Child Mental Health Support in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is child mental health support?
Child mental health support is the care children receive when feelings, thoughts or behaviour start to get in the way of home life, friendships or school. It covers common difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, anger, school refusal and changes in eating, as well as more complex conditions.
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, the first step is a visit with a pediatrician. The pediatrician takes time to listen, looks at the whole child, including physical health, and helps you decide what support fits. Specialist assessment and therapy are provided by a child mental health service, such as a child psychiatrist or child psychologist, which your pediatrician refers you to. Your pediatrician remains your child's doctor throughout and coordinates care with the specialist team.
Who needs it
It helps to ask for support when a change in your child lasts for weeks, rather than a day or two, or when it affects everyday life. Signs parents often notice include:
- Worrying a lot, needing constant reassurance, or panicky feelings with a racing heart or tummy aches
- Sadness, irritability or loss of interest in things your child used to enjoy
- Trouble falling asleep, nightmares, or sleeping far more than usual
- Refusing to go to school, or frequent headaches and stomach aches on school mornings
- Angry outbursts or behaviour that is new or out of character
- Pulling away from friends and family
- Changes in eating, a strong focus on weight or body shape
- Worries after a frightening event, a loss in the family, or a big move
In the UAE, many families have moved from another country, and a new school, new language and missing friends and relatives can weigh heavily on children. Exam seasons bring extra pressure for older children. Asking for help is a normal and sensible step, and it is treated with respect and privacy.
If your child talks about harming themselves, says they want to die or do not want to live, or has taken an overdose, seek emergency help immediately: call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department, and do not leave your child alone.
What happens
Your pediatrician meets you and your child together and, where appropriate and with your agreement, may spend part of the visit talking with your child alone. The pediatrician asks about mood, sleep, appetite, school, friendships, screen use and any recent stresses, and may use short, well-established questionnaires for you and your child.
A physical check matters, because some physical conditions affect mood and energy. Your pediatrician may examine your child and arrange blood tests for problems such as thyroid imbalance, iron deficiency or low vitamin D, and asks about sleep problems such as snoring.
Together you agree a first plan. This often includes practical steps for sleep and routine, ways to support your child at home, and a letter to the school where helpful. When specialist help is needed, your pediatrician refers your child to a child mental health service for assessment and therapy. Where attention or social communication differences may be part of the picture, the pediatrician may also discuss an ADHD assessment or an autism assessment. Teenagers can also be seen through adolescent health care.
Preparing for it
Before the visit, jot down what you have noticed, when it started, and what makes it better or worse. Note any big changes in the family, school or home. Bring school reports or notes from teachers if you have them, and a list of any medicines or supplements your child takes.
Talk to your child in simple, calm words about the visit: the doctor helps with feelings as well as coughs and colds. Let your child know they can share as much or as little as they like. Older children may want to write down what they find hard to say.
Afterwards
You leave with a clear first plan, any test results to follow, and a referral letter if specialist support is advised. Your pediatrician arranges a follow-up visit to see how your child is doing and to keep the plan on track while you wait for or attend specialist care.
Contact the hospital if your child's mood or behaviour worsens, if they stop eating or sleeping properly, if school becomes impossible, or if you are worried about their safety. Go to the emergency department or call emergency services straight away if your child harms themselves, talks about suicide, or has taken any medicine or substance in excess.
Cost and insurance
Most UAE health insurance plans cover pediatric consultations and related blood tests. Cover for specialist mental health assessment and therapy varies widely: some plans include it with a referral, some limit the number of sessions, and some exclude it. Check your policy before specialist care starts. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you confirm consultation cover on 06 599 7777.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Is a child psychiatrist or psychologist available at Dar Al Kamal Hospital?
Child psychiatry and psychology are provided by a specialist child mental health service that Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah refers you to. The hospital's pediatricians offer the first assessment, physical checks, a first plan, the referral, and ongoing follow-up.
What are the risks and limits of a pediatric mental health assessment?
A pediatric mental health assessment carries no physical risk, although talking about difficult feelings can be upsetting for a short time. Its limit is that it is a first step: diagnosis and therapy for many conditions come from a specialist team, and a single visit may not give a complete answer.
Is it normal for my child to worry this much?
Some worry is a normal part of childhood, especially before exams or new situations. Worry that lasts for weeks, causes physical symptoms, or stops your child doing ordinary things like going to school or seeing friends is worth discussing with a pediatrician.
Will my child's school be told?
Your child's school is informed only with your agreement. A letter to the school can help teachers support your child, and your pediatrician discusses with you what to share. Information is kept private, except where a child's safety is at risk.
Could a physical problem be causing my child's low mood?
Some physical problems, such as thyroid imbalance, iron deficiency, poor sleep or long-term illness, can affect mood and energy. A pediatrician checks for these, which is one reason the first visit is with a children's doctor.
What should I do if my child talks about self-harm?
If your child talks about self-harm or not wanting to live, take it seriously, stay calm, and do not leave them alone. Seek emergency help immediately by calling emergency services or going to the nearest emergency department.
Is child mental health care covered by insurance in the UAE?
Pediatric consultations are covered by most UAE insurance plans, but specialist mental health care varies, with some plans limiting sessions or excluding it. Check your policy. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help confirm consultation cover on 06 599 7777.
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