The 5 Best Psychologists in Dubai Known for Confidential & Caring Support
My childhood best friend used to call me every night to rant about work, family, and life in general, often ending the call in tears. One time, I didn’t answer her call, and later I found out she’d been struggling alone while no one besides me knew how serious it was.
This experience showed me how easy it is to miss signs of stress and anxiety, even in the people we care about most.
To help others who are also going through a difficult time, we’ve put together a list of some of the best psychologists in Dubai. They’re known for being calm, confidential, and caring, so you can get the support you need.
How much do psychologists’ services cost in Dubai?
In Dubai, the cost of seeing a psychologist depends on the type of service and experience of the practitioner.
• Standard individual sessions usually range from AED 350 to AED 700 per session.
• Specialized therapy, couples counselling, or child psychology sessions may cost between AED 500 and AED 1,200.
• Some clinics offer package plans or ongoing therapy programs, which typically start at AED 2,000 for several sessions.
1. Vivamus
Address: Suite 202 – Umm Hurair Second
Phone: +971 4 440 3844
Business hours: Monday to Saturday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Vivamus takes a thoughtful and organized approach to psychology.
What really stood out to us is how closely they stick to UK best-practice standards. Therapy plans are reviewed regularly instead of running on autopilot, and they actively track progress rather than just talking about it.
The leadership here adds a lot of weight to the clinic’s credibility. A UK-trained clinical director with over twenty years of experience heads the team, supported by senior psychologists and specialist clinicians.
That kind of setup usually means supervision and consistency stay strong.
Their wide range of therapies shows just how much depth they bring. They offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and psychodynamic therapy are also available, giving people the flexibility to find care that actually fits their needs.
We also like how comprehensive their services are. Adults, couples, children, and families are all supported. They also provide detailed psychological assessments for ADHD, autism, learning differences, and cognitive concerns.
Having an in-house psychiatrist for coordinated care adds an extra layer of reassurance.
However, because their services reflect this level of expertise, the costs aren’t exactly budget-friendly.
Friendly and knowledgeable
“Met Shane and Jackie recently in a school setting both with students and then a smaller workshop for teachers. Such lovely people and then really excellent sessions led by both. Would certainly recommend for any education setting. Am sure the service is great for individuals seeking mental help.”
– Andrew Hanlon, Google Review
Practical, engaging mental health workshop
“VIVAMUS put on a hugely engaging workshop for our secondary students about mental health. Their interactive session empowered our youth with valuable strategies, fostering a culture of self-care and resilience. A heartfelt thanks to the team for equipping our students with vital life skills – highly recommend.”
– Mark Swaine, Google Review
2. The Psychiatry and Therapy Center
Address: Units 6002, 6004 & 6005, Building 64 – Block D
Phone: +971 4 422 1606
Business hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you’re looking for genuinely effective therapeutic support, The Psychiatry and Therapy Center is a great place to consider.
They have a unique way of making you feel heard and understood. In their sessions, you get to reflect on yourself and notice patterns, which helps you understand your thoughts and behaviors better.
They don’t just help with immediate problems. They also teach practical skills and strategies, so you feel more prepared to handle challenges down the road.
What stands out most is how much they personalize treatment for each person. Whether you need psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, or CBT, they make sure sessions are customized to support your goals.
They’re also a good option if you come from a different cultural background. Their multilingual clinicians help create a space where you can feel comfortable and understood.
The only minor inconvenience is that they don’t handle direct insurance billing, so you have to pay upfront and claim reimbursement afterward.
Skilled and compassionate therapist
“I have been having sessions with Ms. Karen Hayre for over half a year now, and I can truly say it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my mental and emotional growth. I’m truly grateful for her support and highly recommend Karen to anyone looking for a skilled and compassionate therapist. 🤍”
– Mariami Japaridze, Google Review
Compassionate and dedicated psychologist
“I’ve been working with Karen for nearly a year, and she has been an incredible psychologist. Her unwavering support extends beyond our sessions, always making herself available when needed. Karen’s guidance has helped me prioritize my mental well-being just as much as my physical health, reminding me that our minds are the true foundation of who we are. I’m deeply grateful for her expertise and compassion.”
– Saba Vaziri, Google Review
3. OPENMINDS Centre
Address: The One Tower, Al Thanyah First, Barsha Heights
Phone: +971 4 876 1444
Business hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
OPENMINDS Centre’s approach to mental health goes beyond just standard therapy.
They bring psychiatry, counselling, and even neuroscience services together under one roof. That’s pretty convenient if you want to address different aspects of your well-being without hopping between clinics.
