Online Therapy Dubai

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Dubai offers an unparalleled experience for tourists and ex-pats alike. This includes everything from world-class shopping and dining experiences to luxurious resorts. Its modern skyline, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife make Dubai a top destination for travelers. There are, however, many challenges foreigners can face when staying in the United Arab Emirates, and online therapy in Dubai is very doable via US-based services like BetterHelp and TalkSpace. For many, it’s an important life-line.

Online Therapy Dubai: Men pulling camels

Which Issues Can Online Therapy Help With?

A familiar struggle visitors face in the UAE is difficulty adjusting to the local culture. The country is an Islamic monarchy with rigidly conservative norms. This can be disorienting for tourists, particularly those from liberal societies. The recent controversy around the Qatari World Cup is an excellent example of Western culture shock at Emirati social doctrines.

Foreigners living in the country often grapple with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Many feel overwhelmed by the demands of their job. The Emirates has unfamiliar conventions around recreation (e.g., alcohol) and gender roles. This may even cause relationship difficulties in couples or families.

Luckily, many strains on mental health are treatable online with standard internet access. Some examples of this include:

  • Bouts of depression or other mood-related conditions
  • Chronic stress due to the high cost of living
  • Feelings of persecution (particularly among LGBTQ+ individuals)
  • Aggravation of social phobias due to unfamiliar social dynamics
  • Anxiety or feeling generally overwhelmed.

Looking for a specialist? Match with a top-rated therapist.

Stigmatization of Therapy in Dubai

The stigma associated with therapy in Dubai is due to the cultural and religious norms in the area. In many places throughout the Emirates, there’s a taboo around seeking psychological help. This also extends to talking openly about mental health issues.

Stigmatization can lead to feelings of shame or guilt among those struggling. This may cause them not to feel comfortable reaching out for help. The result is a general lack of awareness about mental health issues and available treatment.

Tourists, students, or ex-pats in the UAE shouldn’t hesitate to seek support when experiencing mental health issues. Let’s compare offline and online therapy in the country to assess the most practical way to get help.

Online vs. Offline Therapy Sessions in Dubai

Cost comparison between in-person therapy & online therapy in Dubai

BetterHelpIn-person therapy
Cost ranges from $65-$100 per week
(you can message your therapist anytime)
$100 to $200 per session
$260- $400 monthly
Get 15% off for Healthy Minded visitors

Therapy is a vital part of addressing mental health issues. Dubai offers many options to those seeking help with their mental health needs. Let’s discuss key factors when deciding between conventional counseling and a dedicated online therapy platform like Talkspace.

Convenience

Dubai has many quality options for offline therapy available. But there’s still the added hassle of travel and restrictive scheduling. Online therapy is best for busy people who’d rather access psychotherapy sessions online.

Cost

Offline therapy is often more expensive than online therapy due to higher overheads. There is also the added cost of optimizing and maintaining a clinic or office. Meanwhile, online counseling can be done from home and doesn’t include travel costs or fees associated with visiting an office.

Types of Therapy

Offline therapy allows sessions to incorporate unique therapeutic modalities (like light therapy). Many believe that online therapy drastically reduces the number of methods a therapist can use. In reality, it’s very versatile and can even work for occupational therapy.

Woman on video call

How Much Do Online Therapy Sessions Cost in Dubai?

The cost of online therapy in Dubai varies depending on the type of service you require. Whether you’re looking for a one-time session or ongoing treatment also influences costs.

Generally, sessions range from 150-500 Emirati Dirhams (AED) per hour. Additionally, there may be extra fees associated with certain services. Online counseling may require what’s called a “technology fee.” Other sessions can include extra materials and activities (e.g., the use of CBT triangles or flooding techniques).

The Best Online Therapy Services for Foreigners in Dubai

Dubai-based Thrive Wellbeing Centre is the UAE’s most popular online therapy provider. Thrive shifted to exclusively offering online services in March of 2022. However, they aren’t a specialized therapy provider as of this writing. They also have corporate services, generalized assessments, and workshops on offer.

TalkspaceThrive
Prices254-473AED350-550AED
BillingMonthly subscriptionMonthly subscription
AvailabilityOn-demandAppointment only
Counselors3000+18
SpecialtiesBroad rangeFewer services due to the low number of counselors
CommunityFull-fledged interactive communityOccasional workshops & events
SecurityHIPAA-certifiedComplies with local laws

Let’s compare the respective pros and cons of Thrive and Talkspace to help you determine which is right for you.

Prices and Billing

  • Talkspace is between 254-473AED a week, depending on the subscription
  • Thrive has poor price transparency on the Thrive website. Prices range from 350-550AED according to client reviews on Google

Availability

  • Talkspace users can message therapists from anywhere at any time, even from their own home
  • Thrive sessions are available by appointment only

Counselors

  • Talkspace more than 3,000 experienced and licensed therapists available
  • Thrive has a team of at least 18 specialized and licensed therapists

Specialties

  • Talkspace provides specialized services, including relationship counseling and workplace coaching
  • Thrive less broad on specialties due to fewer available counselors on staff

Community Support

  • Talkspace has an interactive online community for users to connect and share experiences
  • Thrive offers no community support between a few workshops and events

Platform Security

  • Talkspace platform, partners, and apps are uniformly HIPAA-certified
  • Thrive assures users of hyper-compliant online systems that adhere to local security guidelines. The Thrive website claims client information is treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Talkspace leads Thrive in categories of affordability and available counselors. The platform has fully licensed therapists available 24/7, and for a broader range of specialties than Thrive. Talkspace can help you take the first step to a healthier, happier life. Join now to start your journey towards self-discovery and improved well-being!

Looking for a specialist? Match with a top-rated therapist.

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