3.3.7 — Mental Health Support for Staff
Our Commitment to Employee Mental Health and Well-Being
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) recognises that employee mental health and psychological wellbeing are essential to creating a healthy, supportive and productive university environment.
Academic and administrative employees may face professional pressures, personal challenges and changing circumstances that affect their mental and emotional wellbeing. Supporting employees in managing these challenges is an important component of institutional responsibility and workplace health.
As part of its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 3 — Good Health and Well-Being, Canadian University Dubai provides staff and faculty with access to health and wellbeing support through its institutional healthcare arrangements, employer-sponsored medical insurance and campus health services.
The University's publicly documented Health and Wellness framework explicitly recognises the importance of mental wellbeing for its staff and faculty and provides for mental health and counselling support throughout their employment.
CUD's approach includes access to healthcare information, medical insurance benefits, professional support through external healthcare providers and a campus environment that promotes health, safety and wellbeing.
These provisions form part of the University's continuing commitment to supporting the physical and psychological health of its employees.
1. Institutional Provision of Mental Health Support for Staff
1.1 Recognising Staff Mental Wellbeing
Canadian University Dubai's institutional Health and Wellness framework identifies mental wellbeing as an important component of its wider commitment to health, safety and social sustainability.
The University expressly states that mental wellbeing support is offered to staff and faculty throughout their employment at CUD.
This provision recognises that psychological health is relevant to employees' professional performance, personal wellbeing and ability to participate effectively in university life.
CUD's approach is not limited to responding to physical illness; it also recognises the importance of supporting emotional and psychological wellbeing.
1.2 Employee Mental Health Support Arrangements
CUD provides mental health-related support through a combination of institutional services and external healthcare arrangements.
These include:
- Employer-sponsored medical insurance for eligible employees.
- Access to mental health and counselling services under applicable insurance benefits.
- Human Resources guidance concerning employee healthcare arrangements.
- Free on-campus primary healthcare and preventive health guidance.
- Information concerning healthcare provider networks and referral pathways.
- Institutional support in exceptional circumstances, subject to individual assessment and approval.
These arrangements help employees identify available resources and appropriate channels for obtaining healthcare and wellbeing assistance.
1.3 Staff and Faculty Eligibility
The University's healthcare arrangements cover eligible faculty and administrative staff, together with eligible dependants where provided under the relevant medical insurance plan.
Specific benefits, access conditions, treatment eligibility and any applicable charges are determined by the employee's insurance policy.
Employees can obtain information about their coverage and available support through the University's Human Resources and healthcare support services.
2. Mental Health and Counselling Through Employer-Sponsored Medical Insurance
2.1 Comprehensive Employee Healthcare Coverage
Canadian University Dubai provides medical and life insurance arrangements as part of its employee benefits framework.
Through a third-party insurance provider, eligible employees and eligible dependants have access to medical insurance plans offering an annual maximum benefit of up to AED 500,000.
The University's published Health and Wellness information describes these plans as providing access to a broad range of healthcare services.
The benefits framework forms an important component of CUD's support for employee health and wellbeing.
2.2 Mental Health and Psychological Support
CUD's published institutional information explicitly confirms that eligible employees may access mental health and counselling support through the University's medical insurance coverage.
This provision offers a pathway to external professional support for employees experiencing mental health concerns or requiring specialised care.
Depending on the applicable plan and healthcare provider network, employees may seek information about appropriate services through their insurer and the University's Human Resources function.
Mental health support available under insurance arrangements may be relevant to concerns such as:
- Stress and emotional distress.
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Personal or work-related psychological challenges.
- Other mental health concerns requiring professional assessment.
The scope of covered treatment is determined by the applicable insurance benefits and healthcare provider requirements.
2.3 Insurance Benefits and Financial Accessibility
Employer-sponsored medical insurance helps employees access healthcare services through an established benefits framework.
However, the annual maximum benefit applicable to a medical insurance plan is not equivalent to a dedicated mental health treatment allowance.
Similarly, the availability of insurance coverage does not necessarily mean that every counselling or psychiatric service is provided without a co-payment or other charge.
Employees are encouraged to confirm coverage, provider eligibility, referral requirements and any applicable charges before accessing external specialist care.
2.4 Additional Institutional Support
Canadian University Dubai's Health and Wellness framework also recognises that exceptional healthcare circumstances may require additional consideration.
The University may provide support beyond standard insurance coverage in exceptional cases, subject to individual circumstances and institutional approval.
This provision reflects an institutional approach that allows consideration of individual employee needs.
Such assistance is assessed on a case-by-case basis and is not an unconditional entitlement.
3. How Staff Can Access Mental Health Support
3.1 Human Resources Guidance
CUD's Human Resources and Administration function provides information concerning employee benefits, compensation and healthcare arrangements.
