Top Mental Health Therapists and Clinics in Singapore

While Singapore has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, mental health is another silent killer that is not raised in public discourse because of the social stigma surrounding it.

The stress of living in Singapore, a performance driven society, with its constant emphasis on good grades, good schools, good jobs, high standing in society, leads to anxiety related symptoms like anxiety attacks or psychotic breakdowns when the stress one is confronted with exceeds our capacities for coping.

The competitive nature of our society can lead to paranoid disorders when people are less motivated to collaborate and more self-serving, sabotaging to gain from the fall of others.

Also, mood disorders arise when there is a fracture between one’s self-image and conflicts or frictions between others at school at work, leading to poor self-esteem, anxiety, or paranoia when one is perceived to be different or odd, often leading to bullying, being ostracised, criticism, isolation.

Mental health statistics often do not reflect the reality, even though Singapore reports the lowest mental health prevalence rates at 13.9 %, behind Hong Kong.

More often, due to stigma, mental illness is underreported, under-treated, undiagnosed, undetected, dismissed as a tantrum, flighty mood, erratic behaviour, or fit of rage rather than a nervous illness or psychotic episode.

About Mental Health Therapists and Clinics in Singapore

While the incidence of generalised anxiety disorder stands low at 1.6%, very low for a developed nation, the cost of treating mental health conditions can cost an intimidating $200 000 a year at private hospitals, leading many to discontinue treatment or to seek outpatient treatment at public hospitals or the Institute of Mental Health.

While the costs at public hospitals are lower, private sector clinicians and psychiatrists tend to be able to devote more time, attention and updated medications as those prescribed in hospitals are generic and not the latest or updated, specialized treatments.

A combination of psychotherapy, counselling, herb treatments, exercise, social rehabilitation are recommended to improve patients ailments and coping. Some psychiatrists encourage gradual easing of medication due to side effects.

Private practice psychiatrists and private clinicians tend to be concentrated in Mount Elizabeth Orchard, Mount Elizabeth Novena, Novena Medical Center, Gleneagles, or in private stand-alone clinics in the Orchard area such as Paragon, Lucky Plaza etc, or in Farrer Road and Coleman street where big clinics with qualified psychiatrists and counsellors practice mental health treatment.

Raffles hospital and Adam Road Medical center, or Thomson medical also have notable psychiatrists and counsellors or psychologists to treat mental health disorders.

Top Mental Health Therapists and Clinics in Singapore

Promise Healthcare is a mental health and addiction treatment centre that uses a holistic approach to provide mental health care services. The team of experienced health professionals relies on advanced technology to do assessments, diagnosis, and offer treatment for different mental health conditions and drug addictions. The services include but are not limited to family therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, addiction counselling, and more.

One of the advanced techs used at the clinic is neuroimaging. This technology provides clinicians with detailed images of the patient’s brain to give them a clear perspective of the condition’s underlying causes. This, in turn, helps them to develop an individualised treatment plan.

Novena Psychiatry Clinic is one of the leading mental health clinics in Singapore. It’s preferred by many for its provision of comprehensive and compassionate psychiatric services. The clinic helps improve or recover patients’ previous optimal mental health by offering evidence-based treatment plans and personalised care.

Over the years, the clinic has expanded its scope to offer medication management, psychotherapy, and psychiatric assessments. They use different techniques and approaches to treat conditions such as anxiety, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.

Brian Yeo Clinic is a top-tier mental health clinic that has been in existence for more than three years. The staff’s commitment and determination to offer compassionate and effective mental health treatment services set it apart from other clinics in Singapore. The team leader, Dr. Yeo Kah Loke Brian, is a renowned psychiatrist whose expertise in treating a wide range of mental health conditions is undisputed.

Communication and collaboration are the secrets to offering the best mental health care services. The mental health specialists at Brian Yeo Clinic work in tandem with the patients. This attribute helps them to get a clear understanding of their unique needs and preferences and develop a treatment plan that suits them best.

Adult & Child Psychological Wellness Clinic is a licensed and reputable clinic in Singapore dedicated to providing world-class and compassionate psychiatric care to adults and children. The clinic is led by Dr. Alvin Liew, an experienced and renowned psychiatrist who is self-motivated to help patients regain their mental health.

It’s health care professionals are highly skilled and capable of amicably treating mental health conditions such as mood disorders, behavioural disorders in children, anxiety disorders, and many more. The clinic also uses a Neurofeedback system that teaches patients how to manage their brainwaves and improve their brain function.

Sofia Wellness Clinic is another reputable clinic you can go to for compassionate and personalised mental health care services. The services are ideal for patients of all ages, are evidence-based, and are supported by the latest technologies.

One of the technologies used by Sofia Wellness Clinic is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy which uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain nerve cells. This technology has been proven effective in reducing the symptoms of depression and other common mood disorders.

The Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic is a reputable mental health clinic that prides itself in offering innovative and evidence-based treatments to patients with mental health challenges. The team is highly trained, has vast hands-on experience, and dedicated to providing compassionate and personalised mental health care.

One of the technologies used at the clinic is rTMS therapy. With so many people suffering from depression and emotional disorders, this therapy works smart to alleviate the symptoms that stimulating specific areas of the brain.

