Abu dhabi: PureHealth announced the launch of SAKINA for Children, a dedicated network designed to deliver specialised mental health services for children and adolescents across Abu Dhabi.
According to Emirates News Agency, the launch of SAKINA for Children represents a strategic expansion of SAKINA's mental health network, aimed at strengthening access to advanced, integrated mental healthcare services for children and adolescents up to 18 years of age. This initiative brings together outpatient services, early intervention programmes, and specialised inpatient care within a coordinated, child-centred model of care.
SAKINA for Children offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic services, including child and adolescent psychiatry, developmental paediatrics, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, behavioural interventions, and family psychological support. Services are delivered through individualised care pathways tailored to each child's developmental stage, clinical presentation, and family context. This approach aligns with the UAE's Year of the Family, reinforcing the importance of strengthening family wellbeing as a foundation for healthier, more resilient communities.
Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, highlighted the department's priority on children's health, stating that their focus is on developing an integrated system that addresses both mental and physical wellbeing. She emphasized that initiatives like SAKINA for Children provide specialised and comprehensive care in a safe and inclusive environment.
Shaista Asif, Group Chief Executive Officer of PureHealth, emphasized the importance of addressing mental health from a young age. She noted that SAKINA for Children aims to reshape support for children and families, integrating clinical excellence with a human-centred approach to create an environment where children can thrive.
Specialised inpatient mental health services are available for children and adolescents requiring acute stabilisation of psychiatric conditions and those with neurodiversity needing intensive therapeutic support. These services adhere to internationally recognised standards for child safety and psychological wellbeing, ensuring continuity of care from admission through discharge.
The SAKINA for Children care model is based on internationally recognised assessment frameworks and evidence-based practices, enabling accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment planning. Tools such as ADOS, WISC, and Conners Rating Scales are incorporated for comprehensive assessments.
Dr. Zain Ali Al Yafai, Chief Executive Officer of SAKINA, described the initiative as a forward-looking vision for paediatric mental health, focusing on integration, accessibility, early intervention, and continuity of care. The model aims to address complex mental health needs and better integrate mental and physical healthcare pathways.
SAKINA for Children is designed to support close to 500 children per month, with an emphasis on early identification and intervention. Services are available in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for families across Abu Dhabi's diverse communities.
Facilities under the SAKINA for Children Network offer integrated therapeutic environments, including therapy rooms, medical clinics, inclusive play areas, and dedicated inpatient units providing round-the-clock mental healthcare. The services are part of a broader network that includes satellite clinics, mental health hubs, psychiatric inpatient facilities, neurodiversity centres, integrated clinics in tertiary hospitals, and a multidisciplinary workforce of healthcare professionals.