Staff and faculty seeking clarification about mental health-related benefits may contact Human Resources to understand the support available under their applicable medical insurance plan.
Relevant information may include:
- Whether psychological or psychiatric consultations are covered.
- Healthcare providers included within the applicable insurance network.
- Requirements for specialist appointments or referrals.
- Any co-payment, deductible or other applicable charge.
- Treatment limits and authorisation procedures.
- Procedures for accessing approved external healthcare services.
These arrangements provide an administrative pathway for employees seeking professional mental health support.
3.2 Access to External Healthcare Providers
Where eligible mental health services are available through an employee's medical insurance plan, the employee may access an approved external healthcare provider in accordance with the policy conditions.
Professional healthcare providers are responsible for assessing individual needs and determining appropriate clinical care.
The University's role includes maintaining the relevant employee healthcare arrangements and providing information about access to benefits and networks.
3.3 Confidentiality and Employee Privacy
Canadian University Dubai recognises the importance of confidentiality and privacy in medical and psychological care.
Its institutional Health and Wellness framework identifies confidentiality as a principle governing counselling and medical interactions.
The University's Health Centre also maintains health records securely and establishes conditions for the release or transfer of medical information.
Employees seeking treatment through external healthcare providers are subject to the applicable healthcare provider's professional confidentiality requirements and relevant privacy protections.
These arrangements are intended to support respectful handling of sensitive health-related information.
4. Free On-Campus Healthcare and Preventive Support
4.1 CUD Health Centre
Canadian University Dubai operates an on-campus Health Centre providing primary healthcare services to students, faculty and staff.
The Centre is staffed by licensed nursing professionals and offers free initial healthcare support.
Its services include:
- First aid.
- Medical assistance for minor illnesses and injuries.
- Health monitoring and basic assessments.
- Health education.
- Disease prevention guidance.
- Emergency referral support.
- Information concerning health insurance benefits, coverage and provider networks.
These services provide accessible initial healthcare support within the university environment.
4.2 Support for Staff and Faculty
CUD staff and faculty may access the Health Centre's primary healthcare services free of charge.
The Centre can provide general health guidance and information about appropriate external healthcare services.
Although the Health Centre is not described as a specialist psychiatric or psychological treatment facility, its support services contribute to the University's broader employee health framework.
4.3 Preventive Health and Awareness
The University's Health Centre supports health promotion through preventive guidance and awareness activities.
Its published information describes collaboration with community organisations on awareness campaigns concerning health risks and disease prevention.
These activities help promote a campus environment in which health and wellbeing are recognised as important institutional priorities.
4.4 Health Centre Access Information
CUD Health Centre
Location: Ground Floor, CUD HUB Building, City Walk, Dubai
Telephone: +971 4 709 6207
Email: healthcenter@cud.ac.ae
Website: https://www.cud.ac.ae/student-affairs/health-centre
The Centre provides primary healthcare on a walk-in basis and offers appointments for medical consultations.
Employees requiring specialist mental health care should confirm the appropriate access pathway through their insurance provider or a qualified healthcare professional.
5. Promoting a Supportive Workplace Environment
5.1 Mental Health as Part of Employee Wellbeing
Canadian University Dubai recognises that supporting employees involves consideration of their physical, emotional and psychological needs.
The University's Health and Wellness framework incorporates mental wellbeing alongside healthcare services, preventive health and workplace support.
By recognising mental health within its institutional health arrangements, CUD helps establish the importance of wellbeing within university employment.
5.2 Workplace Health and Safety
A safe and supportive working environment contributes to overall employee wellbeing.
CUD's wider institutional health and safety activities promote awareness of preventive practices, workplace risks and responsible health management.
In April 2025, the University collaborated with Dubai Municipality to deliver an event examining the use of artificial intelligence in occupational health and safety.
The programme explored emerging technologies for identifying and managing workplace hazards, preventive monitoring and improvements in occupational safety.
Although the event was not a dedicated staff mental health programme, it forms part of the University's broader activities addressing health and safety in working environments.
5.3 Employee Wellbeing and Physical Activity
CUD recognises the importance of physical activity for employee health and general wellbeing.
The University's Health and Wellness information confirms that staff and faculty have access to its on-campus gym without charge.
The gym is located on the ground floor of the CUD HUB Building.
Access to fitness facilities provides opportunities for employees to engage in exercise and recreational physical activity during their time at the University.
These facilities complement CUD's medical and wellbeing support arrangements.
5.4 Building Awareness of Available Support
CUD's institutional communication about staff healthcare and wellbeing provides information about the services and benefits available to eligible employees.
The availability of clear information about medical insurance, campus healthcare and professional support helps employees identify appropriate sources of assistance.
The University's stated commitment to mental wellbeing throughout employment provides an institutional basis for continued awareness and support.
