Our Presence in Jordan
Jordan, a country in the Levant region of the Middle East, shares many of the UAE’s challenges and opportunities in the field of mental health. With a population of approximately 11 million, Jordan is also characterised by a young demographic and a significant refugee population due to ongoing regional conflicts. The influx of refugee’s places additional strain on the country’s healthcare system, exacerbating mental health issues among both the refugee and host populations.
Specific Challenges in Jordan
Jordan faces substantial challenges in providing adequate mental health services. The mental health system is under-resourced, with limited numbers of mental health professionals and facilities. Stigma and cultural barriers significantly hinder the willingness of individuals to seek mental health care. Additionally, the high prevalence of trauma-related disorders among refugees and the general population requires specialised and extensive mental health interventions.
Opportunities in Jordan: However, Jordan also presents considerable opportunities for advancement in mental health care. The Jordanian government and international organisations are increasingly recognising the importance of mental health, leading to more focused efforts on improving services and reducing stigma. There is a growing emphasis on integrating mental health into primary healthcare, which can make services more accessible. Furthermore, Jordan’s strong tradition of community and family support can be leveraged to provide a network of care for individuals with mental health issues. Collaboration with international bodies and NGOs offers additional resources and expertise to bolster Jordan’s mental health infrastructure.
Collaborative Potential: Both the UAE and Jordan can benefit from shared experiences and collaborative efforts in addressing mental health challenges. Regional partnerships and knowledge exchange can enhance the development and implementation of effective mental health strategies tailored to the unique cultural and socio-economic contexts of each country. Together, these nations can play a pivotal role in advancing mental health care in the Middle East, contributing significantly to global mental health initiatives.
Our Collaborators
Dr. Ahmad Abudoush Biography
Dr. Abudoush is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and academic with extensive expertise in experimental and neurocognitive psychology, trauma interventions, pain, and culturally informed mental health practices. He earned his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Manchester and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) in the United Kingdom.
Dr. Abudoush is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and academic with extensive expertise in experimental and neurocognitive psychology, trauma interventions, pain, and culturally informed mental health practices. He earned his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Manchester and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) in the United Kingdom. Dr. Abudoush is an active member of the Global Mental Health and Cultural Psychiatry research group and the principal investigator of the Resilience and Psychological Well-being research group, contributing to advancing mental health interventions in diverse cultural contexts. He holds a clinical diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and is certified as a supervisor and trainer in CBT by the University of Oxford. Additionally, he possesses American accreditation in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and is currently a consultant in training for EMDR. His professional affiliations include working with various leading non-governmental organizations, such as the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF), Doctors Without Borders (MSF). As a supervisor and trainer for MSF’s Problem Management Plus (PM+) program, he has played a pivotal role in supporting mental health interventions in low-resource settings.
Dr. Abudoush’s research and clinical focus center on trauma interventions and the psychological impact of pain, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with a special emphasis on the Arab region. He has contributed significantly to addressing the challenges faced by underserved populations through innovative and culturally sensitive approaches. Currently, Dr. Abudoush is an assistant professor at the psychology department at the University of Jordan, where he continues to advance teaching, research, and clinical practice.
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=Wy7lRAkAAAAJ
Dr. Suzan Matar Biography
Dr. Suzan Matar is a passionate and dedicated Associate Professor of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Jordan, where she’s been shaping young minds and leading research since 2005. Beyond teaching, she’s held leadership roles as Head of both the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department and the Biology and Medical Analysis Department, showcasing her ability to manage and inspire.
Dr. Suzan Matar is a passionate and dedicated Associate Professor of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Jordan, where she’s been shaping young minds and leading research since 2005. Beyond teaching, she’s held leadership roles as Head of both the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department and the Biology and Medical Analysis Department, showcasing her ability to manage and inspire.
With a Ph.D. from the University of Nottingham, Dr. Matar is committed to staying at the forefront of her field. Her commitment extends to securing research funding, conducting impactful research projects, and providing effective supervision to graduate students, fostering their potential to become critical thinkers and future leaders in science.
Dr. Matar’s research is motivated by a desire to solve real-world problems. She is actively involved in understanding and combating biofilm-related infections, as well as exploring alternatives to traditional antibiotics, such as immunotherapy and phage therapy. Her team is constantly searching for new antimicrobial agents from synthetic substances and plant extracts to combat antibiotic resistance. Dr. Matar also investigates the body’s immune response to drug-resistant microbes and explores vaccination strategies. She utilises advanced molecular techniques to push the boundaries of her research. Most recently, she has expanded her focus to the exciting field of biome sciences, investigating the connection between genetics, immunology, and mental health, which has led to a collaboration with the University of Manchester in April 2025.
Dr. Matar has also earned several certificates from various workshops and courses, including those in quality assurance, teaching methodologies, biosecurity, and clinical trials. She is actively involved in developing curricula that keep her courses relevant and innovative. She also mentors students in clinical laboratory science, playing a vital role in shaping the future of the profession.
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=99DFYz4AAAAJ&hl=en