Latest news with #Hakkini
Khaleej Times
12-07-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE experts warn AI may feel like 'real' therapist, delays mental health help
For 27-year-old Sara (name changed upon request), ChatGPT was a good resource for work-related help. She used it for fact-checking, clarifying ideas, and getting help on the go. However, it soon began to shift to something more. 'I began using it during emotionally tough situations at work, in the family and even in relationships,' she said. 'I love how it analyses everything like it reads my mind. It gives me another perspective, and I love the reassurance I get from it. It makes me feel like my feelings are valid.' Over time, Sara started using ChatGPT to reflect on her habits and personality. 'It became like a coach, helping me understand myself better,' she said. 'I'd love to go to therapy one day even if it's just for self-awareness. However, therapy can be expensive and out of budget sometimes. It's really comforting to have something private, discreet, and available 24/7. Especially when I feel a panic attack coming on.' Experts say that the increasing trend of youngsters turning to ChatGPT for mental support is 'not surprising' but is extremely 'concerning' for a number of reasons. 'It's not surprising that more young people are turning to AI platforms like ChatGPT for emotional support,' said Dr Alexandre Machado, Clinical Neuropsychologist at Hakkini mental health clinic in Dubai. 'It's easy, anonymous, and always available, kind of like having a friend in your pocket.' Concerns, hidden dangers However, the real danger lies hidden, said Dr Waleed Alomar, specialist psychiatrist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital in Al Qusais. 'It's concerning that some chatbots are presenting themselves as therapists,' he said. 'While users might [initially] be aware that they are chatting with a bot, many, particularly young people, can easily get carried away and start to feel like they are speaking to a real person or even a licensed professional.' He added that this is an issue because artificial intelligence does not always recognise the line between everyday sadness and a serious mental health issue. 'Since chatbots lack the credentials to diagnose or treat serious mental health conditions, they cannot connect users with human care when a person genuinely needs a mental health expert's support,' he said. 'While a chatbot may offer a brief sense of relief, it might also delay people from pursuing the professional help they truly need, leaving them feeling even more isolated.' His comments were echoed by Dr Alexandre who said there were plenty of case studies to prove how dangerous the trend can be. 'For example, a man in Belgium ended his life after being influenced by a bot, and a young boy in the UK once tried to assassinate the queen based on AI advice,' he said. 'These cases show how dangerous it can be to rely on unregulated AI for emotional support.' Benefits of 'instant' support Despite the obvious concerns, the experts agree that there were some benefits to having AI as a mental health support tool. 'AI tools are accessible anytime, which they may find especially helpful during those late-night hours when emotions can feel overwhelming,' said Dr Waleed. 'For a generation that has grown up with on-demand services, having support available 'anytime' is a real breakthrough. Also using AI for mental health support provides a sense of anonymity and a non-judgmental space.' Dr Alexandre added that while the tools cannot replace a therapist, they can help in some situations. 'It's easy, anonymous, and always available, kind of like having a friend in your pocket,' he said. 'But it's important to remember that AI can't adapt like a human can. Use it as a tool, but don't let it take over.'
Khaleej Times
03-07-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Doomscrolling, jet lag; how to stay mentally healthy during summer
As summer travel ramps up and social media feeds flood with picture-perfect vacations, a UAE-based neuropsychologist warns that the season of sun and escape could be quietly fuelling stress, anxiety and disrupted sleep — especially in a region grappling with rising security concerns. 'We tend to idealise summer as a time of rest and happiness, but the psychological impact of constant digital exposure and unpredictable travel can be profound,' said Dr Alexandre Machado, Clinical Neuropsychologist at Hakkini. From endless doomscrolling to erratic routines and overstimulated children, the very things we associate with winding down could be interfering with our ability to mentally recharge. Whether it's checking the news or posting travel highlights, excessive screen time during summer holidays may be doing more harm than we think. 'Constant exposure to digital stimuli can over activate the brain's reward system — particularly the dopaminergic pathways — leading to addictive behaviours,' explained Dr Machado. 'At the same time, curated and idealised portrayals of life on social media can evoke feelings of inadequacy and envy, compromise self-esteem and triggering what we call a 'narcissistic injury." The neuropsychological toll of such habits can also impair attention, impulse control, and sleep — especially in young adults. News content adds its own layer of damage. 'Distressing news can trigger unconscious fears and existential anxieties, over activate the amygdala and disrupt the brain's ability to regulate emotions,' he said. 'This leads to increased anxiety, even when people are technically on holiday.' Travel doesn't always heal While travel can be emotionally healing and cognitively enriching, it doesn't come without its own mental strain. 'Travel can enhance neuroplasticity and promote emotional catharsis,' Dr Machado noted. 'But it can also trigger the body's stress response system — activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and spiking cortisol levels, especially in those with pre-existing mental health conditions.' Jet lag, unfamiliar environments, and unpredictable delays can further disturb the brain's executive functions and circadian rhythm, making rest even harder to come by. Another subtle but powerful mental burden is emerging — background anxiety tied to safety. 'Security concerns can evoke unconscious fears, which manifest as chronic anxiety or emotional detachment,' said Dr Machado. 'One way to process this is through journaling or therapy, which helps bring unconscious fears into awareness.' He also recommends practical techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation to regulate the nervous system and restore emotional balance. Children feel it too The mental strain isn't limited to adults. Children — often freed from structure during the summer — are also at risk of emotional dysregulation. 'The lack of routine can impact a child's prefrontal cortex, making it harder to manage emotions,' said Dr Machado. 'Regressive behaviours, increased irritability, and even separation anxiety can emerge when children feel emotionally unanchored.' He suggests that parents establish flexible but consistent daily schedules, limit screen time, and encourage outdoor play and social interaction to keep kids mentally grounded. Suggestions for a healthier, more balanced summer 'Summer should be restorative,' concluded the neuropsychologist. 'But that requires conscious psychological work — not just a change of scenery.'
