Everything you need to know about therapy, sessions, and starting your mental health journey — answered honestly.
These are the questions clients ask most before their first session — we answer them clearly and without judgment.
Professional confidentiality is a legal and ethical cornerstone of psychology practice in Lebanon. Everything you share in a session stays strictly between you and Dr. Dunia. No one — not your family, employer, school, or doctor — will be informed without your explicit written consent. The only exception, required by law, is an imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or others. You are safe to speak openly.
Session fees depend on session type — individual therapy, psychoeducational assessment, or online consultation. Please reach out directly for current rates. Regarding insurance: several Lebanese providers — including NLFI, Allianz, AXA, and Medgulf — include outpatient mental health benefits. Check your policy under "outpatient specialist" or "mental health" coverage, or contact Dr. Dunia's office for help verifying your eligibility.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in diagnosing mental health conditions and can prescribe medication. A psychologist (like Dr. Dunia) holds an advanced degree in psychology and specializes in assessment, therapy, and behavioral intervention — without prescribing medication. Many people benefit from therapy alone. Others benefit from therapy and medication working together. Dr. Dunia will help you understand which path fits your needs and, if medication is warranted, refer you to a trusted psychiatrist.
This is one of the most common reasons people seek support right now in Lebanon. The compounding weight of economic collapse, political instability, displacement, and social uncertainty creates real, legitimate psychological stress — it is not "just stress" or something you should push through alone. Dr. Dunia has extensive experience working with individuals and families navigating Lebanon's crises, using evidence-based techniques including CBT, trauma-focused therapy, grief processing, and resilience-building strategies.
Research consistently shows that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for the vast majority of conditions, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress. Dr. Dunia offers secure video sessions for clients in Lebanon and across the Lebanese diaspora — including those in the Gulf, Europe, North America, and beyond. Sessions are conducted via a private, encrypted platform. You do not need to be in Lebanon to receive professional support.
You are not alone in feeling this way — it is one of the most common feelings people share before their first session. Mental health stigma remains present in Lebanese and broader Arab culture, often rooted in the belief that emotional struggles should be handled privately within the family. But attitudes are changing rapidly, especially among younger generations. Dr. Dunia's practice is a completely judgment-free space. Every client is received with compassion and respect — nothing you say will shock or be judged.
This depends on what you are working on and your personal goals. Some clients experience meaningful change in as few as 4–8 sessions; others benefit from longer-term support over several months. There is no pressure to commit to a fixed number upfront. At your first session, Dr. Dunia will discuss a realistic timeline tailored to your situation. Therapy moves at your pace — you are always in control.
Yes. Dr. Dunia is a licensed Educational Psychologist with over 22 years of specialized experience in psychoeducational assessment. She uses standardized diagnostic batteries recognized by the Lebanese Ministry of Education to assess learning disabilities (including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and auditory processing disorders) and neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. A full written diagnostic report is provided after assessment — accepted by Lebanese schools and the ministry for official accommodations.
Reach out directly — no question is too small, and there is no pressure to commit to anything.