Th Psychological Wellness Centre is a highly regarded mental health clinic known for providing effective care for multiple mental health conditions. Every mental health specialist in the team is licensed to offer these services in the country. They are also motivated and determined to help patients comfortably overcome the challenges and barriers hindering them from achieving optimal mental health and well-being.

The clinic relies heavily on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other approved therapy techniques to help patients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.

Mind Care Clinic is the go-to mental health clinic for anyone looking for individualised and unwavering medical care. The mental health professionals underwent a rigorous hiring process to confirm they have the skills and expertise required to offer quality mental healthcare services.

One of the key technologies used by the clinic is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This technology is specifically tailored to help patients overcome traumatic experiences and treat mental health issues. The results help the specialist to develop personalised treatment plans and offer post-care services.

Dr. Devan, Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, is an experienced psychiatrist whose clinic specialises in comprehensive and compassionate mental health care services. They use the best evidence-based practices to develop personalised treatment plans for each patient.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the therapies used by the specialists at the clinic. Did you know that most mental health problems result from negative thoughts? CBT resolves them by pin-pointing and changing negative thought patterns as well as negative behaviours such as drug abuse. It’s effective in dealing with anxiety, depression and other related mental health issues.

L P Clinic is a leading mental health clinic in Singapore that provides high-quality and personalized care to individuals struggling with a range of mental health issues. The clinic’s team of mental health professionals are experienced and dedicated to helping patients overcome their challenges through evidence-based practices.

One of the key technologies used by L P Clinic is the use of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). This technology is a highly effective treatment for individuals with severe depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia who have not responded to other treatment options. L P Clinic is one of the few clinics in Singapore that offers ECT, and their experienced team has achieved excellent results using this technology.

The Psychiatric & Behavioural Medicine Clinic is a fully licensed mental health clinic operating in Singapore. The personalised and compassionate care it offers is some of the main attributes that earn it a spot in this list of top mental health clinics in Singapore.

New technologies have revolutionised how mental health care services are rendered. The clinic uses a number of new technologies to treat patients. One of them is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). It’s a non-invasive technology that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in specific sections of the brain.

Adam Road Medical Center is a multidisciplinary medical center that provides a range of healthcare services, including mental health services. They have a team of experienced psychiatrists and psychologists who offer personalized and evidence-based treatments for mental health conditions.

The clinic has the latest technology and facilities to ensure patients receive the best care possible. In addition to traditional therapies, they offer innovative treatments such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for depression and other mood disorders. Adam Road Medical Center strives to provide a safe and supportive environment for patients to receive comprehensive mental health care.

Led by Dr. Ko Soo Meng, Ko and Ko Specialists has proved to be one of the most reliable mental health clinics in Singapore over the years. DR. Ko Soo Meng has more than ten year-experience in treating a wide array of mental health problems.

Some of the services that the clinic offers are psychotherapy, medication management, and psychiatric assessments. It also uses new technologies such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to help patients wrestle themselves from anxiety, depression, and other emotional disorders.

Nobel Psychological Wellness Centre is a well-established clinic in Singapore that provides internationally accredited mental health care services. The services are personalised to ensure they address the main causes of the conditions and prevent from reoccurring.

The leader, Dr. Lee Hui Min has years of experience working in the psychiatrist field. His experience and that of his specialists enables the clinic to offer top-notch medication management, psychotherapy, and psychiatric assessments. One of the technologies they use is Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) to treat phobia and anxiety disorders.

Psychiatric Care Clinic is a licensed and reputable mental health clinic trusted by thousands of Singaporeans. The clinic is helmed by Dr. Jeyarajah, an experienced and skilled psychiatrist whose zeal and determination to offer the best solutions to mental health problems are unmatched.

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is one of the technologies the clinic uses to meet the diverse needs of patients. With depression being one of the most common mental problems today, TMS resolves it by using magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.

Dr. BL Lim Centre for Psychological Wellness is a leading mental health clinic in Singapore that provides personalized and evidence-based treatments to individuals of all ages.

Dr. Lim Boon Leng, the founder of the clinic, is a highly experienced psychiatrist who specializes in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and psychotic disorders. He takes a holistic approach to treatment, taking into account each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.

The clinic uses cutting-edge technology and techniques to provide comprehensive psychiatric assessments and treatments, including medication management, psychotherapy, and neuromodulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Paul W Ngui Psychiatric Clinic is a renowned clinic in Singapore and abroad known for offering top-notch psychiatric services to patients experiencing various mental health conditions. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is one of the non-invasive treatments used to resolve anxiety and depression by activating certain brain nerve cells.

The clinic also uses electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to treat patients with severe depression and other related mental health conditions. With a commitment to patient care and the use of innovative treatment approaches, the Paul W Ngui Psychiatric Clinic is a top choice for those seeking high-quality mental health care in Singapore.

Dr. Art Lee’s Psych & Counselling Clinic is a private psychiatric clinic in Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore. Dr. Art Lee is an experienced psychiatrist who specializes in adult psychiatry and psychotherapy. Dr. Lee uses a patient-centered approach, and tailors treatment plans to meet each patient’s individual needs. He has expertise in managing conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

The clinic offers mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, which combines traditional CBT techniques with mindfulness meditation to help patients develop a more balanced perspective on their thoughts and emotions.

Finding the best mental health clinic is usually daunting to most patients due to the many options available. Psychiatric Clinic by Lim Hsin Loh is a reputable healthcare facility that specialises in treating mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, cognitive behavioural therapy, violent patient management, and many more.