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
New mental healthcare clinic opens DHCC facility
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Hakkini Mental Health Clinics has officially launched its first medical facility at Dubai Healthcare City (DHC) where it provides comprehensive assessment and pioneering neuroscience-led treatments for all cases of psychological and developmental conditions and expert therapy support for children, families and adults. Spanning an area of over 5,000 square feet, the clinic has 21 therapy rooms in total complemented by an activity room and a Neuropsychology treatment room where a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, all under one roof, support children, teens and adults alike. Additionally, Hakkini's assessment room features high-tech, computerized neuropsychological assessments, offering precise and comprehensive evaluations. For advanced treatment options, the clinic's specialised treatment rooms used for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) (TMS) and Clinical Neurofeedback are also equipped with red light therapy to promote a calming and therapeutic environment. Adam Griffin, CEO and Medical Director at Hakkini Mental Health Clinics said: 'Our mission is to provide science-based, personalised care that brings clarity and real, lasting support to people's lives. At Hakkini, we combine the latest in neuroscience - such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and advanced neuropsychological assessment techniques - with hands-on, compassionate care from a team of world-class therapists. We're proud to align with the UAE's National Quality of Life Strategy 2031 and support the country's growing leadership in mental health innovation.' In recent months and weeks, the UAE's private sector is taking a proactive role in creating awareness about mental health through several initiatives ranging from Dubai recently becoming the first certified autism friendly destination in the Eastern hemisphere to Emirates airline recently becoming the world's first autism-certified airline, to mental health journalism fellowship programmes initiated by publishing houses in conjunction with reputed international institutions to improve reporting standards on the field. 'Such initiatives offer a tangible proof that the UAE's society is becoming a lot more aware about mental health issues, what it means for those directly or indirectly affected, and what solutions exist today to provide relief and treatment to a number of conditions,' said Dr Alexandre Machado, Clinical Director. 'Thanks to the advances of technology, today's practitioners get to the bottom of patients' challenges with clinically proven methodologies to provide personalised, non-invasive solutions that treat the brain and the person.' The global economic burden of mental illness is estimated to be US$6.1 trillion in 2030 most of which due to projected lost productivity, defined as absenteeism and presenteeism. 'Mental health disorders in the workplace, such as depression and anxiety, have increasingly been recognised as a problem in most countries. At Hakkini we have developed a neuroscience-based programme that helps teams understand and optimize the cognitive and emotional factors behind burnout, focus, and decision-making and we look forward to working with organisations from the public and private sector to help them improve the mental well-being of their personnel,' said Nabil Al Rantisi, Co-Founder of Hakkini Mental Health Clinics. According to Statista, revenue in the UAE's mental health market is projected to reach US$149.10m in 2025. As demand for mental health services in the UAE continues to rise, so does the need to attract qualified experienced clinicians. Aligned with the UAE's national strategy for wellbeing and the growing call for mental health support in the region, Hakkini plans to have a team of 25-30 certified clinicians by the end of 2025 and over 40 by the end of 2026 to cope with the increased projected demand. Hakkini's team of practitioners today includes Neuropsychologists, Clinical Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and registered Nurses. They provide the following services: Neuropsychological Assessment and Evaluation, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Clinical Neurofeedback, Supportive Psychotherapy and Cognitive Rehabilitation, Psychology & Counselling, Psychiatry, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy. The speak Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and Hindi. The clinic accepts appointments and accommodates walk-in traffic seven days a week from 9am to 8pm and plans to extend operating hours from 8am to 10pm in due course to keep pace with increasing demand. About Hakkini (Hakkini stands for ' Talk to me' in Arabic) Dubai Healthcare City-headquartered Hakkini Mental Health Clinics is a pioneering provider of neuroscience-led treatments for all cases of psychological and developmental conditions. Combining advanced technologies like FDA-approved TMS with a collective of globally trained clinical experts, Hakkini brings to the UAE the most up-to-date, clinically validated mental health interventions. At the heart of our model is a research-backed, multidisciplinary approach offering patients clarity, direction, coordinated