PureHealth Launches SAKINA for Children to Expand Specialized Pediatric Mental Health Services Across Abu Dhabi
PureHealth has announced the launch of SAKINA for Children, a dedicated mental health network designed to provide specialized care for children and adolescents across Abu Dhabi. The initiative marks a major expansion of the SAKINA mental health ecosystem and aims to improve access to integrated, evidence-based services tailored to the unique developmental and psychological needs of young people up to the age of 18.
The introduction of SAKINA for Children underscores PureHealth’s commitment to strengthening pediatric mental healthcare in the UAE and reflects a broader effort to create comprehensive support systems that address mental wellbeing from an early age. By combining outpatient treatment, early intervention programs, specialized inpatient care, and family-centered support within a coordinated framework, the initiative seeks to provide children and their families with continuous, high-quality care throughout every stage of treatment.
Building a Child-Centered Mental Health Network
SAKINA for Children has been developed to meet the growing demand for specialized pediatric mental health services. The network focuses on providing individualized treatment pathways based on each child’s developmental stage, clinical condition, and family circumstances.
Through this integrated approach, children and adolescents can access a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services under one coordinated system. These services include child and adolescent psychiatry, developmental pediatrics, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, behavioral interventions, psychological counseling, and family support programs.
The model places families at the center of the care process, recognizing the critical role parents and caregivers play in a child’s emotional and psychological development. By involving families throughout assessment, treatment, and follow-up, SAKINA for Children aims to create a supportive environment that fosters long-term wellbeing and resilience.
This holistic approach aligns with the UAE’s Year of the Family initiative, which emphasizes strengthening family wellbeing as an essential pillar for building healthier and more resilient communities.
Department of Health – Abu Dhabi Highlights Importance of Early Mental Health Support
Her Excellency Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, emphasized the importance of prioritizing children’s health and developing systems that address both physical and mental wellbeing.
According to Dr. Al Ghaithi, children represent the foundation of society’s future, making investment in their health and development a national priority. She noted that fostering healthy growth begins in the early years, and initiatives such as SAKINA for Children contribute significantly to prevention, early intervention, and the creation of safe and inclusive environments where children can thrive.
She highlighted that the Department of Health, as the sector’s regulator and enabler, remains committed to building integrated healthcare systems that support balanced and sustainable communities while empowering every child to reach their full potential.
PureHealth Focuses on Long-Term Mental Wellbeing
Shaista Asif, Group Chief Executive Officer of PureHealth, described the launch as a significant step toward transforming how child and adolescent mental healthcare is delivered.
She noted that mental health support should begin with the youngest members of society and stressed that SAKINA for Children goes beyond simply expanding services. Instead, it represents a comprehensive model designed to address the full spectrum of mental health needs, from early intervention and diagnosis to specialized treatment and ongoing support.
According to Asif, the initiative combines medical expertise with a compassionate and human-centered philosophy. The goal is to create an environment where children and adolescents can receive personalized care while families benefit from continuity throughout the treatment journey.
She added that PureHealth remains committed to supporting the UAE’s vision for a world-class healthcare system through innovative and accessible solutions that enable future generations to lead healthier and more resilient lives.
Specialized Inpatient Services for Complex Cases
In addition to outpatient services, SAKINA for Children provides specialized inpatient mental health care for children and adolescents requiring acute psychiatric stabilization. The network also supports children with neurodiversity who may need intensive and structured therapeutic interventions.
The inpatient facilities have been designed according to internationally recognized standards focused on child safety, therapeutic engagement, and emotional wellbeing. Treatment programs integrate psychiatric care, behavioral therapy, psychological interventions, and active family participation.
The emphasis on continuity ensures that children receive comprehensive support not only during hospitalization but also after discharge through follow-up services and long-term treatment planning.
Evidence-Based Assessment and Diagnosis
One of the distinguishing features of SAKINA for Children is its reliance on internationally accepted diagnostic frameworks and evidence-based practices. These tools enable healthcare professionals to deliver accurate assessments and create individualized treatment plans that align with global standards.