The specialists are carefully vetted to confirm they have the skills and expertise required before hiring. The warm and welcoming environment in the clinic fosters faster healing and recovery.

Tan Chue Tin Clinic is a psychiatric clinic located at Paragon Medical Suites in Singapore. The clinic is led by Dr. Tan Chue Tin, a highly experienced psychiatrist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of various mental health conditions.

The clinic is best known for offering quality psychiatric assessments, medication management, and psychotherapy. They are committed to providing compassionate and personalized care to each patient, and they use evidence-based treatments to help their patients achieve optimal mental wellness. Some conditions they treat include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The clinic utilizes the latest technologies and techniques to provide the most effective and efficient care possible.

Ang Yong Guan Psychiatry is a private clinic in Paragon Medical Centre led by Dr. Ang Yong Guan. The doctor is also the founder of the clinic and has more than 20 years of experience in mental and psychiatric care. Many patients highly respect him for providing long-lasting solutions to mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

The clinic’s success so far wouldn’t be possible without the patient-centred treatment approaches and the use of advanced technologies. Dr. Ang is also actively involved in research and education programs. He has published hundreds of articles and several books on mental health.

Top 5 prevailing mental illnesses and treatment fees charged:

Below include the top five mental illnesses in Singapore, treatment and charges incurred.

1. Major Depressive Disorder

Most experience occasional low moods, damp morbid thoughts, but Major Depressive Disorder is more severe. Upon your experience of nagging sorrow and apathy in life as well as hobbies or previous habitual activities over an extended time of the minimum of two weeks or encounter escalated suicidal thoughts, you could be suffering from Major Depressive Disorder. It is highly treatable, however.

2. OCD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Though many typically link OCD with an obsession with schedules or purity, the disorder could also find other manifestations. Most compulsions, mental scenes or notions that flash repeatedly and lead to compulsive behaviour in any manifestation could indicate OCD. Symptoms could include recurring counting, hoarding or obsessive thoughts flashing. OCD specialists typically prescribe both antidepressants and behavioural psychotherapy. Still the patient could need to experiment with diverse medications till the appropriate dosage is diagnosed.

3. Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe disease that could occur variously, with patients typically hallucinating or experiencing delusional perception. In effect, they could perceive that they are under constant surveillance, persecution or conspiratorial harm. It is the cumulation of distorted mental perception, and sufferers may not be able to cope with regular activities or ordinary social life.

Antipsychotic medication is typically dispensed to alleviate biochemical imbalances in neuro-chemistry.

4. Dementia

Dementia is a form of mental decline that ails mostly elderly people. Alzheimer’s Disease is usually the most prevalent instance of dementia, and could turn the patient absent-minded, confused and gradually not capable of recalling friends, family or coping with regular life.

Many dementia cases are not reversible, however medications are on hand to ease symptoms. Doctors could also prescribe occupational therapy to help to make living surroundings better for patients with dementia. With more senior patients, you could also consider engaging a caregiver or shifting to a nursing home institute in the absence of caregivers for extended periods of time.

Because Dementia usually afflicts more senior patients, patients could consult medical experts at IMH psychogeriatric clinics, Community Wellness Clinics at Geylang Polyclinic, Queenstown Polyclinic. You may also find dementia-friendly wards at IMH that treat severe behavioural and psychological episodes of psychiatric patients aged 65 years and beyond.

5. Alcohol abuse or alcoholism

Most of us indulge in the occasional alcoholic binge to drown sorrow, but alcohol excess or addiction is an ailment that surpasses binge drinking or the occasional dependence on alcohol. Alcohol abuse is far more destructive and manifests in impulsive drinking despite having encountered destructive consequences from excessive alcohol consumption, as well as a ruin in personal life. Efforts to cease alcoholic addiction often lead to withdrawal symptoms. Patients are typically less social and not capable of executing ordinary tasks or regular life skills.

In Singapore, there are certain institutes treating these addictions such as National Addictions Management Service (NAMS) and specialist outpatient clinic The Cabin.

The financial burden of mental illness

Upon having nagging suspicions that you or certain friends or family members have a mental illness, making sure the patient receives a suitable diagnosis and treatment is imperative. Here are some predictions of costs you could incur:

Diagnosis of any mental health ailment:

The biggest public venue is the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), which charges $38 for a first consultation if you are a subsidised patient, and $35 for subsequent consultations. Take heed that you need initially to obtain referrals from a doctor at a polyclinic to become a subsidised patient at IMH, which charges an extra $10.70, or you could need to foot the non-subsidised price.

For non-subsidised patients, charges are $92 to $140 for a first consultation, contingent on the seniority of your consultant, and $62 to $92 for subsequent consultations.

An appointment with a private psychiatrist usually costs $100 or more per session.

Counseling

If necessary, you could be dispensed a series of counseling sessions with a psychologist or psychotherapist. At public healthcare clinics, this commonly charges about $40 to $60 per session, but do expect extended waiting periods and longer intervals in between treatments.

Private therapists commonly ask for fees of $140 to an excess of $200 for a treatment lasting 50 minutes.

Medication

According to your symptoms, medication may or may not be prescribed. In the event of a chronic condition like schizophrenia, medication is often compulsory for long, extended periods.

