Mental health conditions affect a significant portion of the global population, with approximately one in eight people experiencing a mental health disorder at any given time. The most common conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders, with anxiety and depression alone accounting for more than 50% of cases. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the situation, leading to a 25% increase in anxiety and depression cases worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

Prevalence varies across regions, with low- and middle-income countries often facing higher unmet needs due to limited resources and stigma. Mental health issues are also more prevalent among vulnerable groups, including young people, women, and those affected by conflict or displacement. 

Limited staffing and resources contribute to people’s symptoms being undiagnosed or underdiagnosed. In Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, an estimated 80% of mental health conditions go undiagnosed according to our recent analysis — a significantly higher rate than in comparable high-income countries, where it is about 50%. While access to care is a factor, stigma also plays a role in people not seeking care. 

Why GCC governments must recognize the importance of mental health

Governments across the GCC are taking steps to address mental health, recognizing the importance of individual wellbeing and its role in fostering a healthy, productive workforce. Increased awareness through public health campaigns, social media discussions, and advocacy by public figures has helped normalize conversations around mental health, making it easier for people to seek support. Additionally, younger generations are more open to discussing mental wellbeing, with more people showing greater willingness to seek treatment and challenge outdated stigmas.

Many GCC governments are incorporating mental health into their national healthcare strategies and launching targeted awareness campaigns. Saudi Vision 2030 includes mental health as a core component of healthcare reform, recognizing its importance in achieving long-term national development goals. The UAE National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 prioritizes mental wellness, with Dubai pledging AED 105 million over five years to support a Mental Wealth plan, while Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health has activated a mental wellbeing strategy. Qatar’s National Mental Health Strategy focuses on community-based mental healthcare, ensuring greater accessibility and support.

These initiatives are making an impact. For example, Abu Dhabi has seen a 30% increase in the number of patients receiving mental health treatment since 2022, signaling tangible progress in expanding care and improving accessibility.

While progress has been made, several key challenges remain, including closing stigma and awareness gaps, improving access to care, and streamlining regulatory frameworks. Addressing these issues requires a coordinated effort across health providers, regulators, insurers, and other sectors such as education and labor.

Breaking stigma is key to increasing mental health awareness in the GCC

Cultural sensitivities and misconceptions, particularly among older generations, contribute to low mental health literacy. Many individuals with mental health conditions hesitate to seek care. Our analysis shows that 40% of the population is unsure where to turn to for help, and 35% dismiss their struggles as temporary phases they will overcome on their own. Fear of repercussions is another major concern, especially among blue-collar workers, who worry that seeking help could affect their employment status or even lead to deportation.

To tackle this, governments and organizations must deploy large-scale awareness campaigns that reach across communities, workplaces, and schools. Education initiatives should emphasize early detection through screening programs in schools, universities, and workplaces. Strengthening confidentiality protections can also encourage more people to seek care without fear of stigma or professional consequences.

Expanding insurance access to include mental health coverage

Many insurance plans do not cover mental health services or limit coverage to emergency care only. Psychological therapies are often excluded, and services are geographically concentrated in large cities, making care inaccessible to rural populations.

A policy shift is needed to ensure all insurance plans include mandatory mental health coverage, expanding beyond emergency care to include community-based treatments and outpatient services. Governments and private insurers should work together to subsidize care for low-income individuals, ensuring financial barriers do not prevent access. Additionally, establishing 24/7 free emergency hotlines and digital assessment tools can provide immediate support for those in crisis and serve as an entry point into the mental health system.

Building capacity and expanding mental health infrastructure

While the region has general psychiatrists and psychologists, there is a critical gap in specialists, particularly in child psychiatry, addiction treatment, and perinatal mental health. Additionally, hospital-based psychiatric care remains the dominant model, with limited access to community-based care, psychological therapies, and outpatient services.

To bridge these gaps, governments and academic institutions need to partner to expand training programs for mental health professionals, including nurses and social workers. Upskilling initiatives, such as certified training programs for existing healthcare workers, can empower more professionals to diagnose and manage conditions like anxiety and depression. At the same time, regulators and providers must forecast patient needs and plan facility expansions, ensuring even geographic distribution of care rather than concentrated access in major cities. Developing community-based treatment centers, rehabilitation facilities, and day clinics will also diversify care options and reduce reliance on hospital settings.

