Your guide to mental health professionals in Singapore
The psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors and life coaches who are here to help
Text: Sam Y (updated, originally published in Oct 2021)
Mental health issues are nothing to be ashamed about. We all go through tough times and need people to guide us through. Other times we need to be there to support others. Whether it’s for yourself, a family member, a friend or colleague, there are many ways to receive help. Depression, alcohol abuse and obsessive-compulsive disorder are the top three most common disorders in Singapore*, but these are just a tiny number of recognised conditions that can impact our happiness and everyday living.
According to a study by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), depression affects six out of every 100 people in Singapore. If you are affected, it’s important to reach out if you need a hand or a listening ear. From online counselling services, to life coaches and psychotherapy clinics, no one has to suffer alone (and contrary to popular belief, getting support doesn’t have to be expensive).
Here’s our recommended resources in Singapore that not only offer help with depression, but all mental wellbeing.
Seeking help for depression
Before you venture to the closest mental health clinic, consider your options and seek help based on the type and level of expertise offered. Do you need someone to help you better understand and cope with your emotions like a counsellor? Are you seeking a sounding board for your negative feelings, who’ll assist you with setting goals, like a life coach? Or is it a psychotherapist you’re looking for, who can work with you through a deeply rooted trauma? From apps to websites to face-to-face sessions, there are many psychology specialists who can help.
“Isn’t it costly, though?”
Counselling in Singapore has a reputation of being expensive, but if you’re a Singaporean or PR, it’s possible to get subsidised rates through your GP or neighbourhood polyclinic. With a referral, you could be eligible to pay less than half of what you would usually have to part with for consultations. You can also use the MediSave500 scheme to cover up to 85% of your bill if you suffer from schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder. Alternatively, you can opt for online therapy at affordable rates through LaViCa, a new mental health app.
Where to go for a counselling session in Singapore
Getting things off your chest and being open to another perspective can give you the upper hand in the fight against depression. There are plenty of counselling options available here, ranging from online to private counselling services. Here are our recommendations based on research and first-hand experience:
Recommended by friends of The Soothe:
Safe Space - Safe Space touts itself as Singapore’s first online-to-offline counselling app and online platform, offering users a non-judgmental and confidential space. You can start with a video call to get comfortable with your assigned counsellor, before transitioning into face-to-face sessions if you wish. Price plans start from SGD 80 to SGD 320 per session depending on the type of counselling (individual, couples or family therapy) and method of delivery (online or face-to-face).
Singapore Counselling Centre - The SCC boasts a strong team of professional and experienced counsellors available online and offline who’ll help take you through any mental health issues you might be facing. If English isn’t your strong suit, no sweat –– sessions are offered in Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, Cantonese, Hokkien, Filipino, Thai and French as well. Prices range from SGD 170 to SGD 220 per session depending on age, individual or couples counselling.
BetterHelp - BetterHelp is an online portal and app that offers online counselling services with licensed, professional therapists from around the world anytime and anywhere. Simply sign up and get matched with an appropriate counsellor who can assist you through your mental wellbeing via message or video call. Plans start from SGD 60 to SGD 90 a week –– a much more affordable rate than a private clinic.
RosieMcG - With a Masters in both Applied Theatre (Drama in the Community and Drama education) and Counselling, Rosemary McGowan integrates both counselling and creative modalities to help individuals who suffer from addiction and trauma. She provides a safe space to explore, express and process emotions. From SGD 200 per hour, sessions are in person and can also be conducted via Zoom for individuals, couples and families upon request.
Alliance Counselling - Made up of a team of multilingual counsellors and psychologists, Alliance Counselling provides empathetic professional support and guidance to men, women, couples, children, teenagers and families. They pride themselves on a high level of confidential care and support. Consultations start from SGD 235.40 for a 50-minute session.
Ralitza Peeva - With more than 10 years of counselling and coaching experience, Ralitza applies a tailored approach to integrate multiple disciplines and methodology such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Client Centered Therapy. She works with individuals, couples and organisations, and creates a trusting and supportive environment for her clients.
Heart Knocks Counselling - Co-founded by two counselling professionals who have a range of experience in working with clients of diverse backgrounds, Heart Knocks Counselling is an inclusive counselling service that employs a variety of approaches and techniques to meet their clients’ different needs. Bi Ling, their counsellor, has over 8 years of working experience in the social services and has helped clients with various issues like mental health, life transitions, and sexuality.
Eugene Tay (PsycHealth) - Mr Eugene Tay is a Principal Psychologist and Programme Director at Psychealth Practice (a member of Healthway Medical Group) who has extensive experience working with adults, adolescents and couples across various settings. He holds over 10 years of experience in the public sector and has treated individuals who struggled with different conditions like adjustment difficulties and first-episode psychosis.
If you prefer to speak to Mr Eugene Tay at the comfort of your own home, the Healthway Medical app now offers online psychological services to clients as well.
