What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental illnesses using psychological means. Through Psychotherapy, individuals with mental disorders can learn more about their conditions and they will be able to equip themselves with the tools necessary for them to combat their illness.
Psychotherapist, Psychologist, or Psychiatrist? Who’s who?
A psychotherapist is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of experts that specialize in various aspects within the field of mental health. Psychotherapists can refer to Psychologists, Psychiatrists and even Social Workers. Here is how to differentiate them according to the services they provide.
Psychologist
Psychologists are professionals who specialize in the study of the mind and they treat mental or emotional disorders through talk therapy. They usually have a Masters or a Ph.D. in Psychology. Some engage in clinical work and work closely with patients while others engage in research in the academic field of Psychology.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and provide treatment for mental illnesses. In addition to a medical degree, Psychiatrists are also equipped with a specialty in psychiatry and the relevant residency experience. As such, where psychologists only use talk therapy, psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication and other forms of treatment for their patients.
Social Worker
The term social worker is often associated with people from non-profit organizations or institutions such as National Council of Social Services (NCSS). Some social workers also specialize in the field of Psychotherapy and are trained to provide aid for those in emotional need, in the form of therapy. Such social workers in Singapore are usually armed with a Masters in Psychology or Social Work, and are licensed. Social workers are also trained to inform the families of patients of their psychological and emotional needs. They are there to intervene should the patient require family counselling or even protection from harmful familial situations.
Common Mental Illnesses You Should Be Aware Of
The Singapore Mental Health Study shows that 1 out of 7 Singaporeans experience a mental disorder in their lifetime, with Major Depressive Disorder, Alcohol Abuse and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder being the 3 most common. Mental illnesses do not always have the most obvious symptoms. They can be subtle yet severe. If you have friends who may display symptoms of mental illnesses, it is important for you to understand the difference between disorders to be of support to them.
Depression
Depression is characterized as a mood disorder that can affect one’s life in drastic ways. Depression is not the same as being sad. We can feel sad at any time but we are able to feel better soon after. People diagnosed with Depression struggle to ease themselves from the burden of their disorder. Depression can be caused by several issues such as abuse, genetics, trauma, conflict or even major life events and can manifest in various forms such as Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder and even Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Symptoms of Depression can include the following:
- Loss of Interest in Hobbies
- Increased Fatigue
- Sleep Problems
- Changes in Appetite
- Suicidal Ideation
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Fear and anxiety are common responses to events that take place in our lives. But for people diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), fear and anxiety are present in every action they take and every emotion they feel. GAD is a persistent long term condition wherein people feel constant anxiety and worry over a wide range of issues and situations. This condition can cause disruptions to their daily lives and decision making processes, inducing feelings of pessimism which could develop into other serious mood disorders such as Depression.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
‘OCD’ is a term commonly misused to describe someone who is overly neat or a stickler for rules. It is, however, not a quirky term but rather a serious condition. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental illness that causes people to perform actions or have compulsions repeatedly to the point where it interrupts their daily routine and affects their social life. People with OCD may feel trapped or powerless to stop themselves from succumbing to their obsessions and compulsive thoughts. OCD symptoms could be displayed as the following:
- Repeated checking of locks, switches and alarms
- Extreme fear of contamination
- The obsessive need for symmetry and order
- Ruminations and intrusive thoughts
Eating Disorder
People diagnosed with eating disorders observe abnormal eating habits such as eating too little, eating in unhealthy quantities or even purging by laxative abuse or inducing vomiting. Eating disorders may commonly manifest in the form of Anorexia, Binging, and Bulimia. But this list is not exhaustive and not tied to any specific body type. There are variations in the way eating disorders appear in different individuals and they can affect anyone from any age, gender, ethnicity or income-level.
Examples of Therapy Approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, also known as ACT Therapy, involves learning how to control and navigate the thoughts and feelings that prevent one from living the life that they desire. The goal of ACT Therapy is to equip the patient with tools to allow them to live a satisfying and meaningful life. While practicing ACT Therapy one is taught mindfulness which in turn helps them to acknowledge and focus on what is truly important to them and meaningful in their life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and solving the problems that contribute directly to disorders. The goal of CBT is to change negative thought patterns or behaviors in order to change one’s reaction to difficult situations. CBT can be used as psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults and even for couples or families. Anxiety, Depression, Panic Attacks, Addiction and Phobias are all disorders that can benefit from CBT.
How To Get Help If You Don’t Know Where To Start
CHAT Hub
The Community Health Assessment Team in Singapore, otherwise known as CHAT, provides free support services for young people in need of mental health care. CHAT comprises of several social workers and mental health professionals who help to guide those who require direction in terms of seeking treatment. They offer free mental health assessments and provide referrals to hospitals as well, streamlining one’s treatment process. CHAT also provides a safe space in their office where anyone in need of solace can seek refuge in a quiet and supportive environment. You can drop by the CHAT Hub to do your work or even relax with friends over a board game.
Help Is Available
It is with great pride that we note, in Singapore, help is always available to those who need it. Mental illness is not an easy burden to bear but with the help of friends, family and a supportive community, we can brave through dark times together. We have taken the liberty of compiling a list of Singapore’s Top Psychiatrists for your perusal. We hope this list could be of help to you.
Company | The Psychotherapy Clinic |
| Services |
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| Website | http://www.thepsychotherapyclinic.com.sg/ |
| Address | 69A Pagoda St, Singapore 059228 |
| Telephone | (65) 6222 0730 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
Company | The Therapy Platform |
| Services |
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| Website | https://www.thetherapy.co/ |
| Address | 1 Scotts Road #24-10 Shaw Centre Singapore 228208 |
| Contact | Tel: (65) 6677 0725 Email: [email protected] |
| Operating Hours | Mon to Sun 9:00AM to 7:00PM |
Company | Dynamics Therapy Centre for Kids |
| