Becoming a certified mental health specialist in Dubai requires navigating a structured licensing process that ensures international standards in clinical practice. You must hold a master’s or doctoral degree in your specialty, attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and recognized through the Ministry of Education equivalency process. Applicants complete Primary Source Verification via DataFlow, demonstrate 1–2 years of post-qualification clinical experience, and pass the Prometric competency exam before receiving licensure from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Community Development Authority (CDA). This multi-step process guarantees that all practitioners meet Dubai’s rigorous regulatory and ethical standards.
Understanding Dubai’s Mental Health Licensing Framework
Dubai’s mental health sector is regulated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Community Development Authority (CDA), providing a comprehensive framework aligned with WHO and APA standards. Licensing ensures practitioners meet evidence-based benchmarks through Primary Source Verification, attested credentials, and clinical experience verification. All professionals must submit Emirates ID, malpractice insurance, and experience certificates, while Dubai Healthcare City Authority oversees free zone operations. Mental health professionals over 60 must provide a physical and psychological assessment as part of the licensing process. The DHA emphasizes continuous professional development, ensuring specialists maintain skills consistent with global best practices.
Educational Requirements by Mental Health Specialization
Licensing requirements vary depending on your profession:
- Psychologists: Master’s or Doctorate in psychology, 1–2 years supervised clinical experience.
- Psychiatrists: Medical degree plus psychiatric residency, 3–5 years post-qualification clinical experience.
- Clinical Social Workers: Master’s degree with supervised fieldwork.
- Marriage and Family Therapists: Master’s-level education in counseling or related fields.
All foreign degrees require UAE Ministry of Education attestation and equivalency certification, with supervised clinical hours mandatory before sitting for the DHA or CDA Prometric exams. Bridging programs may be necessary if your credentials do not meet the Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) 2022.
Credential Verification and Attestation Process
The licensing pathway includes three essential verification stages:
Verification Stage | Responsible Authority | Typical Timeline |
Document Attestation | UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs | 2–4 weeks |
Primary Source Verification | DataFlow Group | 2–8 weeks |
Degree Equivalency | Ministry of Education | 2–3 months |
The process ensures authenticity, international compliance, and eligibility for Prometric examination. Degree attestation involves multi-level verification from your university to UAE authorities, followed by Primary Source Verification through approved agencies like DataFlow or QadraBay.
Gaining Required Clinical Experience
Clinical experience is mandatory before licensure:
- Psychologists & Therapists: 1–2 years supervised post-degree practice in recognized mental health settings.
- Psychiatrists: 3–5 years post-qualification, including expertise in psychopharmacology and psychiatric treatment.
- Document clinical hours, case logs, therapeutic interventions, and supervisor verification letters.
- Experience must demonstrate competency in diagnosis, treatment planning, ethical practice, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
DHA and Sheryan Portal Registration
All mental health professionals must register on both DHA and Sheryan portals:
- Complete Self-Assessment Tool on Sheryan.
- Submit passport, Good Standing Certificate, attested qualifications, and logbooks online.
- Pay application/credentialing fees (AED 200 for physicians, plus applicable exam fees).
- Registration is valid for one year and requires activation through a DHA-approved health facility.
Prometric Examination
Passing the DHA Prometric exam is a requirement for all clinical specialists:
- Format: 150 multiple-choice questions on clinical reasoning, diagnostic skills, ethical practice, and UAE protocols.
- Preparation: Use approved study materials, simulation exams, and self-assessment tools.
- Passing Score: 65–80%.
Upon passing, results are automatically reported to DHA, enabling license issuance once employment at a DHA-approved facility is secured.
Employment at DHA-Approved Health Facilities
Licensure activation requires employment at accredited facilities:
- Options include LightHouse Arabia, Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital, American Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology.
- Employers handle employment contracts, immigration processes, and CPD obligations.
Non-clinical professionals, such as counselors or social workers, must pursue CDA licensing, which mandates a bachelor’s or master’s degree, minimum 1-year relevant experience, and passing the CDA licensing exam held quarterly at the British University in Dubai.
Maintaining Your License
Licenses require ongoing compliance:
- Submit CPD credits annually.
- Maintain a clean professional record.
- Update personal and qualification information online.
Non-compliance can result in suspension or disciplinary actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice privately without a DHA-approved facility?
No. Independent practice outside licensed facilities is prohibited. Violations may result in fines AED 50,000–200,000 or imprisonment.
Are foreign licenses transferable without exams?
No. All foreign credentials must undergo Primary Source Verification, degree equivalency, and Prometric testing.
What if I have a career gap?
A gap of over two years requires CPD evidence, potential reassessment, or supervised bridging programs.
Can I hold both DHA and CDA licenses?
Yes, provided you meet separate licensing requirements and maintain compliance with each authority’s regulations.
How long does the process take?
- DHA: 6–12 weeks with complete documentation.
- CDA: 8–24 months due to mandatory attestation and equivalency verification.
