Psychological interventions in the early stages are essential to helping children cope with issues related to their development and learning.It includes behavioral issues, emotional regulation or excessive technology use. By tackling these issues early on, children will be able to develop positive and healthy ways to cope. They will develop good status socially and emotionally, perform academically at a higher level, and decrease the likelihood of the issues becoming more challenging over a longer period. Parents will also benefit from learning practical strategies to support and understand their child’s needs.
The pediatric department of Stanford offers specialized Pediatric Mental Health Services for children in Abu Dhabi with a range of Mental Health Issues such as, ADHD and anxiety disorders. The Department also operates a proprietary program called GMDE which focuses on ensuring children have positive mental and emotional development through playful child-focused activities.
The GMDE Program: Growing Minds in the Digital Era
Summer temperatures often reach 40 degrees in Abu Dhabi, leaving children unable to play outside for months at a time. Families in Al Bateen, Al Reem, and Saadiyat substitute screen time for the physical activity of playing outside during this period. This typically develops habits of excessive screen use during summer months that are continued into the school year.
The GMDE (Growing Minds in the Digital Era) Digital Wellness Program developed by Stanford Medical provides an effective, structured 12-week program for high-risk children and teens impacted by excessive use of screens.
Warning Signs Your Child May Need Support
| Sign | Possible Concern |
| Withdrawal from offline activities | Screen dependency |
| Sleep disruption | Anxiety, blue-light exposure |
| Drop in academic performance | Attention and digital distraction |
| Irritability when screens are limited | Emotional dysregulation |
| Refusing school or avoiding peers | Social anxiety, avoidance behaviour |
What GMDE Offers
- A customised treatment programme for each child
- Group therapy for teenagers by age
- Teaching of social-emotional and life skills
- Parent support groups and family education sessions
- Physiotherapy and paediatric assessments (if needed)
The objective with technology is developing a healthy, well-balanced relationship with screens… not removing them completely.
School Transition Stresses in Abu Dhabi
There is a very competitive education system in the premium schools on West Corniche. Many campuses are now located on either Al Reem Island or Saadiyat Island. Because of the rigorous nature of these types of schools, the transition between years can often trigger anxiety or refusal to attend school for children who may not have the emotional coping skills that are required for making changes. If you catch this issue early, it can often be resolved easily. However, if left unresolved, this type of behaviour becomes ingrained.
Pediatric Behavioral Architecture: The Stanford Approach
The long indoor summers experienced in Abu Dhabi along with its high population of prestigious schools has now become a perfect storm for children’s increasing levels of anxiety, dependence on screens and other developmental issues. The Stanford Medical team is addressing these growing issues with a genuine multidisciplinary approach, where a team of psychiatrists, psychologists and pediatricians work as one.
Dr. Reham Kamel — Consultant Psychiatrist (Child & Adolescent)
Dr Reham Kamel has a prominent academic and clinical background in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry as a Consultant Psychiatrist. In addition to being an Associate Professor at Cairo University, Dr Kamel is also the founder of the first Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) clinics in Egypt and Abu Dhabi. Very few clinicians across the region have this credential.
Designation: Consultant Psychiatrist (Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)
Degrees
- MBBCh, Cairo University
- MSc in Psychiatry, Cairo University
- MD (Doctorate) in General Psychiatry, Cairo University
- Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
International Certifications:
- DBT — DBT-Linehan Board of Certification (DBT-LBC)
- EMDR — EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
- PCIT — PCIT International (Agency Trainer)
Languages: English
Research: Advanced Research Training at the University of Pittsburgh (USA). In addition to many national publications, she has had many international publications.
Scope of Practice:
- Behavioural disorders
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- O.C.D
- Psychotic disorders and conduct problems
- Emotional dysregulation and self-harm
- Trauma-related disorders (DBT and EMDR)
- Psychosomatic disorders
- Evidence-based parent- child interventions including PCIT
- Autism spectrum disorder
Dr Kamel has shared with her view in NGOs programs that received recognition from Plan International, AGFUND, Islamic Development Bank, and multiple international awards bodies for her contributions to humanitarian work through Banati Institution (providing mental health services to vulnerable children).
Book A Consultation
Book a consultation at Stanford Medical Center (Al Bateen) via +971 2 777 5 777. DOH License No: MF257.