According to a report from 2016, a patient diagnosed with depression could foot up to $90 for three weeks full of prescriptions. This fee actually varies, as you could have to experiment with varied medications in order to locate a suitable drug dose.

Hospitalisation

On severe occasions, the patient may need to be hospitalized, whether at IMH, a hospital, or, in addiction cases, any type of wellness or rehabilitation institute. IMH wards cost $32 to $61 per day, with the addition of a $15 to $31 daily treatment fee.

For private psychiatric wards, you could encounter similar costs to private hospital charges, or even more in specialist clinics.

Example of the cost of a month’s stay in IMH

If you are resting in a ward in IMH, the costs truly pile up. You may be charged $960 plus $450 daily treatment fee month, which amounts to $1,410 a month. Mental illnesses need long-term remedy so you could be hospitalized for several months. You could discount the costs by using Medisave to alleviate final fees.

Upon the hospitalization, you could require outpatient treatment to supplement, which amounts to a minimal $226 per month based on subsidised rates. 

Example of charges for an outpatient mental illness patient

Only if your condition is chronic and requires hospitalisation, most mental illness patients only require outpatient treatment. If a patient is diagnosed with depression, frequents the clinic two times a month, and receives counseling once a month, his expenses may amount to fees as indicated:

Type of cost Cost per month:

• Medication $90
• Consultation $35 x 2
• Counselling (subsidised) $60

Grand total $226

Trends in Mental Health Therapists and Clinics in Singapore

The largest mental health rehabilitation center is the Institute of Mental Health in Buangkok. Most of Singapore’s psychiatric patients seek treatment here as it is more affordable than treatment at private hospitals, which we have seen, can reach $200 000 yearly.

The latest Singapore Mental Health Society study found that about 14% of Singaporeans have experienced a mood, anxiety, or alcohol-use disorder in their lifetime.

The most common mental illnesses in Singapore are Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Alcohol Abuse, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), with a rate of 1 in 16 people affected by MDD, 1 in 28 affected by OCD, and 1 in 24 affected by Alcohol Abuse. These disorders are increasing in lifetime prevalence (how many people have experienced a mental illness in their lifetime).

For instance, the proportion of individuals affected by GAD increased from 0.9% in 2010 to 1.6% in 2016. Comorbidity (the appearance of more than one mental illness) also increased from 3.1% to 4.1% according to the studies’ estimates.

For delusional disorders like psychosis, a blurring between reality and distorted perception takes place. The psychotic break is, losing touch with reality when isolation, anxiety overwhelms.

Psychosis involves the lapse into an inner reality, losing touch with outer reality when external threats, antagonisms overwhelm.

Psychosis occurs when one’s sense of logic, perception is fragmented, dissolved into terror by external threats, aggression, sadness, rejection, disappointment.

These increases may indicate that more Singaporeans are recognizing their symptoms to be attributed to a mental illness, or they may feel more comfortable in admitting that they may be suffering from a mental illness due to a decrease in social stigma.

More affluent clients who seek greater privacy seek private practice psychiatrists in Mount Elizabeth Orchard, Novena, or in Raffles Hospital and Adam Road Medical Center.

Sample Costs of Mental Health Therapists and Clinics in Singapore

Consultation of private practice psychiatrists is typically from $214 an hour. Consultations of private psychologists range from $160.50 an hour. Emergency or after-hours consultations begin from $642 an hour during office hours and $856 after office hours. The practice cost is $17 an hour. A week-long hospital stay in Mount Elizabeth could cost $8000 to $10 000.

Mental health issues like depression cost about $180 or three week’s worth of two types of medication. This number varies depending also on the type of medication being prescribed. Due to the nature of depression as a nervous illness and electrochemical imbalance, there usually will not be available replacements/ alternatives that you can easily obtain from your pharmacy.

Getting a psychiatrist from a private clinic is expensive, with each session ranging from $150-$400/session. Hospitalization in private hospitals can go up to $250/day for a 4 bedded ward.

Benefits of Mental Health Therapists and Clinics in Singapore

Singapore’s main mental health facility, the Institute of Mental Health, was founded in 1841. While it began humbly with 30 beds, it has now expanded to 2,010 beds and seven specialist outpatient clinics.

Locals can also seek mental health services in public hospitals, outpatient polyclinics, and private psychiatric offices.

Singapore’s government has also made major, large-scale efforts in the past years to raise awareness about mental wellness, decrease social stigma with health campaigns and increase discussion and access to help and counseling for people with mental health issues.

There are now campaigns to raise awareness for suicide risk and extending counseling, professional help to depressive, suicidal individuals.

Typically those at risk are bullied youth or those with problems adapting to the fast academic pace and school demands, or youths experiencing turbulent romantic or family relationships.

Social media bullying, doxing, public attacks on one’s character on internet forums, being targeted by netizen trolls, can also lead to panic attacks, paranoia, anxiety attacks.

Currently, there is a focus on psychotherapy, counseling, non-pharmaceutical treatments instead of resorting to in-patient hospitalization for mild cases. This is an important step because it shows that there is recognition that different severity levels of mental illness require customized treatments.

Private practice psychiatrists charge higher fees but offer greater privacy, more attention to the individual case study and treatment, and pharmaceutical treatments that are more modern, with rarer prescriptions not typically found on the mass market, less generic, more up to date with the latest medical, pharmaceutical trends than public hospitals.

