity, and professional integrity, Ms. El Khiami emphasises the therapeutic alliance — creating a warm and respectful environment where clients can feel heard, understood, and supported on their journey toward psychological wellbeing and resilience.

I am a seasoned Clinical Psychologist based in Dubai, with over 22 years of experience in the field. I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, substance use and addictive disorders, and I also offer couples therapy. My journey in psychology began in my teenage years, driven by a deep passion for understanding the human mind. After graduating high school in Beirut, Lebanon, I moved to the United States to pursue my studies. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 1999, followed by a Master's in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston in 2003, and later completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Southern California. Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to de-stigmatizing mental illness across the US, UAE, and Lebanon. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities to support my clients, and I believe that even in the darkest of times, there is always a light to be found. This belief guides my work as I help individuals grow and find meaning in their pain.

I’m Dr. Dina Naoum, Consultant Psychiatrist with MRCPsych (UK), MD, and MSc, and over 15 years of experience in psychiatry. My journey has taken me through top institutions in Egypt and the UK, and I now split my time between Egypt and Dubai. I specialize in working with adults facing the emotional demands of modern life—whether it’s stress, anxiety, burnout, addiction, or complex mood and personality disorders. I believe in a patient-centered approach that blends clinical expertise with compassion, cultural sensitivity, and deep respect for each individual’s background and values. Fluent in both English and Arabic, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where my patients can explore their mental health with dignity and confidence. I’ve had the privilege of leading psychiatric departments, co-founding a leading private clinic in Cairo, and contributing to global mental health awareness through media, education, and research. Currently, I serve as a Visiting Consultant at Ardens Medical Center and coordinate their CME program. I have a particular interest in supporting women, professionals, and individuals dealing with cross-cultural or high-performance lifestyle pressures—especially relevant here in the UAE. As a psychiatrist, my work goes beyond medication. I dedicate time in follow-up sessions to address the emotional and cognitive challenges my patients face especially in complex conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder and Obsessive compulsive disorder.

I am a psychiatrist driven by a deep belief that healing begins with understanding — understanding the mind, the story, and the person behind every symptom. My approach is rooted in empathy, clinical precision, and holistic care, blending medical science with compassion to help individuals rediscover balance, strength, and hope. With over a decade of experience in psychiatry, I have had the privilege of working with individuals across diverse age groups and cultural backgrounds, treating a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. I am highly proficient in pharmacological management, ensuring safe and effective medication strategies tailored to each individual’s needs. Alongside this, I have specialized expertise in advanced and interventional treatments such as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Esketamine (Spravato) therapy for treatment-resistant depression. I integrate these approaches with evidence-based psychotherapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), psychotherapy, and counselling, to provide comprehensive, individualized care. Beyond clinical practice, I am passionate about mental health education, awareness, and advocacy. I have led corporate wellness programs and gave public talks to promote emotional well-being and reduce stigma surrounding psychiatric conditions.

I am American Board Certified in Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) and qualified as a General (Adult) Psychiatrist. Before relocating to Dubai, in 2011, I served as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital, the University Hospital of Columbia, and Cornell University (USA). I also worked as an Assistant Unit Chief, leading the multidisciplinary treatment team at USA’s New York Presbyterian Hospital – Westchester Division. I completed my adult psychiatry residency training at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center (affiliated with Columbia University) and my child/adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Weill Cornell University Hospital in New York (USA). In addition to my practical background, I have published numerous papers in American journals and participated on the peer review publication committee at Cornell–Westchester Division (New York). I have delivered lectures on a wide range of mental health topics, including depression and suicide, anxiety, schizophrenia, autism, ADHD, and psychosomatic disorders. I am trained in using evidence-based mental health treatment modalities, ranging from, but not limited to, psychotropic medications, individual psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, and play-group modalities for young children. I greatly enjoy speaking in community informational lectures, providing on-site school consultations, and establishing guidance programs. I am proud to be cited often in print media and TV/Radio interviews. I am licensed in the UAE (Dubai Healthcare City and Dubai Health Authority) and the USA.

I completed my Medical School training at the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh. I began my career in Medicine in the United Kingdom in 1987 before moving to New Zealand. There, in addition to my medical training, I completed a Diploma in Mental Health at the University of Auckland. Subsequently, I relocated to the United States to specialize in psychiatry, joining the Residency Program at the Medical College of Georgia in Psychiatry. Due to my superior clinical performance and innovative ideas during my residency training, I was appointed Chief Resident and received the E. J. McCraine Award for Clinical Excellence for outstanding clinical performance. I was also honored with the "Resident of the Year" award. I became a Diplomate in the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in 2008 and again in 2018. I accepted a position as an Attending Psychiatrist at one of the biggest Regional State Psychiatric Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. Here, I led an acute inpatient unit and was involved in teaching residents as a Clinical Faculty member for Case Western Reserve University, University of Toledo, and Northeast Ohio Medical University. I led a specialized inpatient team, treating severely mentally ill, treatment-resistant patients. I quickly became an expert in Psychopharmacology and other acute interventions, such as ECT and TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), and successfully used the antipsychotic medication Clozaril for chronic treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients. I also introduced the widespread use of LAIs (Long-Acting Injections) for non-compliant patients requiring multiple inpatient psychiatric admissions. My achievements led me to become the Lead Chief Clinical Officer. In 2014, I was honored with prestigious Membership at the American College of Psychiatry, with additional committee membership in the Dean's Award Committee, for my commitment to providing the highest level of quality and safety care to the patients and families my team and I served, and for my outstanding services to people with significant mental illness, treating patients and their families successfully with utmost dignity and respect by adopting a Bio-Psycho-Social Model of Treatment. I am currently the Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and lead the clinical operations at Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Mercy St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ohio with my skilled clinical team. I manage a successful inpatient psychiatric team for acute psychiatric care and oversee a large outpatient Mental Health Clinic. I am involved in teaching medical students and serve as the Clerkship Site Director for Northeast Ohio Medical University in Ohio, where I am currently an Assistant Clinical Professor. I am also a pioneer in developing a new Psychiatry Residency Training Program at Trumbull Regional Medical Center through Western Reserve Education Authority under Northeast Ohio Medical University. This new Psychiatry program kicked off in July 2023, and I have been named as the Residency Training Program Director for the new program. In January 2022, I was honored with the Best Teacher Award in Excellence in Teaching by Northeast Ohio Medical University in Ohio for my continued and ongoing teaching skills in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health. I am fully licensed in the Dubai Health Authority as a Consultant Psychiatrist and have been licensed with Good Standing at the Ohio State Medical Board, USA, since 2003. I have joined the American Wellness Center in Dubai and will bring state-of-the-art treatment modalities for mental health disorders from the USA practice. I will be available for specialized consultation and advance appointments through the BWC office.