Parent's Guide · 2026
Kids Therapy in the UAE — A Parent's Guide
Signs your child may need support, what child therapy costs in Dubai, and how to choose the right child therapist.
Please note: iCareWellbeing does not offer sessions for children or teenagers. This page is an informational guide for parents.
Your Child Is Not the Only One
Mental health challenges in children are more common than most parents realise. And in the UAE, the numbers are significant.
28%
of UAE adolescents experience anxiety disorders
BMC Pediatrics, Al-Yateem et al., 2020
1 in 7
adolescents globally have a diagnosed mental health condition
UNICEF, 2024
↑
teen depression linked to physical inactivity & screen time in UAE
Diab et al., PLOS ONE, 2025
80%
of mental health conditions go undiagnosed in the GCC
GCC Mental Health Report
Schools across Dubai and Abu Dhabi are increasingly recommending therapy. This isn't unusual — it's responsible parenting. The fact that you're here means you're already doing the right thing.
For the full picture on mental health in the UAE: UAE Mental Health Statistics & Resources →
What Kids Commonly Work On in Therapy
Children and teenagers carry more than most adults realise. These are the concerns child therapists in the UAE see most often.
What Kids Therapy Costs in the UAE
Parents searching for child therapists in Dubai deserve real numbers. Here they are.
| Where | Cost / Session | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai private clinic | 500–900 AED | Weekdays, waitlists common |
| Premium therapy centre | 1,200–1,800 AED | Initial assessment often billed separately |
| International school counsellor | Free | Limited sessions, not always a specialist |
Prices as of 2026, based on publicly listed rates. See also our full therapy cost guide.
How to Choose a Child Therapist in the UAE
Check the licence
Ask whether they are licensed to practise in the UAE (DHA in Dubai, DOH in Abu Dhabi, or MOHAP in the northern emirates).
Look for child specialists
Child and adolescent therapy is its own specialism. Ask how many children in your child's age group they work with.
Ask about confidentiality
Find out what they will share with you, what stays private, and when they would be required to break confidentiality for safety.
Meet before committing
Many therapists offer a short call first. Your child feeling comfortable matters more than the first available slot.
Your Role as a Parent
You don't sit on the sidelines. But you don't sit in every session either. Here's what the right balance usually looks like.
First session: your call
Many parents join for the first part of the first session, then step back.
After that: step back
Sessions become your child's space. Expect general progress updates, not session content.
Between sessions: your role grows
Therapists often share exercises or communication tips to support progress at home.
Look after yourself too
Supporting a struggling child is hard. Parents often benefit from support of their own.
Parents can book their own sessions with us: individual therapy from 165 AED or couples therapy from 220 AED.
Questions Parents Ask
How much does kids therapy cost in the UAE?
Does iCareWellbeing offer therapy for children?
What age is online therapy appropriate for?
Can I sit in on my child's therapy sessions?
How do I know a child therapist is qualified?
My child's school recommended therapy — what should I do?
In crisis? See our free crisis hotline resources →