6. Academic Expertise and Mental Health Advocacy
6.1 Academic Knowledge of Mental Health
Canadian University Dubai's academic community includes faculty with expertise relevant to psychology, psychological wellbeing and the social aspects of mental health.
The University's academic activities contribute to wider discussions about mental health, wellbeing and the role of supportive environments.
This expertise complements the University's institutional commitment to health and wellbeing.
6.2 Faculty Engagement in Mental Health Advocacy
CUD faculty members have historically contributed to activities involving psychological support and mental health advocacy.
Professor Rommel Sergio has been associated with psychosocial support initiatives and counselling-related community engagement.
The University's previous institutional evidence describes his involvement in activities supporting individuals experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties.
These activities illustrate the contribution of academic expertise to mental health awareness and community support.
They are distinguished from the University's formal employee healthcare and medical insurance provisions.
6.3 Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Research
CUD's academic record also includes work in positive psychology and psychological wellbeing.
Dr. Louise Lambert has contributed to scholarship and professional discussion concerning positive psychology, wellbeing and the development of positive mental health.
Such academic activity reinforces the University's broader engagement with knowledge relevant to psychological health.
The University's formal staff support arrangements remain the primary institutional mechanism for accessing employee mental health services.
7. Summary of Staff Mental Health Support
Canadian University Dubai's employee mental health support framework includes institutional healthcare benefits, access to external professional services and broader wellbeing provisions.
| Area of support | Institutional provision | Staff benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Mental wellbeing commitment | Health and Wellness framework recognises support throughout employment | Institutional recognition of psychological wellbeing |
| Mental health and counselling | Access through applicable employee medical insurance coverage | Pathway to professional mental health services |
| Medical insurance | Employer-sponsored coverage for eligible employees | Access to healthcare under plan conditions |
| Human Resources guidance | Information about employee benefits and coverage | Assistance identifying available services |
| Exceptional support | Possible additional assistance, subject to approval | Case-by-case consideration of individual circumstances |
| On-campus healthcare | Free Health Centre services | Accessible primary healthcare and preventive guidance |
| Health information | Insurance networks and healthcare referral information | Guidance concerning available medical care |
| Confidentiality | Institutional medical and counselling privacy principles | Protection of sensitive health information |
| Physical wellbeing | Free staff access to the CUD gym | Opportunity for physical activity |
| Workplace health awareness | Institutional health and safety education | Promotion of safer working environments |
These provisions demonstrate the University's approach to supporting staff health and wellbeing through established institutional arrangements.
The scope of specialist mental health treatment, associated costs and applicable eligibility conditions depend on the employee's specific healthcare coverage.
8. Continued Institutional Commitment
Canadian University Dubai seeks to maintain a supportive working environment that recognises the importance of employee mental health.
The University's institutional approach includes access to medical insurance, primary healthcare, wellbeing resources and guidance concerning professional healthcare services.
Continued priorities include:
- Maintaining accessible information about employee healthcare benefits.
- Supporting awareness of mental health and wellbeing.
- Encouraging employees to seek appropriate professional assistance when needed.
- Promoting health, safety and wellbeing within the university environment.
- Maintaining confidentiality and privacy in health-related support arrangements.
- Supporting employee access to appropriate healthcare providers through established insurance networks.
These priorities build upon CUD's existing health and wellbeing framework.
Conclusion
Canadian University Dubai recognises mental wellbeing as an essential component of employee health, institutional sustainability and a supportive working environment.
The University provides staff and faculty with access to mental health and counselling support through employer-sponsored medical insurance arrangements, subject to the terms of the applicable plans.
Employees also benefit from free on-campus primary healthcare, health information, insurance guidance and institutional provisions supporting health and wellbeing.
Together, these arrangements demonstrate CUD's commitment to supporting employee mental health and advancing Sustainable Development Goal 3 — Good Health and Well-Being.
Supporting Institutional Evidence
- Canadian University Dubai — Health and Wellness. Institutional provisions for staff mental wellbeing, medical insurance, counselling coverage and health promotion.
https://www.cud.ac.ae/sustainability/campus/health-wellness - Canadian University Dubai — Health Centre. Free primary healthcare for staff, faculty and students, together with health insurance guidance and preventive healthcare information.
https://www.cud.ac.ae/student-affairs/health-centre - Canadian University Dubai — Personnel Directory. Contact information for Human Resources and Administration staff responsible for employee matters and benefits.
https://www.cud.ac.ae/personnel - Canadian University Dubai — SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. Institutional information about physical and mental wellbeing and university health services.
https://sdg.cud.ac.ae/people/sdg-3-good-health-and-well-being/index.html - Canadian University Dubai — AI Trends Shape Occupational Health and Safety's Future in Dubai, April 2025. Institutional collaboration supporting occupational health education.
https://www.cud.ac.ae/news/ai-trends-shape-occupational-health-and-safetys-future-dubai