The network incorporates the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) as part of comprehensive evaluations for autism spectrum disorder. Cognitive assessments are supported through the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), while Conners Rating Scales are used in assessing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
These scientifically validated approaches help clinicians better understand each child’s cognitive, behavioral, and developmental profile, ensuring interventions are tailored to their specific needs.
Creating an Integrated Vision for Pediatric Mental Health
Dr. Zain Ali Al Yafai, Chief Executive Officer of SAKINA, described the initiative as a forward-looking model designed around integration, accessibility, continuity of care, and early intervention.
He explained that children and adolescents often experience complex mental health challenges that require coordinated approaches involving multiple specialties. SAKINA for Children seeks to bridge these needs by integrating physical and mental healthcare pathways while supporting families throughout the treatment process.
The initiative aims not only to improve outcomes for young patients but also to strengthen connections between healthcare providers, families, and communities.
Capacity to Support Hundreds of Families Every Month
SAKINA for Children has the capacity to support nearly 500 children each month through specialized treatment programs. A major focus of the network is early identification and intervention during key developmental periods when psychological, cognitive, and behavioral issues can be addressed most effectively.
By recognizing and treating conditions early, healthcare professionals can help reduce long-term complications and improve overall quality of life.
To ensure accessibility for Abu Dhabi’s multicultural population, services are available in Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu, and Malayalam. This multilingual approach enables families from diverse backgrounds to communicate effectively with healthcare providers and receive culturally sensitive care.
State-of-the-Art Therapeutic Facilities
Facilities operating under the SAKINA for Children network have been designed to provide fully integrated therapeutic environments that support healing and development.
These centers feature:
- Occupational therapy rooms.
- Speech and language therapy facilities.
- Sensory therapy areas.
- Digital therapy spaces.
- Specialized medical clinics.
- Inclusive play environments.
- Dedicated inpatient units.
- Round-the-clock mental healthcare services.
The design of these facilities reflects the importance of creating safe, engaging, and child-friendly spaces that encourage emotional and psychological recovery.
Expansion Across the Wider SAKINA Network
The launch of SAKINA for Children builds upon the extensive infrastructure already established by the broader SAKINA mental health network.
Currently, the network includes:
- 34 satellite clinics.
- Two specialized mental health hubs.
- Two psychiatric inpatient facilities.
- Two neurodiversity centers.
- Nine integrated clinics located within tertiary hospitals throughout the PureHealth network.
- More than 500 healthcare professionals.
- Support from 77 administrative staff members.
This extensive ecosystem enhances SAKINA’s ability to deliver specialized mental health services throughout Abu Dhabi and ensures greater accessibility for families seeking support.
The multidisciplinary workforce includes psychiatrists, psychologists, developmental pediatricians, speech therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and behavioral specialists who collaborate to provide comprehensive care.
Supporting Prevention and Community Awareness
Beyond clinical treatment, SAKINA for Children also focuses on prevention and public awareness. The initiative includes educational programs, workshops, and partnerships with schools and community organizations aimed at promoting mental wellbeing and encouraging early recognition of emotional and behavioral challenges.
These outreach efforts seek to reduce stigma surrounding mental health while equipping parents, teachers, and communities with the knowledge needed to identify warning signs and seek timely intervention.
By promoting awareness and fostering collaboration between healthcare providers and educational institutions, SAKINA for Children aims to create healthier environments where children can develop emotionally, socially, and academically.
Reinforcing Mental Health as a Fundamental Right
The launch of SAKINA for Children reinforces PureHealth’s broader vision of building an integrated healthcare system centered around people and their wellbeing. The initiative reflects the belief that mental health is not a secondary consideration but a fundamental right that every child deserves.
Through specialized services, evidence-based practices, family-centered care, and community engagement, SAKINA for Children represents a significant milestone in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare landscape.
As awareness surrounding pediatric mental health continues to grow worldwide, PureHealth’s investment in dedicated services highlights the UAE’s commitment to nurturing healthier, more resilient future generations. By prioritizing prevention, accessibility, and compassionate care, SAKINA for Children is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming the mental health journey for children and adolescents across Abu Dhabi while setting new standards for integrated pediatric behavioral healthcare in the region.
Source link: https://purehealth.ae/
