How Much Does Therapy Costs in Dubai, UAE? 2025 Guide

Table of Contents | Jump Ahead

• Quick Summary
• Therapy Costs by Provider Type
• Therapy Costs by Area in Dubai
• Health Insurance Coverage for Mental Health
• Affordable Mental Health Options
• Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs
• Therapy Cost Directory
• References

Quick Summary

• Therapy in Dubai ranges from 500-1,208 AED ($136-$329 USD) per session, making it the second most expensive globally.

• Private insurance coverage varies significantly, with basic mental health plans starting at 950 AED annually.

• Public services exist but are primarily for UAE citizens.*

Therapy Costs by Provider Type

Therapy Costs by Area in Dubai

Premium Areas (Higher Costs)

• Individual therapy: 800-1,208 AED per session
• Couples therapy: 1,000-1,380 AED per session
• Premium factors: Prime locations, international clientele, luxury facilities
• Notable centres: ClearMinds Centre (900 AED), premium hospital clinics

Mid-Range Areas (Moderate Costs)

Business Bay, JLT, Dubai Hills, Arabian Ranches

• Individual therapy: 600-920 AED per session
• Couples therapy: 800-1,150 AED per session
• Characteristics: Professional areas with good accessibility, mixed local/expat population

More Affordable Areas (Lower Costs)

Deira, Bur Dubai, Al Qusais, International City

• Individual therapy: 500-805 AED per session
• Couples therapy: 700-1,035 AED per session
• Considerations: Fewer English-speaking options, longer travel times to premium areas

Health Insurance Coverage for Mental Health

Insurance Plan Types and Coverage

Basic Mental Health Coverage

• Annual cost: Starting at 950 AED
• Coverage: Limited psychiatric consultations
• Limitations: Often excludes psychology/counselling services
• Best for: Basic psychiatric medication management

• Annual cost: Starting at 3,000 AED
• Coverage: Psychiatric consultations, some therapy sessions
• Examples: Daman Comprehensive Premiere (3,500 AED annual limit)
• Inclusions: Hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, medications

Premium International Plans

• Annual cost: 5,000+ AED
• Coverage: Comprehensive mental health benefits
• Examples: Cigna Global (7,500 AED mental health coverage)
• Benefits: Broader provider networks, international standards

Insurance Coverage Details

What's Typically Covered:

• Psychiatric consultations with referral
• Hospitalisation for mental health conditions
• Diagnostic tests and assessments
• Prescription medications
• Emergency mental health services

What's Often Excluded:

• Psychology/counselling sessions (most basic plans)
• Long-term therapy without medical necessity
• Pre-existing mental health conditions (waiting periods)
• Alternative therapies (art therapy, EMDR)

Important Considerations:

• Pay and claim model: Most providers require upfront payment with later reimbursement
• Pre-authorisation: May be required for ongoing therapy
• Network limitations: Coverage often limited to specific provider networks
• Expatriate restrictions: Many plans for expats exclude mental health coverage

Affordable Mental Health Options

University Training Programs

• Providers: Local universities with psychology programs
• Cost: 200-460 AED per session (estimated)
• Quality: Student therapists under professional supervision
• Availability: Limited but growing

Group Therapy Options

• Cost: 400-690 AED per session
• Duration: 60-90 minutes
• Benefits: Peer support, cost-effective treatment
• Availability: Offered by major mental health centres

Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital

• Location: Dubai
• Status: UAE's main public mental health facility
• Services: Short-term and long-term treatment programs
• Contact: 800 8877 (general helpline)
• Eligibility: Primarily for UAE citizens
• Expat access: Very limited availability

Government Crisis Support

• Number: 800HOPE (8004673)
• Provider: National Program for Happiness & Wellbeing
• Cost: Free
• Availability: 24/7 crisis support
• Languages: Arabic and English
• Eligibility: UAE citizens and residents only
• Scope: Immediate crisis support, not ongoing therapy

Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs

Getting the Most from Your Insurance

• Review your policy: Understand exactly what mental health services are covered
• Choose in-network providers: Significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs
• Get pre-authorisation: Avoid claim denials for ongoing therapy
• Keep detailed records: Essential for reimbursement claims

Cost-Saving Strategies

• Ask about sliding scale fees: Many providers offer reduced rates for financial hardship
• Consider group therapy: More affordable while still effective
• Explore online options: Often 20-40% less expensive than in-person sessions
• Package deals: Some centres offer discounts for pre-paid sessions
• University clinics: Supervised training programs at reduced rates

Timing and Scheduling

• Off-peak appointments: Some providers offer lower rates for less popular time slots
• Consistent scheduling: Regular appointments may qualify for package discounts
• Cancellation policies: Understand fees to avoid unnecessary charges

Therapy Cost Directory

• Nearby Cities: Abu Dhabi | Sharjah | Al Ain | Ajman
• Country: For a country-wide overview of therapy costs in the UAE, see How Much Does Therapy Cost in the UAE.
• Worldwide: For a global overview of therapy costs, see Therapy Costs Worldwide.

References

Windsor Medical Centre. (2025). Affordable Therapy in Dubai. Retrieved from https://www.windsorclinics.ae/affordable-therapy-in-dubai

Pacific Prime. (2025). The Best UAE Medical Insurance. Retrieved from https://www.pacificprime.com/blog/dubai-insurance-the-best-medical-insurers.html

Community Development Authority. (n.d.). Issue Social Care Professional License. Retrieved from https://www.cda.gov.ae/en/SocialRegulatoryAndLicensing/LicensingProfessionals/Pages/NewLicensingProfessionals.aspx

Clear Minds Centre. (2025). Payment Information. Retrieved from https://www.clearmindscenter.com/payment/

Note: Costs may vary based on individual circumstances and insurance coverage. Always verify current rates with providers directly. Prices include consumption tax where applicable.