5 ways to get help in the UAE for your
Mental Health
‘Taaluf’ provides guidance and advice, in hopes of creating a space for positive mental health and behavioural practice during this pandemic.
As the coronavirus outbreak continues to destabilise people’s familiar way of living around the world, mental health and psychological well-being becomes more and more vulnerable. Many initiatives have been set up in the UAE to help you cope with any internal struggles you are having as a result of the COVID-19, in addition to those whose pre-existing mental conditions have been exacerbated by the pandemic.
2. Book a telehealth or video appointment with a psychologist at these clinics Several hospitals and mental health clinics are now offering the option to set up a secure video appointment with psychologists and psychiatrists.
We take a look at some of the ways you can reach out and get help, as well as the informational initiatives that have been set up to answer some of your general questions about how to deal with changes to your psychological well-being.
Gulf News called two clinics and found that the process is fairly straightforward. Both require you to set up an appointment, either by phone or online, with one of their available doctors. You will be registered in their system and you will then receive a secure payment link on the email you registered under.
1. Call the ‘Taaluf’ hotline in the UAE to get counselling
Once the payment is complete, your appointment is confirmed.
Taaluf is a new interactive initiative that provides family counselling for all community members, via four different channels. It was launched on March 31 to mitigate the psychological and mental health impacts of Covid-19, particularly as it pertains to quarantine and social distancing.
You will receive an invitation link to a video meeting, through applications such as Zoom (used by Camali Clinic) or Cisco Webex (used by German Neuroscience Centre).
The first channel is a hotline, available 9am until 9pm daily except for Fridays and Saturdays. You can call 800623.
Usually, the appointments will last between 50-60 minutes, but follow-ups can be shorter. Your prescription, should it be needed, will also be created electronically. They will require a copy of your ID, or your passport, and the original ID document will be needed to pick up your prescription from the pharmacy, or to have it delivered if that is an option.
The second option is ‘Taaluf’ video calls, offered via WhatsApp, with appointment bookings available through the Ministry of Community Development (MoCD) website. In addition, you can submit your enquiries in a written form through the MoCD website.
Here are some of the clinics and hospitals you can avail telehealth services: Lighthouse Arabia; American Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology; Prime Hospital; German Neuroscience Centre and Camali Clinic.
The fourth and final channel is ‘Taaluf’ Live, which is a continuous weekly live streaming service through the MoCD’s Instagram account (@mocduae) to discuss relevant topics of interest.
The Source
28