COMO Shambhala - COMO Shambhala is a wellness centre that provides clients with multiple services, including counselling. If you’re seeking to learn more about or to better yourself, their integrative counsellor, Sharon Lim, can guide you by offering practical, creative ways for you to overcome your presenting challenges.
Find a life coach in Singapore
A life coach allows you to dig deep and push aside any negative feelings that may be holding you back. It can also assist in boosting your confidence and providing healing. Here are some options you can consider.
Recommended by friends of The Soothe:
LifeCoaching - To help you unlock your maximum potential, the professionals at LifeCoaching dedicate themselves to empowering and guiding you to find fulfilment and meaning in life. Each session is carried out through phone call, and you can expect to be dealt customised solutions to your challenges and receive helpful advice to help you overcome any stumbling blocks. The cost for one session starts from SGD 150.
Lynda Williams, Life Coaching - Lynda is the co-founder and editor of The Soothe so she is well ensconced in the wellness area! She is a trained coach in advanced NLP, heartmath and mindfulness, and uses a diverse toolkit to support her clients to reach their true potential, change a deep routed mindset or overcome stubborn, difficult hurdles.
Singapore’s top psychotherapy and psychiatric clinics
Psychotherapy doctors and clinicians can employ the best treatment methods to assist you on your road to recovery.
Recommended by friends of The Soothe:
Aspire Counselling - Aspire Counselling is run by qualified Counsellor and Psychotherapist, Maria Luedeke. She provides effective counselling and psychotherapy services for individuals, couples, families and children centred around a solid multicultural approach. Aside from private face-to-face and group sessions, Maria is also highly experienced in Online Video Counselling –– perfect for those who prefer to skip the crowds and save time from travel. Prices start from SGD 240 per session dependant on the type of session and package.
ImPossible Psychological Services - You’ll be in safe hands at ImPossible. Their psychologists and counsellors specialise in in-person therapy for mental wellbeing –– you can even get a full psychological assessment to help you better understand your mental state. They offer a wide range of services to suit almost every need; from professional support for children and adolescents; to psychotherapy and counselling for adults. They also offer couples’ therapy and marriage counselling. Price plans begin at SGD 25 for phone calls lasting beyond 15 minutes and range from SGD 150-240 for individual sessions to SGD 280 for couples’ sessions.
Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic - Caring and compassionate therapists are a must, and these are the values Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic’s clinicians pride themselves on. They offer psychotherapy services on-site, including play therapy for young children and art therapy for adults and children, to assist with trauma and more. Consultations typically start from SGD 160 and fees may increase based on the complexity and duration of a session.
MindCare Clinic - MindCare Clinic has specially designed the way they operate to provide a safe, secure and private environment for patients. They even have a section on their website for those visiting for the first time, detailing what the process will be like to help ease any anxiety. Their services include sensory modulation, horticultural therapy and reminiscence therapy held in-person at their clinic. Consultation fees with a psychiatrist start at SGD 180 for the first half an hour, with an additional charge of SGD 50 for every 15 minutes thereafter.
Tucker Health - Tucker Health revolves around mind-body therapies with a focus on nutritional education coupled with counselling to improve and enrich the body, mind and spirit. The friendly and professional team includes counsellors, psychotherapists, naturopaths and nutrition coaches, and programmes incorporate mindfulness meditation, ‘mindful eating’ and exercises to treat specific conditions. Consultations fees start from SGD 400.
Dr Kamini - Dr Kamini is a dedicated psychiatrist and advocate for wellness. Patients can feel safe in her hands as she evokes a safe and non-judgmental environment, free of the stigma against mental health. Dr Kamini specialises in family therapy, infertility and pregnancy loss, depression and anxiety, perinatal psychiatry, insomnia and burnout. Consultation fees vary from SGD 200 to SGD 350 depending on the interventions required.
Elephant Therapy & Training - The team at Elephant seek to help clients heal and thrive individually in their own lives with an effective mix of psychological treatment and counselling. They have a strong focus on providing exemplary and pioneering therapy and training to help, support and empower you. Consultation fees range from SGD 100 to SGD 270 depending on the clinician.
LaViCa - If you’re looking for a more convenient method to reach out to therapists, LaViCa is a new mental health app that connects you with local therapists online at affordable rates. Users of this app can contact their therapists via various mediums – text, audio, or video, at any time and expect to receive a prompt response within 24 hours, Monday to Friday.
LaViCa’s services start at SGD 29/week for asynchronous texting. If you prefer to connect with your therapist in real-time, LaViCa also offers live therapy sessions via an audio or video call at SGD 79/session.
If you suspect that you are facing mental-health related problems, you are strongly encouraged to seek professional help. In the case of an emergency, the SOS (Samaritans of Singapore) operate a 24-hour helpline on 1800 221 4444.
The Soothe will be adding to and updating our mental health resources regularly.
