Abu Dhabi Expands Mental Health Care for Women with Launch of Specialist Clinic
In a significant stride toward enhancing mental health services for women, SAKINA, the leading mental health network under the Health Services Company (SEHA), a subsidiary of PureHealth, has unveiled a specialized Women’s Mental Health Clinic at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC). This initiative marks an important development in the evolving landscape of mental health care in the United Arab Emirates, underscoring a commitment to provide tailored services that meet the unique needs of women across different stages of life.
Mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and stress, disproportionately affect women, particularly during vulnerable periods such as pregnancy and motherhood. The Women’s Mental Health Clinic aims to address these concerns through a holistic, patient-centered approach that prioritizes comprehensive mental health assessments and innovative therapeutic interventions. The clinic offers a range of services, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), group therapy, peer support sessions, and interventions designed to alleviate social isolation and enhance emotional resilience.
One of the clinic’s core focuses is on perinatal and postnatal mental health. Recognizing the profound impact that maternal mental health can have on both mother and child, the clinic integrates mental health assessments into routine antenatal care, ensuring that potential issues are identified early and tailored support is provided postnatally. This proactive approach empowers women by offering timely resources and interventions that can foster well-being during these formative life stages.
Uniquely situated as the only clinic in Abu Dhabi solely dedicated to women’s mental health and staffed exclusively by female psychiatrists and psychologists, the Women’s Mental Health Clinic provides a welcoming and culturally sensitive environment. This is particularly important in a region where traditional stigmas surrounding mental health issues can create barriers to access. The clinic’s design promotes a safe space where women can openly discuss their mental health concerns without fear of judgment, integrating emotional, psychological, and social aspects of well-being into the care process.
Located on Level 4 of Tower A at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, the clinic operates conveniently from Monday to Friday, from 8 AM to 4 PM, ensuring accessibility for women across the capital. This accessibility to specialized services is a testament to SAKINA’s broader mission of redefining mental healthcare within the UAE, making it more inclusive and responsive to the specific challenges that women face.
Dr. Zain Al Yafei, Chief Executive Officer of SAKINA, emphasized the significance of this endeavor: “The launch of the Women’s Mental Health Clinic is a vital step toward ensuring accessible and specialized care for women, reinforcing our commitment to fostering well-being and resilience. In line with the UAE’s vision for a strong and united community, SAKINA remains dedicated to breaking barriers, providing compassionate support, and empowering individuals through mental health awareness and care.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Abdulqader Almessabi, Chief Medical Officer at SSMC, remarked on the importance of fostering a supportive environment for women seeking mental health care. He stated, “Women’s health is a priority at SSMC. Through the introduction of this dedicated clinic, we aim to empower women to seek the support they need within an empathetic environment. We believe that by providing a welcoming space where women feel valued and understood, we create opportunities for open discussions about mental health and foster long-term well-being.”
Beyond individual clinical care, SAKINA’s community-oriented approach seeks to address the pervasive issues of isolation and stigma often associated with mental health struggles. By facilitating peer networks and shared experiences through group therapy sessions, the clinic aims to weave a supportive fabric of community among women, ensuring they do not navigate these challenges alone.
In summary, the establishment of the Women’s Mental Health Clinic by SAKINA and SSMC represents a transformative moment for mental health care in the UAE, particularly for women. With an emphasis on holistic, culturally-compliant support, the initiative does not merely seek to treat mental health conditions; it aims to empower women and instill resilience in the face of life’s challenges. As this clinic opens its doors, it lays down a marker for the future of mental health advocacy and care not only in Abu Dhabi but throughout the region.
Tags: #HealthNews, #MentalHealth, #WomenHealth, #UAE, #AbuDhabi