Do I need a referral to see a therapist?

No referral is required for private sessions. Some insurance plans still request one for reimbursement.

Is everything I say kept confidential?

Yes. Records stay private except when you give consent or there is clear risk of harm.

How much does one therapy session cost?

Expect AED 400-700 for a standard 50-minute session with a licensed psychologist.

Mental Health Services in UAE: Therapists Costs Confidentiality

How to find a licensed therapist

The Dubai Health Authority and Abu Dhabi Department of Health maintain public registers of approved mental health practitioners. Search the DHA or DOH portals for psychologists, psychiatrists and counsellors who hold current licences. Many clinics also list their team on their own websites with licence numbers visible.

Session costs in 2026

Initial assessments range from AED 500 to AED 800. Follow-up therapy sessions usually fall between AED 400 and AED 700 for a 50-minute appointment with a psychologist. Psychiatrist consultations that include medication review cost AED 600 to AED 1,200. Some clinics in Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer package rates after the first three sessions, bringing the per-visit price down by 10 to 15 percent.

Insurance and reimbursement

Most employer health plans now cover up to 10 outpatient mental health visits per year when the practitioner is on the insurer's approved list. You pay the clinic directly and submit the receipt and diagnosis code to your insurer for reimbursement. Check your policy documents or call the insurer's helpline to confirm the exact limit and any required referral from a general practitioner.

Confidentiality rules

Patient records are protected under Federal Decree-Law No. 51 of 2023 on medical liability. Therapists may only share information with your written consent or in rare cases where there is clear risk of harm to yourself or others. Clinics store notes in encrypted systems and retain them for the period required by DHA or DOH guidelines, after which they are securely destroyed.

What to expect in the first session

The therapist will ask about your current concerns, medical history and daily routine. You decide how much detail to share. At the end of the meeting you receive a suggested treatment plan and can book further sessions or request a different practitioner if the fit does not feel right. No referral letter is needed to start private therapy, though some insurance plans still ask for one.

Emergency support

If you or someone you know is in immediate distress, call the national mental health helpline on 800 HOPE (4673) or visit the emergency department at any DHA or DOH hospital. The line is free, available 24 hours and staffed by trained counsellors.

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