AR
UR
A recent report on global mental health care underlined that there is a relative scarcity of affordable mental health practitioners in the UAE. According to a Mental Health Price Index compiled by German market analyst Kenkou, digital access to mental health support was among the best in surveyed countries.
The report named the UAE as the second most expensive country for access to mental health practitioners at an average cost of $163 for a one-hour therapy session, behind Switzerland where counsellors charge $206 per session on average.
The index compiled the data related to mental health provision in 50 countries across the world. The Emirates has about 0.77 psychologists per 100,000 people - fifth lowest number of experts among the 50 surveyed nations. On the other hand, Japan, the Czech Republic and Finland have the best physical access to mental health care, while Bangladesh, Mexico and India were least accessible.
Progressing in online services and new centres
Interestingly, the UAE received praises for the provision of digital access to mental health support, scoring fourth on the list behind Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
Speaking about the report, UAE's exports on mental health underlined that the service is evolving in the country making great progress. However, they stressed the need for more insurance cover for mental health services.
In March, a new Priory Wellbeing Centre was launched in Abu Dhabi - the company’s second facility in the UAE - to offer specialist mental health support to people in need.
According to consultant psychiatrist Dr Waleed Ahmed at The Priory Group UAE, insurers do not always cover mental health treatments.
“I find myself often having difficult conversations with patients and families about their worries regarding certain mental health conditions and treatments not being covered by their otherwise generous health insurance packages, and having to pay themselves,” he said.
Patients choose between an evidence-based psychotherapy session and a session with doctor to discuss prescribed medications for necessary treatment. Insurance cover is lacking for children’s services under which important diagnostic and therapeutic developmental assessments are not routinely covered by policies.
"Unfortunately, stigma persists in the field of mental health and there is still some way to go globally for it to be seen on an equal footing to physical health," the healthcare professional added.
Free support on offer
UAE entities are providing free mental health services to people in need, including the National Programme for Happiness and Wellbeing. Under this programme, mental health support is provided to people by trained counsellors through a dedicated phone line.
Emirates Foundation established the 800 HOPE number during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer safe and confidential mental support to individuals affected by the pandemic. It continues to provide required help to people seeking mental health support.
The Kenkou analysis of mental health services in the UAE also assessed data related to costs in accordance with global care. The entity analysed the cost of care and medicines along with the level of prevalence of conditions and access to quality care.
Analysts investigated different fees for therapy and admissions in mental health hospitals along with the average cost for a month-long addiction treatment. At the same time, they evaluated the cost of medicines through data from local pharmacies in each country for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder and stress.
The index also assessed the national affordability of mental health care in every country against the global average through the collaborated cost of medicines and care.
Wellness Clinic in Jumeirah is run by professional counsellor Marie Byrne who also volunteers for the Emirates Foundation which aims to offer free mental health support.
She explained that counselling is just one aspect of help that is provided for mental illness.
“The costs per hour in the report are more reflective of the general cost of living in the UAE, and you would find a similar pattern if you compared fees of a solicitor, doctor or other professional. The quality and availability of professionals can also affect costs," she added.
While there is no scarcity of mental health support in Dubai, other areas across the UAE can expand their offering to treat patients in need, she underlined.
Mental health drive 'still developing'
The Emirates Foundation is currently offering support in Arabic and English. The crisis line operates only between 8 am and 8 pm as of now, but it is expected to operate until midnight during Ramadan.
Ireland-born Byrne is offering counselling at lower rates compared to the national average per session quoted in the report. She also offers free introductory sessions.
“Restoring someone’s mental health and well-being is a relatively new concept globally. It is a developing area, insurance companies and health care in general still do not see it in the same way as physical health," she added
She called on people to overcome the stigma related to mental health care and urged insurance companies to expand their policies to cover therapy.
“Insurance companies are more aligned with clinical psychologists, where medication is offered as part of the solution, rather than just routine counselling and therapy," she said.
Employers urged to offer assistance
The Kenkou index reported that the cost of mental health care in the UAE is 201 percent more expensive than the global average.
According to the report, stress is one of the most common mental health issue, followed by depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Speaking in this regard, Stephen Maclaren, a health insurance specialist with Seven Insurance Brokers in Dubai, noted that mental health cover is becoming more common among companies. However, there are higher premiums for employers.
“Employers need to understand the need for mental health cover and some don’t want to pay for it. It can be expensive but there are ways around it, such as an employee assistance programme where employers can pay about $30 (Dh110) a year per employee. That entitles them to five sessions of in-person counselling per condition, and access to unlimited telephone support – it is not enough but there are ways of getting more cover," Maclaren explained.
SOURCE: The National News