Mental Health in Singapore: A Review

Around thirteen percentage points extending above 1,000 respondents engaged for local surveys, confessed to struggling with depression or anxiety upon Covid-19 pandemic onset.

Still, an encouraging 81.8 percentage points affirmed, these could take steps towards seeking psychiatric therapy treating Mental Health symptoms triggered under pandemic hysteria.

These were some of the reported initial results concluded from research undertaken, by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), that was publicized over in Singapore Mental Health Conference 2021, on Tuesday (Aug 24).

Conducted in cooperation along with the University of Hong Kong from May 2020 to June 2020, research undertaken engaged 1,058 Singaporean individuals with Permanent Residents.

Within the 2 weeks preceding their scheduled interviews, 8.7 percent of interviewees satisfied medical markers for Clinical Depression, whereas 9.4 percentage points satisfied medical markers for Clinical Anxiety.

Factored the replies from each respondent, 4.8 percentage points suffered either depression or anxiety.

To add, 9.3 percentage points satisfied medical markers for Low to High anxiety, whereas 7.6 percentage points satisfied medical markers for Clinical Insomnia.

When questioned whether surveys reveal some rise with mental health symptoms locally, Dr. Mythily Subramaniam, deputy chairman of IMH’s Medical Board (Research), quipped generally, that currently there remain zero baseline statistics for precise comparison of research conclusions.

Still, she observed alternately that in currently concealed research by IMH performed before Covid-19 onset, around 3 percentage points of all 350 subjects surveyed satisfied medical markers diagnosing Anxiety or 6 percentage points satisfied medical markers diagnosing Depression.

Stressing doubly the heightened difficulty involved in comparing, contrasting 2 groups of statistics, she revealed: “It definitely looks like there has been an increase.”

With IMH’s new research, 4.9 percentage points of interviewees disclosed they previously had suicidal inclinations under the 2 weeks prior to undergoing interviews.

Trending greatest 3 roots of anxiety reported by subjects featured general fears of familial relations or friends coming down with Covid-19, losing money, including loss of employment chances, or being forced towards non-paid leave, or poverty.

Generally, still, some light remained within reported survey reports: 81.8 percentage points of subjects disclosed they might get professional help in case they began experiencing certain emotional and psychological issues connected with Covid-19.

Trending highest 5 reports – within this ranking – came from people that could seek help remained: General Practitioners (GPs), perhaps family physicians, Counsellors, Polyclinic Physicians, Psychiatrists, or Religious and Spiritual counselors.

Of factored were 17.8 percentage points that disclosed they might avoid seeking Professional Help, 80.9 percentage points revealed they might cope independently, alone, whereas 50 percentage points disclosed they might seek support from friends, the family initially.

Around 22 percentage points disclosed this remained excessively pricey, whereas 21.3 percentage points disclosed they had time limits.

Dr. Mythily revealed that the reports of those open to seeking help remained “heartening”, “a good thing”.

“Typically, people are not willing to seek help for their mental health problems, whereas now with this pandemic, some of the stigma associated with mental health conditions has gone.”

“People think, okay, now I have a reason, it’s not a reflection on me. There’s something outside my control that is causing stress, depression, or anxiety… it’s also a collective feeling that everybody’s struggling,” she reported.

Still, she reported that having additional individuals seeking help over mental health, Singapore might have to gradually build its capacity for meeting such needs.

“It is going to be the GPs and counselors who people want to see, so that group has to be supported,” she said.

Research conducted additionally disclosed that several aspects including community support, networks were linked to greater tolerance or less incidence of Stress or Depression in subjects.

Emphasizing general imperatives for communal or professional help, or alternatives, like access to medical, clinical therapy, Dr. Mythily said: “Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the mental health of Singaporeans. We have a resilient population, but we have to realize resilience is not an individual responsibility.”

Seeking Help: Contacts

• National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868 (8am – 12am)

Mental Health:

• Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
• Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours) /1-767 (24 hours)
• Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
• Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
• Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788 and www.tinklefriend.sg
• Community Health Assessment Team: 6493-6500/1 and www.chat.mentalhealth.sg

Counseling

• TOUCH-line (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
• TOUCH Care Line (for seniors, caregivers): 6804-6555
• Care Corner Counselling Centre: 1800-353-5800

Online Help

• mindline.sg

• My Mental Health: stayprepared.sg/mymentalhealth/

• Fei Yue’s Online Counselling Service: eC2.sg

Where to seek free counseling treatment

• Organization  Contact data  Support offered openly
• Silver Ribbon Singapore 6386-1928 (H.O.L.A. at Serangoon Central)
• 6509-0271 (The Linkage at (Wisma Geylang Serai)
• 6385-3714 (Raintree Sanctuary at Hougang St 51) Free foundational counseling face to face. Weekdays only, from 9 am to 5 pm. Appointments required.
• Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) Call 1800-283 7019 Call support catered to mental health-related assistance.
• Individual donation-based counselling slots at hand. Free if budget is low. Appointments needed. Weekdays exclusively, over 9am to 6 pm.
• AWARE Call 1800-777 5555 A helpline for women.
• Care Corner Counselling Centre Call 1800-353 5800 A Mandarin counseling helpline
• Fei Yue e-Counselling Centre: Drop by www.ec2.sg
• Online counselling line for youths (13 to 25 years old)
• Samaritans of Singapore (SOS). Call 1800–221 4444 A 24-hour suicide prevention line
• Tinkle Friend ( Singapore Children’s Society managed) Call 1800–274 4788 A helpline or chat-line for primary school kids. (Mon to Fri, 2.30pm to 5pm)