Treatments are tailored collaboratively to each person’s goals and preferences. You can work with them for child interventions, adult therapy, or relationship counselling.
What really sets them apart is how attentive they are to each client. They take note of the smallest details, like when you pause before answering a question or subtle shift in your tone, and they actually remember them in future sessions.
Those observations guide therapy in ways that feel practical and directly relevant to everyday life.
On top of that, they offer personalized therapies like neurofeedback and functional nutrition support, which isn’t something you see everywhere.
They also provide online counselling and flexible scheduling, making it easier to fit sessions into a busy life.
That said, appointments here can take time due to high demand, but their thorough, client-focused approach makes the wait worthwhile.
Insightful therapy, analytical psychologist
“I’ve been visiting Open Minds for a while, marking my first real approach to therapy after some reluctance. With Psychologist Karim’s calm, analytical style, hidden issues were revealed, helping me understand difficult feelings impacting my well-being. Thank you”
– Om breen, Google Review
Professional and caring doctor
“I had a great experience at open minds with Dr. sandhya eappen. The doctor was professional, caring, and took the time to understand me and explain everything in a way I could understand. The hospital staff were also very kind and attentive, and also the facility was clean and well-organized.”
– mary merlin, Google Review
4. Thrive Wellbeing Centre
Address: HDS Tower – Office 706 – 710 Cluster F
Phone: +971 56 895 2347
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
We heard about Thrive Wellbeing Centre from someone who’d gone through postpartum struggles and said she really benefited from their approach.
The team mixes solid clinical expertise with counseling that actually feels personal (check out other counseling services here). They listen and focus on the challenges she faced day to day, offering realistic support like using coping strategies for stress.
We were especially impressed that they still kept in touch and checked in even after her sessions ended. This kind of follow-up is rare and shows how committed they are to supporting their clients.
Their therapy is structured but still approachable. They use proven methods for anxiety, depression, and trauma, but it never feels stiff or too formal.
Thrive Wellbeing Centre also offers child-focused therapies like play therapy and art therapy. These aren’t just token options, though. They genuinely help kids express themselves and work through tricky emotions.
They also run workshops, offering parenting support, and provide corporate wellbeing programs, so their care goes beyond just individual sessions.
The only downside is their limited availability. Some therapists only have a few time slots, so booking can take a bit longer.
Practical and understanding
“I’ve had the pleasure of hearing Dr Sarah Rasmi speak at a company virtual event. She was discussing and offering advice for work-life balance, mental health and the difficulties that some might face with returning back to the office and the transition into the new normal post-COVID. She was practical, understanding and spoke with clarity. I would highly recommend Thrive Wellbeing for any counselling, therapy or other support services.”
– Aza Wee, Google Review
Supportive and practical
“I’m glad I picked Thrive to work through some of the challenges I was facing, including my problems with anxiety and other life stresses/changes. I only met with Mina Shafik during my time here, the journey I went through during our many sessions has greatly improved my self-awareness and my general day-to-day approach to life. It is absolutely necessary to take care of your mental health and I am happy this is where I learned the necessary skills to start doing that :)”
– Zaina Jallad, Google Review
5. Zita Chriszto
Address: Villa 585b, Jumeira St – Umm Suqeim First
Phone: +971 58 566 9327
Business hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
On this list, Dr. Zita Chriszto had the most consistent feedback when we asked around.
People kept mentioning how straightforward and easy to follow her sessions are. She creates a sense of comfort right from the start, which makes opening up feel much easier.
When dealing with sensitive or heavy topics, she keeps the atmosphere calm and grounded, helping clients work through their feelings without feeling overwhelmed.
She’s a DHA-licensed clinical psychologist, so her qualifications are clear, and we like that she doesn’t make sessions feel stuffy or overly formal. That’s why people feel comfortable with her and take her advice seriously.
She also works with both adults and kids. We heard she’s helped tons of kids and has a real talent for connecting with them. Through play therapy, art therapy, and other creative methods, kids quickly start to feel safe in her hands.
The only thing to keep in mind is that she’s just one practitioner, so booking a session can be a bit tricky.
Empathetic and experienced
“As someone who’s worked with Zita long-term, I can say she’s guided me through some of life’s hardest moments. She combines strong clinical experience with real empathy (the kind of psychotherapist that makes a lasting difference). Truly grateful to have found her.”
– Mithun Solanki, Google Review
Effective support, lasting guidance
“Zita Chriszto is an excellent psychologist in Dubai. Her expertise in psychotherapy has been incredibly helpful in overcoming my anxiety. Her compassionate approach and deep understanding of mental health make her one of the best psychologists I have ever met. I highly recommend her services!”
– Usman Ali, Google Review