Reema Hadid, Psychologist, Social Behavioral Therapist, CAYA World Clinic Dubai
Reema Hadid
Psychologist | Social Behavioral Therapist
Experience
20+ years
Languages
Arabic & English
Sessions
In-person or virtual
Education Specialist Child & Adolescent Specialist Prevention & Early Intervention
CDA Licensed
Book Free Consultation
About

Reema Hadid is a CDA-licensed Social Behavioral Therapist and Psychologist with more than two decades of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families across the United States, Jordan, and the UAE. At CAYA World Clinic she offers individual sessions to young people facing academic, social-emotional, or behavioral challenges that may disrupt their development and wellbeing, alongside parenting consultations and therapeutic groups that help children and adolescents build healthy coping strategies. She works in Arabic and English, in-person and online.

Her clinical career began with some of the most vulnerable young people. Early on she worked as a behavioral specialist with justice-involved youth aged 5 to 21 in Washington, D.C., and later directed the Dar Al Aman intervention program at the Jordan River Foundation in Amman, supporting children who had experienced abuse and neglect in close collaboration with the Family Protection Unit and local authorities. This foundation shaped her conviction that healing begins with compassion, collaboration, and consistent support across family, school, and community. She went on to provide behavioral and psychotherapeutic services to children, adolescents, and families in clinical settings in Dubai, holding both a Dubai Department of Health license as a Behavioral and Educational Therapist and, more recently, a CDA Social Therapist and Behavior Therapist license.

Reema also brings significant leadership experience in education. Over seven years at GEMS Dubai American Academy she served as Director of Inclusion, Safeguarding and Wellbeing, building school-wide systems for diverse learners and helping the school achieve Outstanding KHDA ratings. She has consulted for the Government of Dubai's Executive Council on developing an integrated child and adolescent mental health program in line with the Dubai Mental Health Strategy, and continues to work with schools, specialists, and families to advocate for young people and ensure they have access to safe, supportive environments where they can thrive.

Training and Education
M.A., Psycho-Education and Human Development (Honors)
The George Washington University, USA
Concentration in serious emotional and behavioral disabilities in children and adolescents. 2001
Bachelor of Arts & Science, Pre-Med Biology
The George Washington University, USA
Dean's Merit for Academic Achievement. 1997
CDA Licensed Social Therapist and Behavior Therapist
Community Development Authority, Dubai
Previously licensed by the Dubai Department of Health as a Behavioral and Educational Therapist.
Areas of Clinical Expertise
Behavior and Emotional Challenges in Children and Adolescents
Preventative Mental Health for Non-Clinical Populations
ADHD, Learning Differences and Developmental Needs
Anti-Bullying Prevention Programs
Advocacy and Support of Children and Adolescents
Inclusion, Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools
Parent Coaching and Family Dynamics Support
School Observations and Consultations
Individualized Education Program Development
Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Prevention Programs
Therapeutic Approaches
Behavior Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Psychoeducation
Developmental Psychology Approaches
Trauma-Informed Practice
Behavioral Assessment
Play and Structure-Based Work with Younger Children
Family Collaboration and Parent Coaching
My Approach

Seeking mental health support for a child or adolescent can feel overwhelming, yet it is one of the most meaningful gifts a parent can offer. Reema's approach is personal and practical, recognizing that children may face challenges at school, at home, or in social settings that are not always clinically diagnosed. Whether addressing significant concerns or everyday stressors, she takes the time to listen, understand, and work at a pace that feels safe and comfortable. Therapy with her focuses not only on addressing difficulties but also on discovering strengths, building resilience, and fostering growth.

She combines clinical expertise with a warm, approachable style to create a welcoming space where children feel understood, adolescents feel empowered, and parents feel supported. Her strategies are practical, culturally sensitive, and grounded in human development and psychoeducation, drawing on evidence-based methods rooted in behavior therapy and developmental psychology. With younger children she integrates play, structure, and family collaboration; with adolescents she focuses on managing stress, strengthening identity, and building healthy coping strategies. Together, families and Reema create an environment where challenges are met with compassion and where young people can build confidence, improve wellbeing, and thrive.

Experience
Lead Behavioral and Educational Specialist / Social Therapist
The Psychology Center at NEAM Clinic, Dubai
Specialized support for children and adolescents with behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs, including ADHD and learning differences, preventative mental health programs, parent coaching, and school consultations. 2025–Present
Behavioral and Educational Consultant
Dubai
Functional behavioral assessments, wellness workshops, and tailored support for families, individuals, and organizations. 2009–2017
Educational and Behavior-Emotional Specialist
Human Relations Institute, Dubai
Behavioral and educational therapy for children, adolescents, and families. 2007–2009
Director, Dar Al Aman Intervention Program
Jordan River Foundation, Amman
Developed and led intervention programs for abused and neglected children in partnership with the Family Protection Unit and local authorities. 2002–2004
Behavioral Specialist
Educational Transitional Services, Washington, D.C.
Behavioral therapy and psychosocial support for justice-involved youth aged 5 to 21 with complex emotional and behavioral needs. 2000–2002
Director of Inclusion, Safeguarding and Wellbeing, K-12
GEMS Dubai American Academy, Dubai
Led inclusion, safeguarding, and wellbeing across the school as part of the Senior Leadership Team, achieving Outstanding KHDA ratings. 2017–2024
Certifications and Recognition
Behavior Analyst Certification
Designated Safeguarding Lead, Levels 1 to 3
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Training
Qualified Adult and Adolescent Mental Health First Aider
Qualified Mental Health Champion
Consultant, Dubai Executive Council Mental Health Strategy