care, and measurable improvement in early intervention, mild-to-moderate challenges, families simply looking for clarity and even across the most treatment-resistant neurobehavioral challenges. At Hakkini, we don't just treat symptoms - we decode the root of your challenges through precise, personalized assessments, non-invasive solutions, and a clear path to lasting, measurable progress. Hakkini is where top-tier professionals collaborate across disciplines, advance their practice with cutting-edge tools like TMS, and grow in a culture that values mentorship, peer support, and continuous learning. Fully aligned with upcoming regulatory standards, Hakkini constantly invests in state-of-the-art technologies and the right specialists setting a new benchmark for quality, safety, and accountability in the region's mental healthcare ecosystem. Leadership team Adam Griffin CEO & Medical Director Adam Griffin is the CEO and Medical Director of Hakkini. With over 14 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in Dubai, Adam is a recognised advocate for inclusion, neurodiversity, and mental health in the region. His clinical expertise spans a wide range of developmental and neurological conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), and Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS). Over the years, he has worked closely with schools, educators, and parents to create effective intervention strategies that are both evidence-based and practical. Adam's long-standing presence in the UAE has given him deep, first-hand insight into the challenges families, schools, and individuals face when navigating the healthcare and education systems. A frequent speaker at conferences, community events, and a familiar voice on TV and radio, he has become a trusted advocate for inclusion, neurodiversity, and mental health awareness in the region. This unique perspective has shaped Hakkini into a clinic grounded in clinical excellence—while also prioritising clarity, accessibility, and the meaningful, long-term outcomes that patients and families are searching for. Dr. Alexandre Machado Medical Director / Clinical Neuropsychologist Dr. Alexandre Machado is a highly experienced Clinical Neuropsychologist at Hakkini, bringing over 25 years of expertise in assessing and treating a wide range of neurocognitive and psychological conditions. With a strong foundation in clinical psychology and neuropsychology, Dr. Machado provides comprehensive evaluations and tailored interventions for individuals of all ages. Holding a Master of Science in Clinical Neuropsychology and a PhD in Cognitive and Language Sciences and Neurosciences from the Catholic University of Lisbon, Dr. Machado is committed to evidence-based practice and continuous professional development. Fluent in Portuguese, English, Italian and Spanish, he is a Certified Clinical Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Specialist from Maastricht University. Dr. Machado's extensive clinical experience includes roles at MS Help UK, CHPL (Central General Hospital of Psychiatry Lisbon) and Neuroclinic Portugal. He is also a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) licensed Clinical Neuropsychologist and holds certifications and memberships from prestigious organizations, including the International Neuropsychology Society (INS), the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Portuguese Order of Psychologists (OPP). In his role at Hakkini, Dr. Machado leverages his extensive experience and qualifications to provide specialized neuropsychological care, focusing on cognitive assessments, emotional support and neurocognitive rehabilitation. Dr. Machado utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), in addition to his expertise in neurodegenerative diseases, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum assessments and more. Nabil Al Rantisi Co-Founder Nabil Ismail Al Rantisi is a seasoned executive leader with over 22 years of experience across diverse sectors including financial services, food and beverage, automotive and mental health. A Harvard alumnus, Nabil has successfully managed and led businesses across the MENA region, with a strong track record of growth, innovation and leadership. In his role at Hakkini, the pioneering mental health platform, Nabil is focused on addressing the growing demand for mental health support in the Middle East. Under his leadership Hakkini is committed to improving the mental health landscape by leveraging technology and providing accessible and effective solutions. Prior to Hakkini, Nabil demonstrated his ability to build and grow successful ventures, notably founding Pickl, a leading UAE burger chain and BonBird, a premium chicken restaurant. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavours, Nabil's career spans various prestigious leadership roles, such as Managing Director at Daman Investments and MENACORP, where he led strategic market initiatives and drove substantial revenue growth. His broad skill set in strategic planning, business development and team leadership has made him a respected figure across industries. Nabil has served as a board member of Al Eqbal Investment Company and the Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs Club. He was also the President of the Harvard Club in the UAE.