Counseling services within Singapore: Counselling Charges

• AWARE (for women only) 1% of individual monthly income (restricted to $150; minimum fee remains $20 for those that remain un-employed)
• Shan You $80 every session (personal counseling), $100 for every slot (couple/family counseling)
• Counselling and Care Centre $40 to $150 per hour for Singaporean/PR earning under $10,000 monthly (total charges at $180 every hour)
• Calvary Community Care (C3) $50 for every slot, $5 for many that require financial help.
• WINGS Counselling Centre $80 for one-off sessions, $60 for follow-up.
• Grace Counselling Centre Fees from $130/$180 for hourly slots.
• Singapore Counselling Centre Fees from $181.90 over 1 slot.

Charges & Regimes: Public Hospitals, IMH

Outpatient Charges ( beginning from July 2021)
Type of Service: Non-Subsidized/Patients/Subsidized Patients

Adult:

1st Consultation

Senior Consultant

• S$155
• S$42

Consultant

• S$130
• S$42

Associate Consultant / Registrar

• S$105
• S$42

Follow Up Consultations

Senior Consultant

• S$103
• S$39

Consultant

• S$93
• S$39

Associate Consultant / Registrar

• S$72
• S$39

Kids and Teens

1st Consultation

Senior Consultant

• S$180
• S$46

Consultant

• S$155
• S$46

Associate Consultant / Registrar

• S$120
• S$46

Following Consultations

Senior Consultant

• S$115
• S$43

Consultant

• S$107
• S$43

Associate Consultant / Registrar

• S$90
• S$43

Emergency Services

Emergency Attendance Charges:

• S$127

Quoted rates mentioned apply exclusively to Singaporean citizens.

Subsidized Outpatient charges revealed previously are drawn from minimum subsidy charges.

Present charges could change, based upon a patient’s subsidy stage.

Rates diverge for Permanent Residents, Resident Foreigners, or Non-Residents. Do double-check with engaged counter staff preceding the admission/consultation.

Inpatient Charges in IMH, Singapore

IMH holds 2000 beds found within 50 wards.

To many that need inpatient treatment, they provide workable treatment or rehabilitation regimes, found within some new or conducive settings.

Their basic mission remains to assist many patients’ recovery to optimal health within an expedited time frame.

IMH wards offer a spectrum of inpatient housing, from independent air-conditioned cubicles holding single beds to Cubicle’s housing 12 beds excluding any air-conditioning.

Every ward gets equipped with Therapy or Counselling sections, a cozy daytime area, or some dining rooms for catering to patients’ rest or distraction treatment.

TV is screened inside full-day sections.

Inpatient Charges (beginning from 1 Jun 2021)

Sayang Wellness Centre (Independent)

Format of Services

Type of Accommodation

• 1-bedder
• 2-bedder
• B1 4-bedder

Daily Ward Charges

• S$457
• S$316
• S$250

Daily Treatment Charges

• S$98
• S$98
• S$78

Open wards (Subsidized)

Format of Services

Format of Housing

• B2 4-6 bedded
• C 8-12 bedded

Daily Ward Charges

• S$64
• S$33

Daily Therapy Charges

• S$33
• S$16

Observation Wards

Format of Service

Charges:

• S$97

Formerly mentioned fees apply to all Singapore citizens and could vary for Permanent Residents, Resident Foreigners, or Non-Residents.

Do confirm over with the counter staff before each admission/consultation.

Mentioned fees for B2 4-6 bedded or C 8-12 bedded wards were drawn from maximum subsidy charges.

Present charges could diverge, based on the patient’s subsidy grading.

Formerly mentioned fees include all of 7% Goods or Services Tax, also these remain subject to vary excluding any preceding announcement.

For Permanent Residents

Present fees could vary for Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents, Resident Foreigners, or Non-Residents. Double-check with hospital counter staff before hospital admission.

Please pay attention to Sunrise Wing wards exclusively providing B2 4-6 bedded housing or C 8-12 bedded wards for kids remain excluded.

Sayang Wellness Wards exclusively provide 1-bedded, 2-bedded, or B1 4-bedded housing for adults or the elderly.

Subsidized outpatient fees at IMH:

IMH Outpatient Therapy Subsidized fees (Drawn from minimal subsidy)

• 1st consultation — Adult $40
• Following consultation — Adult $37
• Initial consultation — Child or Adolescent $45
• Following consultation — Child or Adolescent $42
• Emergency attendance charges $120

Psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor – which should you select?

Psychologist Psychiatrist Counsellor

Education or Skills Bachelor’s to Doctorate in psychology Medical doctor’s degree Could range from Certificate course to University Degree or higher.

How this assists:

Mainly through providing psychotherapy or Counselling.

Might conduct psychotherapy, or alternatively prescribe drugs or electroconvulsive treatment.

Work along with each client to assist with life’s issues, troubles, tragedies, or anxiety.

