Child & adolescent psychology · Ages 3 to 17
Child Psychologist in Dubai
Specialist child psychology, supporting the emotional, behavioural, and developmental wellbeing of children across Dubai.
CDA / DHA Licensed Child Psychologists
Internationally Accredited, Ages 3 to 17
Evidence-Based Assessments & Therapy
In-Person & Secure Online Sessions
No Referral Needed, Book Direct
Every child deserves to feel understood, and every parent deserves to feel supported.
At Thrive Wellbeing Centre, our child psychologists in Dubai help children and teenagers navigate the emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges of growing up, from early childhood anxiety to ADHD, autism assessment, and everything in between. We work closely with parents, schools, and, where medication may help, our in-house psychiatrists, so your child receives joined-up, expert care. Get in touch on WhatsApp, no referral needed.
Who we help
Child psychology in Dubai, supporting young children
Children’s needs change enormously at different ages and stages. Thrive’s child psychologists have experience across the full spectrum of childhood and adolescence, from pre-school through to the teenage years.
Ages 3–7
Young Children
The early years are a time of rapid growth, and sometimes a little extra support helps a child thrive. Our psychologists work gently with young children, often through play, to understand what’s going on beneath big feelings or behaviours, and to give parents clear, practical guidance for home and school.
- ✓ Developmental delays & assessment
- ✓ Early autism (ASC) assessment & support
- ✓ Separation anxiety & starting school
- ✓ Big emotions, tantrums & meltdowns
- ✓ Sleep & feeding concerns
Ages 8–12
Children
As children grow, school, friendships, and self-image become central, and worries can grow with them. Our psychologists help children this age build confidence, manage anxiety, and develop the emotional tools they need, working closely with parents and, where helpful, their school.
- ✓ Worry, anxiety & low confidence
- ✓ ADHD assessment & support
- ✓ School & academic difficulties
- ✓ Friendships & social skills
- ✓ Behaviour at home or school
Ages 13–17
Adolescents
The teenage years bring intense change, academically, socially, and emotionally. Our psychologists offer teenagers a confidential, non-judgemental space to be heard, while keeping parents appropriately involved, supporting everything from anxiety and low mood to identity, relationships, and exam pressure.
- ✓ Anxiety, low mood & self-esteem
- ✓ Identity, body image & relationships
- ✓ Exam stress & academic pressure
- ✓ Risk-taking & emotional regulation
- ✓ Family conflict & communication
What we help with
What our child psychologists in Dubai help with
Our child psychologists work with a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and developmental concerns. Whether something specific has prompted your search or you simply sense your child is struggling, the areas below give a sense of how we can help.
- ✓ Anxiety & Worry in Children
- ✓ Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) Assessment
- ✓ Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties
- ✓ School Refusal & Academic Difficulties
- ✓ Social Skills & Friendship Difficulties
- ✓ Grief, Loss & Bereavement in Children
- ✓ Sleep Difficulties in Children
- ✓ ADHD, Assessment & Support
- ✓ Depression & Low Mood in Young People
- ✓ OCD & Repetitive Behaviours
- ✓ Low Self-Esteem & Confidence
- ✓ Phobias & Specific Fears
- ✓ Trauma & Difficult Life Experiences
- ✓ Third-Culture Kid (TCK) Identity & Belonging
Our services
Support built around your child
Every child who comes to Thrive receives a service built around them, their age, their needs, their personality, and their family. These are the core services our child psychologists provide in Dubai.
Child Psychological Assessment
A thorough, structured evaluation of your child’s cognitive, emotional, or developmental profile, including ADHD and autism assessments. You receive a clear written report with findings and practical recommendations for home and school.
Play Therapy
For younger children, play is how they process the world. Play therapy gives children a safe, natural way to express feelings they can’t yet put into words, supporting emotional regulation and resilience.
CBT for Children & Teens
Evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy, adapted to be age-appropriate and engaging, helps children and teenagers understand the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviour, and build practical coping strategies.
Parental Guidance & Support
Sometimes the most powerful support happens through the parents. Our psychologists offer dedicated parental guidance, practical, evidence-based strategies for managing behaviour, communication, routines, and big feelings at home, whether or not your child is also in therapy.
