In short
- Psychiatrists are doctors, so they can assess both the mental and physical sides of a problem and can prescribe.
- Ongoing low mood, anxiety, sleep problems and reviewing current treatment are common reasons to book.
- In Dubai, narcotic, controlled and semi-controlled medicines cannot be prescribed through telehealth.
- If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 998 now.
If you need help right now
A booked video session is not crisis care. If you have thoughts of ending your life, or you or someone else is in danger, call 998 or go to the nearest emergency department. If you can, tell someone you trust what is happening.
What a psychiatrist does
The American Psychiatric Association defines psychiatry as the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioural disorders. Because psychiatrists are doctors, they can order medical tests and look at how physical illness, family history and medicines fit into what you are experiencing. Treatment may include medicine, talking therapy or both.
WHO estimates that nearly 1 in 7 people in the world live with a mental disorder, and effective prevention and treatment options exist. Booking an appointment is not an overreaction.
Psychiatrist or psychologist?
| Psychiatrist | Psychologist | |
|---|---|---|
| Training | Medical doctor, then specialist training | Training in psychology, not medicine |
| Main work | Diagnosis, medicine, overall treatment plan | Assessment and talking therapies |
| Can prescribe | Yes | No |
If you are not sure, either can tell you whether you would be better off with the other. You can read more about seeing a psychologist online.
How video fits into care
The DoH standard in Abu Dhabi names tele-mental health among the services allowed by tele-consultation. An assessment, a discussion of symptoms, and a review of how treatment is going can all happen on a call.
Prescribing has more limits. The DHA telehealth standard excludes narcotic, controlled and semi-controlled medicines from telehealth in Dubai, and some psychiatric medicines fall into those groups. In Abu Dhabi, the DoH standard says prescribing them must follow federal law and DoH rules. If you take one of these medicines, ask how your prescription will be managed before you rely on video alone. Do not stop or change a medicine without speaking to your doctor.
People who may be at risk, need a physical examination or are becoming very unwell will usually need face-to-face care, and the doctor should refer you.
Getting the most from a first session
- Think about when things changed and how they affect sleep, work, appetite and relationships.
- List your medicines, including anything from abroad, and any treatment you have had before.
- Mention alcohol or other substances honestly. It affects what is safe to prescribe.
- Take the call somewhere private, with headphones if you can.
medicAI offers private video sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist through independent facilities licensed by DHA or DoH. Your care stays with the clinician and their facility, and your employer never sees your medical details.
Psychiatry doctors on medicAI
These doctors work with independent licensed facilities. See all doctors.
Questions people ask
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication online in the UAE?
A psychiatrist can prescribe many medicines by video when they judge it appropriate. Under the DHA telehealth standard, narcotic, controlled and semi-controlled medicines cannot be prescribed through telehealth in Dubai, and in Abu Dhabi prescribing them must follow federal law and DoH rules.
Will my employer find out if I see a psychiatrist through medicAI?
Your employer never sees your medical details on medicAI. Clinical records stay with the facility that treats you.
Should I see a psychiatrist or a psychologist first?
A psychiatrist is often a good choice if you think you may need medicine, or if your symptoms are severe. A psychologist is a good choice if you would like talking therapy. Either one can suggest the other if it would suit you better.
Sources and further reading
Read next
medicAI is not for emergencies. If someone is seriously ill or injured, call 998 or go to the nearest hospital.
This page is general information. It does not replace advice from a doctor who knows your situation. medicAI is a technology platform. Care is given by independent licensed facilities, who are responsible for it and for its outcome.