6 top seasoned or trained mental health services providers within Singapore:

• Clinical Divisions of Practice- Fees
• Talk Your Heart Out Occupational stress
• Marriage/couples counseling
• Grief Counselling
• Anger Management
• Depression
• Addictions
• LGBT issues Starting Session: S$90 to S$110
• Single Session: S$120 to S$140
• Set of 3 sessions: S$330 to S$400
• The Lion Mind Occupational counseling
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief
• Stress-related issues
• Social phobia Obsessive-compulsive issues Personal Counselling (50 mins): S$100
• Psychological assessment/ Diagnosis (3 hours): S$980
• Alliance Counselling Counselling
• Psychotherapy
• Gottman Couple Therapy
• Sex Therapy
• Post-Natal Therapy
• Mindfulness-Based therapy
• Psychological assessments Regular slot (50 mins): From S$235.40
• Couple Session (80 mins): From S$353.10
• Emergency out of hours session (50 mins): From S$321
• Emergency Phone Calls: S$85.60 every 10 mins
• Raffles Counselling Centre Individual and family counseling
• Psychotherapy
• Group therapy
• General psychiatry

Addictions

• Stress-related issues Counsellor or Psychologist: From S$150
• Psychiatrist: From S$200
• Emergency/After opening hours: From S$600
• Im-Possible Psychological Services Adult Mental Health
• Couples Counselling or Marriage counseling
• Child and Adolescent Services
• Art therapy 1st session (individual, 90 mins): From S$150
• One-off slot (60 mins): From S$150
• Dyad/Couple slot (60 mins): From S$280
• Telephone sessions (10 mins): From S$25
• Slots outside typical clinic hours: Added S$40
• Slot by Associate Psychologist or Counsellor: S$100
• Singapore Counselling Centre Addiction
• Anger management
• Depression
• Divorce
• Children, Youth counseling
• Eating Disorders
• Financial and debt problems
• PTSD
• Gambling
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder Individual: from S$170
• Couple: from S$220
• Child and youth: from S$150
• Family counseling: from S$340
• Package charges optional

Taking some approximate charges for Diagnosis, Medication, Therapy, or Counselling, mentioned are how much one is likely to be billed for mental health issues every month.

Estimated Charges (Subsidized) Every Month ~ Estimated Fees (Unsubsidized) per Month

• Diagnosis $50.70 $100
• Medication ~$90 ~$90
• Therapy or Counselling $240 (4 sessions, est. $60/session) $800 (4 sessions, around $200/session)
• Hospitalization Nil Nil
• Full: $380.70/month $990/month

If one remains unsure if you or someone close by could be suffering from mental health problems, mentioned are specific symptoms to seek out actively.

Mental Health Disorders:

• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Schizophrenia
• Substance Abuse

Symptoms:

• Sensations of nervousness, restlessness, tenseness
• Panic
• Racing Heart Rate
• Hyperventilation and racing breath
• Racing or Drenching sweat
• Tremor
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Difficulty focusing
• Suffering gastric issues Symptoms of erratic variations in mood spanning high to low or in reverse
• Highs get termed intervals of Mania, Lows are intervals of Depression
• Mania or Hypomania: Erratically ecstatic, manic
• Intense action, pulse
• Sensations of Euphoria
• Decreased demand for rest
• Increased talkativeness
• Racing thinking
• Distractible
• Impeded decision brokering

Depression: Symptoms

• Sensations of sadness, guilt, helplessness
• Poor, negative self-image, esteem
• Insomnia or heavy drowsiness
• Loss of interest with hobbies formerly adored
• Weight Loss and Gain
• Difficulty focusing
• Digestive issues that remain even the following therapy
• Physical wounds, migraines, pain
• Suicidal ideation or Attempts
• Restless mood
• Negativity
• Irritability
• Delusion
• Word salad
• Erratic mannerisms

Depressive symptoms:

• Impediments in emotional expressiveness
• Poor engagement in the external environment
• Outbursts of heightened energy, Restlessness, or difficulties falling sleep
• Erratically slowed action, speech
• Rapid weight loss and gain
• Rapid fluctuations in dressing to conceal scars
• Anticipated drug use
• Chronic issues with sinusitis and nose bleeding
• Chronic cough, Bronchitis
• Advancing serious dental issues
• General Forms Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Phobias

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Bipolar I:

Erratic manic attacks take place most periods over the daytime.

Bipolar II:

The very regular form of bipolar disorder, sensations of mania or depression, still tends to display fewer serious manic signs.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Cyclothymic Disorder:

• Involves fluctuations in mood which resemble alternate 2 forms, but displaying fewer dramatic swings
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Psychotic Depression
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
• Postpartum Depression (PPD)
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Budget Therapy or Treatment in Singapore for Many suffering Mental Health problems:

Healthcare Provider Specialization Cost Per Treatment Remarks

• AWARE Counselling Sexual Assault, Psychological issues, sexuality issues, family violence, and trauma: At $20/session 1% of your monthly salary per session. At $20-$150 Maximum.
• Shan You Clinical Psychotherapy and Counselling, Depression, Elderly Counselling and Anxiety. $40/session
• Elderly Counselling: $15/session. Fee waiver for those with financial difficulty.
• Clarity Singapore Psychotherapy, Youth, Maternal Wellness. $40/session
• O’Joy Care Services Clinical Case Management for mature elders (aged 50 and above) with aging issues. Anxiety, Depression, and Dementia. $50-$60/session
• Care Corner General Counselling, youth, and children, specialized intervention. $50-$80/session
• Fernhill Trauma, Post-Natal Depression, Anxiety, or Depression. $50-$70 for students on placement
• $150-$200 hourly charge

