Mental Health Resources
A university experience includes many transitions that can be both exciting and life-changing. They can also be stressful and confusing!
It is common to feel this way, and it is important for students to remember that they are not alone with these emotions during their university years.
If help is needed, it is important to know that all RIT Dubai students have access to sessions with the Student Counselor. This professional offers both individual and group counseling to assist students in promoting their mental health and fostering their overall well-being.
In counseling, students can discuss issues and challenges in their academic or personal life they believe might hinder their ability to study, learn, perform, attend, focus, or succeed at RIT. The Student Counselor aims to enhance the emotional health and well-being of students through culturally competent mental health services.
Counseling sessions take place in a safe space and are handled in accordance with the ethical and legal guidelines of confidentiality.
A university experience includes many transitions that can be both exciting and life-changing. They can also be stressful and confusing. It is common to feel this way, and it is important for students to remember that they are not alone with these emotions during their university years.
If help is needed, it is important to know that all RIT Dubai students have access to sessions with the Student Counselor. This professional offers both individual and group counseling to assist students in promoting their mental health and fostering their overall well-being.
In counseling, students can discuss issues and challenges in their academic or personal life. they believe might hinder their ability to study, learn, perform, attend, focus, or succeed at RIT. The Student Counselor aims to enhance the emotional health and well-being of students through culturally competent mental health services. Counseling sessions take place in a safe space and are handled in accordance with the ethical and legal guidelines of confidentiality.
Common Concerns Shared by Students
- Academic performance
- Anxiety or stress (feeling very worried or overwhelmed)
- Depression
- Feeling of being overwhelmed or out of control
- Self-esteem
- Relationship difficulties
- Suicidal feelings
- Race, ethnicity, or cultural identities (feelings of belonging and navigating norms and expectations)
- Sexual assault and violence
- Eating and body image concerns
- Illness or death of a loved one and grief
Meet the counselor
Hala Bakir holds a Master's degree in Counseling and possesses a wealth of experience assisting students from diverse backgrounds and age groups, specializing in areas such as anxiety, depression, stress, anger management, and self-esteem.
Employing a person-centered approach, she values the individuality of each person and prioritizes addressing their specific needs and objectives. With professional experience spanning across the Middle East and Australia, Hala has gained a profound understanding and respect for cultural diversity, enriching her practice.
Hala Bakir can be reached at hbcad@rit.edu.
Counseling Services Offered on Campus
Single Session Counseling
These sessions cater to the individual needs of students who have a specific goal they would like to work on or feel the need to discuss a specific matter without the need for a reoccurring goal plan. These one-time sessions are between 45-60 minutes long. Students have the option to request Short-Term Counseling after their Single Session if they feel they might benefit from it. The Counselor will make suggestions and recommendations to students if they believe the student will benefit from additional support.
Short- term Individual Counseling
These 60-minute sessions are held once a week and are tailored to help students discuss any concerns they believe are hindering their ability to succeed at a university level or in their own personal growth journey. Students will explore strategies to help them meet their goals.
Group Workshops and Community Support Initiatives
As part of the Counseling Support Services plan to promote a healthy, safe, and mindful community at RIT Dubai, group workshops and community building initiatives aimed at spreading awareness will take place periodically discussing various topics pertaining to Mental Health and overall well-being. Students are encouraged to share suggestions on programming ideas.
Emergency Contacts on Campus
- Kelly Gosa
Associate Director of Student Affairs
klgcad@rit.edu
043712017 - Christina Ayub
Senior Student Affairs Officer
cxacad1@rit.edu
043712133 - Hala Bakir
Student Counselor
hbcad@rit.edu
043712112
For more information or assistance, you can also send an email at dubaistudentaffairs@rit.edu. Students who require external mental health support will be connected with external resources.
Share Anonymous Concerns
This can include genuine concern about someone’s mental health. If you wish to report concern about another student but want to stay anonymous, please submit an incident report and share information about concerning behavior, etc.
Emergency Professional Mental Health Resources: External
The Ministry of Health and Prevention’s dedicated Mental Health Support hotline 800-4673. The support line is available from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily and offers advice and signposting to other free-of-cost services and hospital support. The service is in Arabic and English.
The following places will provide emergency care:
- Rashid Hospital, ER (Oud Metha)
04-219-1000/2000
- Al Amal Hospital (Al Aweer)
04-519-2154 - Foundation for Women & Children (Al Aweer)
04-606-0300
800-111
SMS: 5111 (Helpline)
Non-Emergency Professional Health Resources: External
Students enrolled in RIT Dubai's health insurance plan through Daman Insurance have access to mental health support, including medication coverage. To learn more, students can contact Daman Insurance directly or download their app.
Additionally, the office of Student Affairs is available to provide further assistance with mental health support coverage. If students are covered by a different health insurance provider, they should reach out to their provider to understand their mental health coverage.
For additional information, students can refer to the Student Handbook or contact Hala Bakir via email at hbcad@rit.edu.