For OCD treatment with a psychologist in Dubai, The Valens Clinic says you can schedule a consultation with either a psychiatrist or a psychologist. Under-18s see the child psychiatrist. A consultation does not commit you to treatment. The clinician listens to your problems, makes a diagnosis and suggests treatment options for you to choose.
Every clinician holds a licence from the DHA or the CDA, the clinic’s FAQ page says. The anxiety and OCD treatment page covers the rest.
What does the clinic say OCD is?
The clinic describes OCD as a type of anxiety disorder marked by obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive, persistent and distressing thoughts, images or impulses which can interfere with daily activities and relationships. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts you feel compelled to perform to relieve the anxiety obsessions cause.
Common obsessions and compulsions include checking behaviours, fear of contamination, excessive cleaning and mental rituals.
Which OCD treatments does the clinic list?
Treatment varies with the severity of symptoms and with your needs and preferences, the page says. The clinic lists psychiatric medication such as antidepressants, cognitive behavioural therapy, exposure therapy and lifestyle changes such as exercise, relaxation techniques and healthy sleep habits.
OCD and anxiety treatment is available and frequently effective, the page says, especially when it starts early after symptoms appear or a diagnosis arrives.
The page’s FAQ adds a point on medication. Many people manage OCD and anxiety long-term without medication. They use therapy alone, particularly CBT and exposure-based techniques. Others combine therapy with medication, and individual response decides which suits.
What does a psychologist offer for OCD?
The clinic’s psychologist page describes psychologists as mental health professionals who assess, diagnose and treat mental health disorders. Its psychotherapy list covers cognitive behavioural, interpersonal and psychodynamic therapy. The page lists behavioural interventions too. They may include behavioural modification, relaxation techniques or exposure therapy, used to change behaviours which contribute to mental health issues.
The cognitive behavioural therapy page calls CBT a structured psychotherapy which focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Your first session gives you time to explain what brought you in, ask questions and understand how CBT may support you. You leave with clarity on possible next steps, without pressure or obligation.
The FAQ page says some therapies, such as CBT, may involve homework between sessions. It says the homework matters as much as the session itself.
What does a psychiatrist add?
The psychiatry page lists OCD among the conditions psychiatrists diagnose. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, the page says, and they consider your medical history, symptoms and potential side effects before recommending a treatment plan. Antidepressants appear among the common prescriptions. Psychiatrists also work with psychologists to provide suitable therapy.
The psychologist page adds a practical point. Many insurance companies request a psychiatric consultation before a referral to a therapist. Check your policy before you book.
Who is on the OCD team?
At the time of writing, the OCD page lists seven specialists. Two are psychiatrists, a specialist psychiatrist and a consultant psychiatrist. Five are psychologists: four with clinical psychologist titles, one of them senior, and one with the title psychologist.
The FAQ page describes the credentials. The clinic’s psychiatrists hold US, UK, European or equivalent certifications. Its psychologists have international experience and training, with additional certifications in specific recognised therapies.
What if your child has OCD?
The OCD page says under-18s, and parents of a child who may have OCD, should schedule the consultation with the clinic’s child psychiatrist. The child psychology page lists obsessive compulsive disorder among the common difficulties in children and adolescents, and says its child psychologists work with young people from birth to 18.
If you book for a relative, the OCD page asks you to make sure they know about the appointment.
Book an OCD consultation
The Valens Clinic offers OCD consultations with psychiatrists and psychologists, and every clinician holds a licence from the DHA or the CDA. Book on the anxiety and OCD treatment page.