School Liaison & Coordination
With your consent, our psychologists coordinate with your child’s school to ensure consistent support across home and classroom, sharing strategies and recommendations that make a real difference.
Find our clinics
Two counselling clinics in Dubai
Visit us in JLT or Dubai Sports City, both easily accessible with parking on site. Prefer to meet online? Our child psychologists also offer secure video sessions. Contact us on WhatsApp →
Thrive JLT
Office 706-710, HDS Tower, Cluster F, JLT, Dubai
Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 7pm, Sunday 9am to 5pm
Thrive Sports City
Office 802, The Bridge, Al Hebiah Fourth, Dubai Sports City
Mon closed · Tue–Fri 11am–8pm · Sat–Sun 10am–7pm
The process
What to expect, child psychology at Thrive
A clear, reassuring path from your first message through to your child’s ongoing care, with parents involved at every step.
1
Get in touch, no referral needed
Contact us by phone, WhatsApp, or online form. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and match your child with the right psychologist for their age and needs.
2
Parent intake appointment
Before your child’s first session, we meet with parents only, to understand your child’s history, your concerns, and what you’re hoping to achieve.
3
Your child’s first session
Always at your child’s own pace, in a warm, low-pressure space. For younger children this often means play; for older children, a relaxed conversation.
4
Assessment or ongoing therapy
Depending on the need, next steps may be a formal assessment with a written report, or ongoing child therapy, always with feedback and guidance for parents.
5
Regular progress reviews
We review progress regularly with your child and family, explaining what we’re working on and why, and adapting the approach so you’re always informed and involved.
Meet the team
Our child psychologists
Our child and adolescent specialists are warm, experienced, and skilled at building trust with young people, and at supporting the parents alongside them.
Senior Clinicians
Early Career Professionals
Reduced-fee therapy from a newly-trained psychotherapist working under the close supervision of one of our more seasoned psychologists.
Natalie Maaitah
Licensed Psychologist & Early Career ProfessionalLanguages English, Arabic Services Children, teens & families
Looking for a child psychiatrist?
Our DHA-licensed child psychiatrists offer specialist assessment, diagnosis, and medication management for teenagers aged 14 and above.
FAQs
Questions, answered
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Trust your instincts. If your child seems persistently anxious, withdrawn, angry, or unhappy, if their behaviour has changed noticeably, or if they’re struggling at school, with friends, or with sleep, it may be worth speaking to a psychologist. You don’t need to wait for a crisis or a diagnosis. If you’re unsure, get in touch and we’ll help you decide whether an appointment makes sense.
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A child psychologist provides assessment and therapy, helping children through talking, play, and evidence-based approaches, and does not prescribe medication. A child psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose and prescribe medication where appropriate. At Thrive we have both, and our psychologists and psychiatrists work closely together so your child gets joined-up care.
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Our child and adolescent psychologists work with young people from age 3 up to 17, across every stage, early childhood, primary school years, and the teenage years. We match each child with a psychologist experienced in their specific age group and needs.
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Yes. Our psychologists carry out thorough, evidence-based ADHD assessments for children and teenagers, drawing on information from parents and, with your consent, school. You’ll receive a clear written report with findings and practical recommendations, and where medication may be relevant we can involve our psychiatry team.
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Yes. We provide autism (ASC) assessments for children and adolescents, including early assessment for younger children. Our psychologists use recognised, structured assessment tools and work closely with families throughout, providing a written report and clear guidance on next steps and support.
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It depends on your child’s age and needs. We usually begin with a parent-only intake session. For younger children, parents are often involved in sessions; for older children and teenagers, some one-to-one time helps them speak openly. Whatever the format, you’re always kept informed and involved.
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Fees vary depending on the psychologist and the type of appointment, for example an assessment versus an ongoing therapy session. Please get in touch and our team will talk you through our current fees and what to expect.
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Yes. Many of our psychologists offer secure online sessions, which can work well for older children, teenagers, and parent sessions. For younger children and certain assessments, in-person appointments are usually recommended, and we’ll advise you on the best option for your child.
Get in touch