Counseling or Care Centre Counselling, Personal Psychotherapy, Child Focused Therapy CFSS subsidized rates from $40/hr original rates: $180.00 (w/GST) per hour

• The Lion Mind Anxiety, Depression, and Suicide Intervention, Group Psychotherapy $100/session
• Elephant Therapy and Training Psychiatric Therapy, Family Therapy, Art, Schema, or Communal Therapy, Personality Disorders. At $100-180/ slot.
• Hardship rates are accessible for low-income subjects, patients.
• Call+65 6224 1545 to clarify the actual fees
• Caper Spring Anger management, depression, fear and anxiety, depression or Grief $150-180/session.
• The Counselling Paradigm Anger management, Art therapy, Depression, Fear and Anxiety, Couple Therapy $170/session.
• Singapore Counselling Centre Teen and Youth, Art or Music Therapy, Anger Management problems, Suicide, PTSD or eating disorder $181.90/session.
• Viriya Therapy Centre Psychological assessments, treatment, family or Marital Therapy, Counselling, or Expressive Arts Therapy.
• $120-$160/session Subsidies for low-income patients or families of reaching 60%.

Use Medi-Save to Pay for Psychiatric Treatment

The Singapore government allows the use of Medi-Save to help offset the fees for psychiatric treatment.

For inpatient psychiatric treatment, this is subject to the cap of S$150 per day or a maximum of S$5,000 a year.

Still for outpatient treatment with the Chronic Disease Management Program, you could have to foot a 15% charge for treatments of Schizophrenia, Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, or Dementia.

Further note the outpatient claim amounts get subjected to an annual S$500 cap.

Still, patients aged 60 or more might withdraw an additional S$200 a year with the Flexi-Medi-Save scheme, which sums up fully to S$700.

This table reveals the fees for inpatient and outpatient psychiatric treatment preceding or following Medi-Save deductions.

If one lacks enough Medi-Save savings to foot the fees of treatments, you may deduct the Medi-Save of one’s close relation (i.e., spouse, children, parents, and grandparents who are Singaporean citizens or PRs), reaching S$500 every year per Account.

While you might deduct a total of 10 accounts, that offers an added S$5,000 ‘grant’ annually, the minor family unit in Singapore shows that a close estimation count adds to a further S$1,500 ‘grant’ over from deduction of 3 family members’ accounts.

Look for less pricey treatment options:

In spite of the access to Medi-Save grants subsidies, getting psychiatric treatment may remain an expensive therapy engagement.

For added easing of financial burdens, you might seek out less pricey treatment openings in Singapore.

AWARE Counselling, to consider, just charges 1% of the monthly salary.

Alternative choices are Shan You, which waives off counseling charges for many with money problems.

To add to the services mentioned above, more feasible options are Social Service Organizations, like Source: WINGS Counselling Centre, which offers subsidized charges.

These organizations regularly conduct a means check to set the treatment charges you must fully pay.

Further added bargain advice: one might also get a referral letter over from polyclinics that grant one to subsidized charges at therapy centers.

The table reveals the charges of mental health treatment centers that offer budget counseling.

Raffles Counselling Centre

• Specialist Consultant Charges Rates (Excluding GST) Rates (Including GST)
• Consultation – Psychiatrist At $200.00 At $214.00
• Consultation – Counsellor/ Psychologist At $150.00 At $160.50
• Emergency / after-office-hours consultation At $600.00
  (Office Hours)
• At $800.00
• (After Office Hours) At $642.00
• (Office Hours)
• At $856.00
  (After Office Hours)
• Practice Charges $16.00 $17.00 Support groups/hotlines for mental illnesses.

While all with mental illness should, to the utmost of their capacity, seek professional advice, these support outlets or hotlines may provide further assistance:

• PSALT Care – A charity that directs peer support group sessions for people hit with mental health issues, facilitated by expert volunteers.
• SOS (Samaritans of Singapore) 1800 221 4444 – a 24/7 suicide prevention or emergency line.
• Singapore Association for Mental Health – They organize counseling sessions, outreach activities, and more.

Cost For Mental Health Issues in Singapore:

The cost of mental health issues in Singapore may potentially climb to a full sum reaching $990 in monthly fees.

There are several government programs that may reduce charges for treatments:

Medi-Save (claim reaching $150 every day)

MediShield Life (claims reaching $100 every day)

Note: One might alternatively deduct the Medi-Save to foot charges for close relative’s bills.

For insurance policies retailing widely in markets, there remains just AIA Beyond Critical Care.

Still, the policy remains exclusively applicable to those that have yet to be diagnosed with mental illnesses.

Further considered, there remain more affordable choices like:

• Budget centers for counseling or therapy
• Cost-exempt lines to contact for emergency counseling
• Internet counseling websites

Editor’s Note:

Disclaimer: While every precaution has been made to ensure the accuracy and fairness of this listing, we acknowledge that they may be inaccurate. Therefore, we urge you to contact the service provider above for the correct information and/or contact us with the correct information. If you have a medical condition, it is always better to consult with a certified health care professional directly instead of relying on any material on this website or any other literature.

If you are a service provider and wish to be featured in this listing (MediaOne reviews are read by hundreds of thousands of Singaporeans), please contact us at [email protected]. There is no charge! Please allow us up to 3 working days to review before adjusting the information or including your entry.