The College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS) at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in cooperation with the National Rehabilitation Center (NRC) in Abu Dhabi, organized on Thursday 18 October 2018 the graduation ceremony of 23 graduates of the Higher Professional Diploma in Applied Psychological Skills and Competencies in Mental Health at Sheikh Khalifa Hall in Al Ain.

The degree, which is the first of its kind in the UAE and the region, aims to develop the skills of medical professionals in the evaluation and treatment of mental health and drug abuse, focusing on the most modern, advanced therapeutic methods. Its goal is to strengthen clinical skills of health practitioners and contribute directly to practical experience leading to better results in the field.

“The UAEU College of Medicine and Health Sciences is committed to providing career development opportunities to its graduates and other health practitioners through professional skills development and sustainable education,” said Professor Charles Cairns, CMHS Dean. “This program is in line with the university's strategic plan to develop health care through providing national and other health professionals with advanced and specialized skills in their areas of competence.”

Dr. Hamad Al Ghafri, Director General, NRC, explained that the diploma was driven by the NRC’s need for a workforce with psychological skills.  In 2009, the diploma started with a series of workshops developed by the NRC in partnership with King’s College London and Maudsley International, and in 2011, it was granted post graduate diploma status by UAEU. The newly offered academic program serves UAE as a whole. Other countries in the region are looking towards replicating it with the help of the NRC Training Institute and CMHS at UAEU. 

The duration of the program offered by the UAEU in cooperation with the National Rehabilitation Center in Abu Dhabi and professors from the Royal College of London is 13 months. So far, more than 70 graduates graduated from the program and are working in major hospitals and family health centers throughout the country. Candidates include psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, counselors, and family physicians.