Any clinical psychologists in Doha? Considering move... | ExpatWoman.com
 

Any clinical psychologists in Doha? Considering move...

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 February 2015 - 20:22

I'm a clinical psychologist on faculty at medical school in US doing research, teaching, and clinical work (anxiety disorders specialist). My husband is considering job offer in Doha and I'm wondering what my job prospects might be. Are there expat PhDs in private practice in Qatar (perhaps specializing in expats, since I am not an arabic speaker?). We have a Qatari friend who could potentially help me open a business, but not sure about malpractice insurance, etc., and what other obstacles there might be.

I'd love to hear from any other clinical psych PhDs in Doha - what have you been able to do professionally? And any advice to someone considering a move there?

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2015 - 15:42
Meo9003- You are very wise to explore options before arriving in Qatar so that you know what to expect. It is a much different setting here than in the USA. I am also USA licensed mental health therapist and have resided in Qatar for a while. I have seen things evolve over time, but not licensing for mental health professionals. Please review this document for some understanding of Qatar's mental health initiative.[url= http://nhsq.info/app/media/1166 '>link[/url'> To open a business and advertised private practice, one must hold a business license, medical license and have a Qatari sponsor. Unfortunately, at the moment, licensing procedures are only available for nurses and doctors. So, it leaves many of us in limbo. Some psychiatrists (MD) have opened private practices here with no legal issues. Last year, this business opened [url= http://www.cdcenterqatar.com/ '>link[/url'>- so you could contact the director to see what the process was. Sidra, a new women's and children's hospital was recently advertising for mental clinicians. The universities are typically hiring for academic counselors, rather than mental health counselors, but if an opening came up, they would most likely be very interested in your credentials and background. There are usually about 2 counselors per universities at Education City, so check the job posting frequently. Once you arrive in Qatar you will also be able to start networking. There is a large group of us here. There are also occasionally openings for school counselors. If you want to work, there should be some options so please don't worry! But, it might take awhile to sort it out. Flexible (and I mean really, really flexible) thinking and living in Doha go hand in hand. All the best in your decision making! Xx
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 February 2015 - 18:10
Kama - Thank you for your input. Wow - it is sobering to imagine it might take a full year to get licensed, particularly since I am already licensed in US. If we relocate to Doha, I am hoping I could cobble together a mix of teaching and clinical work. It is good to know the universities might be interested in a psychologist to counsel students - would definitely enjoy that. I believe the possibilities at Cornell are limited, especially for PhDs (as opposed to MDs) but will inquire further there as well. I greatly appreciate your thoughts and welcome any further info from others!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 February 2015 - 19:55
Hi, I am not a clinical psychologist, but I know there are expats/non-arabic speakers here who do have private practices -- and there is quite a need for them. There is also an option to work at some of the private hospitals. However, licensing is a very lengthy process, from what I understand. I might be wrong on this, but am under the impression that it can take about a year. The other option (besides private practice) is a job at Cornell, which has a medical school here. You can find their job postings here: https://qatar-weill.cornell.edu/hr/career.html And here: https://cornellu.taleo.net/careersection/2001/jobsearch.ftl I know they are looking for a psychiatrist, but sometimes, depending on their applicant pool (and accreditation requirements) there is some flexibility. I have no idea if a clinical psychologist is also acceptable, but it might not hurt to inquire. Also, many of the other western universities at education city have been looking for counseling psychologists for their students -- though that might not be your cup of tea.