Arab Therapy collaborates with King Abdulaziz University to expand digital mental health services in Saudi Arabia

SAUDI ARABIA—Digital mental health provider Arab Therapy Medical Care has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with King Abdulaziz University, marking a significant step toward strengthening mental health support, research, and professional training within Saudi Arabia’s higher education sector.

The agreement, signed in Jeddah, brings together Arab Therapy and the university’s King Fahd Medical Research Center to integrate professional digital mental health services into one of the Kingdom’s leading academic institutions.

The collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of advancing healthcare services, improving quality of life, and developing human capital through innovation and research.

Expanding access to mental health support

Arab Therapy was originally founded in Berlin, Germany, before relocating its operations to Saudi Arabia as part of its regional expansion strategy.

The company specializes in providing online psychological counseling and mental health services designed to improve access to professional care across Arabic-speaking communities.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Tariq Asim Rushdi Dalbah, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Arab Therapy, and Prof. Amin bin Youssef Mohammed Al-Nu’man, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at King Abdulaziz University, acting on behalf of University President Dr. Tarif Youssef Al-A’ma.

Under the agreement, students and university staff will gain access to confidential digital psychological support sessions delivered through the Arab Therapy platform.

In addition, both organizations will conduct awareness campaigns and educational workshops covering topics such as stress management, burnout prevention, resilience, and mindfulness.

These initiatives are expected to promote early intervention and encourage open discussions around mental health within the university community.

Strengthening research and professional training

A major focus of the partnership will be collaborative research and development in mental health.

Researchers from both institutions will collaborate on scientific studies, publications, and evidence-based projects to improve the quality and effectiveness of psychological care services.

The agreement also includes specialized professional supervision and training opportunities for psychology graduates, trainees, and university personnel.

According to the partners, these programs will help strengthen local expertise in digital mental healthcare while supporting the development of future mental health professionals in the Kingdom.

Another key initiative involves the establishment of a Mental Health Ambassador Unit, a student-led platform that will champion mental health awareness across campus.

The unit will collaborate with university departments and Arab Therapy to create educational content and organize activities that encourage healthy coping strategies and emotional well-being among students

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s growing digital health ecosystem

The partnership comes as Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in digital healthcare solutions and mental health services.

Over the past year, the Kingdom has witnessed increased adoption of telehealth platforms, online counseling services, and technology-driven healthcare initiatives designed to improve access to care across diverse populations.

The growing focus on digital mental health reflects broader efforts to address rising demand for psychological support while reducing barriers related to accessibility and stigma.

Arab Therapy has recently accelerated its presence in the Saudi market following its official launch in the Kingdom and the securing of a telemedicine license.

The company has also attracted strategic investment to expand its digital infrastructure and advance Arabic-language mental health technologies.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr. Dalbah described the collaboration as an important milestone in the company’s mission to make professional psychological support more accessible throughout the Arab world.

He noted that integrating digital mental health services into a leading university environment would not only provide immediate support to students and staff but also contribute to the development of a new generation of mental health professionals trained according to internationally recognized standards.