Adult Psychiatrist
Job summary
The adult psychiatrist is responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of adult patients with psychiatric and behavioral health disorders. The role involves providing evidence-based pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions while ensuring compliance with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulations, ethical standards, and international best practices. The psychiatrist works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive mental healthcare.
Key responsibilities
Clinical responsibilities
Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, including detailed psychiatric history and Mental Status Examination (MSE).
Diagnose psychiatric disorders according to DSM-5 and ICD-10/ICD-11 criteria.
Develop individualized treatment plans based on evidence-based clinical guidelines.
Prescribe, monitor, and adjust psychotropic medications safely.
Provide psychotherapy and counseling where appropriate or refer patients to psychologists for specialized therapy.
Diagnose and manage conditions including:
Depression
Anxiety disorders
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Personality disorders
Adult ADHD
Sleep disorders
Substance use disorders
Stress-related disorders
Conduct suicide risk assessments, violence risk assessments, and crisis intervention.
Manage psychiatric emergencies and coordinate hospital admissions when required.
Monitor treatment effectiveness and modify care plans accordingly.
Order and interpret relevant laboratory investigations and diagnostic tests related to psychiatric treatment.
Provide second opinions and psychiatric consultations to other medical specialties when required.
Patient care
Educate patients and families regarding diagnosis, treatment options, medication side effects, and relapse prevention.
Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with DHA regulations and ethical standards.
Ensure informed consent is obtained before treatment.
Promote patient safety and quality of care.
Encourage adherence to treatment plans through patient-centered communication.
Multidisciplinary collaboration
Work closely with:
Clinical psychologists
Family physicians
Neurologists
Internal medicine specialists
Nurses
Occupational therapists
Social workers
Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and case discussions.
Refer patients appropriately for inpatient, rehabilitation, or community mental health services when indicated.
Documentation
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential electronic medical records.
Complete psychiatric assessment reports and treatment summaries.
Prepare medical reports for insurance companies, employers, schools, and legal authorities when applicable.
Ensure all documentation complies with DHA standards.
Quality & compliance
Practice according to DHA regulations and scope of practice.
Participate in clinical audits and quality improvement initiatives.
Report adverse events and medication incidents.
Follow infection prevention, patient safety, and safeguarding protocols.
Participate in continuing medical education (CME) and maintain professional competence.
Qualifications
MBBS or equivalent medical degree.
MD, DNB, Arab Board, MRCPsych, FRANZCP, American Board Certification, or equivalent recognized postgraduate qualification in psychiatry.
DHA license or DHA eligibility letter as specialist/consultant psychiatrist.
Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification preferred.
Skills & competencies
Excellent psychiatric diagnostic and clinical decision-making skills.
Strong psychopharmacology knowledge.
Crisis intervention and risk assessment expertise.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage confidential and sensitive patient information.
Strong clinical documentation skills.
Teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Cultural sensitivity and empathy.
Proficiency in electronic medical record (EMR) systems.
Working conditions
Outpatient psychiatry clinic
Hospital mental health department
Community mental health services
Flexible outpatient clinics and emergency psychiatric consultations as required
This job description is aligned with the DHA scope of practice for mental health services and reflects the responsibilities commonly expected of a DHA-licensed adult psychiatrist practicing in Dubai.
Requirements
Experience
Specialist psychiatrist: minimum 3–5 years of post-qualification experience.
Consultant psychiatrist: as per DHA eligibility requirements with relevant consultant-level experience.
Experience in outpatient mental health clinics, hospitals, or multidisciplinary mental health centers preferred.