Enhancing mental healthcare through primary care training 

Many primary care providers lack training in mental health, and some even dismiss conditions altogether, preventing early diagnosis and treatment.

A stronger primary care-led model is essential. Governments should upskill primary care providers through mandatory training programs, ensuring they can screen, diagnose, and manage mild to moderate conditions. Regulatory reforms should also mandate mental health screening within primary care standards, positioning providers as gatekeepers for specialist referrals. By embedding mental healthcare within primary care, patients will have earlier access to treatment and a more streamlined path to specialized support when needed.

Successfully reintegrating mental health patients back on into society

Mental health recovery extends beyond clinical treatment. Many patients struggle with reintegration into daily life, whether in school, the workplace, or their communities. Schools can support students by developing customized learning plans, while workplaces should offer flexible work arrangements, employee assistance programs, and wellbeing initiatives. Community-based solutions, such as peer support groups and mental health centers, can provide additional resources to help individuals transition back into everyday life.

Building a robust mental health data infrastructure 

Data collection and policy enforcement remain underdeveloped across many GCC countries. Without accurate data on prevalence, treatment outcomes, and service utilization, policymakers struggle to make informed decisions. Mental health regulations vary widely between providers, leading to inconsistent care standards.

To address this, governments must prioritize mental health data infrastructure, ensuring the collection of reliable information to guide future policies. Developing clear national guidelines and standardized training requirements for healthcare professionals will also help ensure consistent, high-quality care across the region.

A robust digital ecosystem is critical for tracking patient outcomes, shaping policy, and ensuring high-quality care. Mandating data collection from key stakeholders, including insurers and providers, will help create clean, reliable datasets that offer a clearer picture of mental health trends and gaps in care. Investment in advanced data systems will allow for real-time tracking of patient progress throughout the treatment process, improving decision-making and accountability.

Data can also be used to develop a continuous feedback loop, informing future mental health strategies such as capacity planning, regulatory updates, and treatment pathway improvements. In addition, digital tracking mechanisms can help identify gaps in service quality, allowing regulators to take proactive actions against breaches of care standards.

Beyond data management, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions present opportunities to enhance care. Telehealth platforms, mobile applications, and AI-powered chatbots can streamline services, improve early intervention, and reduce pressure on providers, ensuring more patients receive timely care.

Establishing a consistent and high-quality mental healthcare system

To create a consistent, high-quality mental healthcare system, governments must establish standardized treatment pathways that ensure patients receive best-practice care regardless of provider of location. Capacity modeling should be prioritized to forecast future demand and guide infrastructure expansion.

Governments should also lead cross-sector collaboration, engaging healthcare, education, and workplace stakeholders to build a coordinated approach to mental wellbeing. Outcome-based indicators will help track care provision and quality, ensuring accountability across the system. 

Workplace shortages must be addressed by revisiting licensing requirements for mental health professionals. At the same time, strengthening confidentiality protections and legal safeguards will encourage people to seek care without fear of stigma or workplace repercussions.

By investing in data, digital solutions, and policy reforms, the GCC can build a modern, accessible, and effective mental health system.

The future outlook for mental healthcare in the GCC

With governments and stakeholders prioritizing mental health, the GCC is poised for a transformation in mental healthcare. While challenges remain, there is a growing momentum and potential to create a world-leading mental health system that improves the lives of millions.

This transformation requires collaboration across the entire ecosystem, including the healthcare sector, employers, community organizations, and educational institutions. Together, they can create a supportive environment that fosters mental wellbeing and ensures comprehensive care.

Emerging technologies, especially AI, are set to drive significant advancements by broadening access, alleviating the workload of providers, and lowering costs. AI-powered conversational therapy tools and chatbots offer immediate support for individuals dealing with mild to moderate mental health conditions at an affordable price. Additionally, AI systems trained on extensive medical literature and patient records can enhance the capabilities of healthcare professionals.

As these capabilities evolve, they will shape a more efficient, accessible, and patient-centered mental healthcare system in the GCC.

Transforming mental healthcare in the GCC requires a collective commitment to innovation and collaboration. By fostering a culture that values mental wellbeing and integrating advanced solutions, societies can create a supportive environment that meets the diverse needs of individuals while strengthening overall resilience. The steps outlined above can help pave the way for a future where mental healthcare is accessible, effective, and a priority for all.