New Mental Health Service Launched in Abu Dhabi

A groundbreaking new mental health initiative tailored specifically for children and adolescents has officially launched in Abu Dhabi. Dubbed "SAKINA for Children," the service marks a significant expansion of specialized care available to individuals up to the age of 18. Announced by Pure Health during the UAE's Year of the Family, the project underscores a strategic commitment to strengthening community resilience through the prioritization of family wellbeing.

The SAKINA for Children network introduces a fully integrated, child-centered model that unifies outpatient diagnostics, early intervention programs, and specialized inpatient care under one coordinated system. The initiative is designed to address a wide spectrum of needs, ranging from child and adolescent psychiatry and developmental pediatrics to occupational and speech-language therapy. Additional support includes behavioral interventions and comprehensive psychological care for families.

To ensure a supportive healing environment, the network features state-of-the-art facilities equipped with sensory and digital therapy spaces, specialized medical clinics, inclusive play areas, and dedicated inpatient units. These inpatient facilities are engineered to meet international safety standards, offering round-the-clock care for those requiring acute stabilization or intensive therapeutic support for neurodiversity. Care plans are highly personalized, taking into account each child's developmental stage, clinical presentation, and unique family context to ensure seamless continuity from admission through discharge.

The launch brings advanced diagnostic capabilities to the emirate, utilizing globally recognized assessment tools such as ADOS for autism spectrum disorders, WISC for cognitive evaluations, and Conners Rating Scales for ADHD. With a workforce comprising over 500 healthcare professionals and 77 administrative staff, the network aims to serve up to 500 children monthly. Services are accessible in five languages—Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu, and Malayalam—to accommodate Abu Dhabi's diverse population.

The rollout leverages the broader SAKINA mental health infrastructure, connecting patients to a network that includes two mental health hubs, two psychiatric inpatient facilities, two neurodiversity centers, nine integrated clinics, and 34 satellite locations. Beyond direct clinical treatment, the initiative emphasizes prevention and community education through workshops, school partnerships, and awareness programs designed to foster early detection and long-term mental health stability.