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 include

• Academic performance

• Adjusting to university life

• Anxiety or stress (feeling very worried or overwhelmed)

• Time Management

• Bullying/cyberbullying 

• Depression

• Anger Management

• Self-esteem

• Confusion about life or career goals

• Addictions

• Relationship difficulties

• Suicidal feelings

• Sexual assault and violence

• Domestic Violence

• Eating and body image concerns

• Illness or death of a loved one and grief

Hala Bakir, (M.Coun.)
hbcad@rit.edu

Hala Bakir has a Masters of Counseling and experience working with students across various age groups and backgrounds, particularly with issues related to anxiety, depression, stress, anger management, self-esteem, etc.

She uses a person-centred approach, as she believes in the uniqueness of individuals and in the importance of catering to people’s individual needs and goals. Hala has studied and worked throughout the Middle East as well as in Australia and this background has prompted a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.

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.

Anonymous Incident Report (This can include genuine concern about someone’s mental health and/or safety.) If you wish to share concern about a student anonymously, please submit an Incident Report.

Hala Bakir
Student Counselor (hbcad@rit.edu)
043712112

Kelly Gosa
Associate Director of Student Affairs (klgcad@rit.edu)
043712017 

Christina Ayub
Senior Student Affairs Officer (cxacad1@rit.edu)
043712133

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.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention’s dedicated Mental Health Support hotline 800-4673. The support line is available from 09:00 a.m. to 09:00 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)
T. 04 219 1000/2000

Al Amal Hospital (Al Aweer)
T. 04 519 2154

Foundation for Women & Children (Al Aweer)
T. 04 606 0300
T. 800 111 SMS: 5111 (Helpline)

Students under RIT Dubai’s health insurance provider, Daman Insurance have mental health support coverage which includes medication. Contact Daman Insurance for more information or download the Daman app.

For additional assistance with mental health support coverage, students can also seek support from the office of Student Affairs.

If you are under another health insurance provider, please contact your provider to understand your mental health coverage.

See the Student Handbook or contact Hala Bakir via email hbcad@rit.edu.