About CHMC

CHMC, Clinic for Health and Medical Care (CHMC) is a German clinic specialized in psychiatry and psychology. The clinic operates since 2010 in Dubai and consists of two branches located in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) and in Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT).

CHMC offers treatment for various psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and more.

CHMC is directed by Dr.Gregor Kowal, a German Board-Certified Consultant in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. Dr.Kowal graduated from the University of Heidelberg (Germany) as MD (Medical Doctor). Later he continued his research at the same university where he obtained the PhD title. After finishing 5 years of postgraduate studies in psychiatry and psychotherapy he has been appointed to a Head of Department in a psychiatric hospital in Frankfurt. Later he continued his work as a Medical Director in a psychiatric Hospital near Marburg. Along his education and experience in biological psychiatry Dr.Kowal is also trained as psychoanalytical psychotherapist.

Our Head Psychologist Dr.Annette Schonder, is an American Board-Certified Psychologist, Hypnotherapist, and Marriage Counsellor. Dr.Schonder studied Psychology at George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA. Following her studies she worked and lectured as a psychologist at Frederick Community College, Chapman University, and Orange Coast College, USA. Dr.Schonder has over 25 years of experience working in mental and behavioural health.

Treatment for Patients from India 

Following the growing demand CHMC offers comprehensive treatment for patients from India. Patients seeking help for psychiatric conditions requiring psychopharmacological treatment (use of medication) would need to visit Dubai. A short stay of around 10 to 14 days would be enough to diagnose the disorder and to initiate the treatment. Later psychiatric monitoring along with adjustment of the medication can be supervised via online consultations. CHMC cooperates with a pharmacy based in India ready to deliver the medication to patient’s door.

The suppression of the symptoms by using medication can be achieved in relatively short period of 6 to 8 weeks. However, our treatment objective is the use of medication only for a limited period of time. The most successful treatment method is the combination of medication with psychotherapy (counselling). Such multimodal psychiatric any psychotherapeutic treatment lasts in average around one year. The combination of medication (suppressing the symptoms) with psychotherapy (finding the root cause of the problem) shortens the time until full recovery while reducing the risk of relapses.

Assessment

Accurate diagnosis is essential before treatment begins. The strength of our clinic is detailed and methodical initial assessment followed by regular psychiatric and psychotherapeutic sessions. The initial assessment lasting around 90 minutes consists of in-depth psychiatric, physical and neurological examination and psychological evaluation including laboratory and ECG (Electrocardiogram). The international standard of psychiatric treatment makes such measures mandatory to exclude any underlying physical illnesses and to serve as a benchmark for future monitoring. If required neuro-imaging procedures like EEG, MRIs or CT scans can be done in house.

Therapy Plan

Once the diagnosis is secured our psychiatrist and psychologists discuss with the patient the treatment plan. At the beginning a higher frequency of the psychiatric consultations, usually once in 2 weeks, is necessary. After supressing the acute symptoms, visits to the psychiatrist can be reduced to one time per month.

We recommend from the beginning the participation in the psychotherapy (counselling) which warranties the smoothest recovery and minimizes the risk of future relapses.

To create a calm, therapeutic environment in which our patients have time to express themselves and to “be heard,” our psychiatrist spends 30 minutes for each follow-up visit. Our psychologists have 60-minute sessions.

Mental healthcare is a very personal and delicate service and patients benefit from having an enduring relationship with their therapists. Therefore, our clinicians are present and accessible year around.

Internal Clinic Organization

Our clinic’s organization follows German healthcare standard. We excel in methodical evaluations and treatment continuity. When individuals reach out to us for mental health services, we do not just diagnose disorders and discuss symptoms, but we build a trusting relationship to treat our patients holistically.

We integrate different methods and therapeutic techniques to optimize treatment outcomes. In therapy our main objective is to support our patients by deepening their inward insight and opening the way to a meaningful and fulfilled life. With a view to the patients’ return to their everyday life, we assist in preparing them for the time after the end of therapy.

Documentation and Diagnostic System

We conduct the documentation digitally handling all patient data with utmost discretion. We hand over the doctor’s letter at the end of the treatment, which is available in digital or paper form. Diagnostic coding follows the International Classification of Diseases (ICD 10).

Our Mission and Vision

Our multi-professional-team works constructively and with dedication. We are open-minded and respect each other’s opinions, viewpoints and performance. The best therapeutic results can only be achieved in a harmonious work atmosphere.

CHMC continuously strives to provide the highest quality of clinical care through our expertise and professionalism. We consistently promote mental and physical wellbeing with balanced psychiatric and psychotherapeutic techniques that meet our patients’ unique, therapeutic needs embracing and respecting national, cultural and religious diversity.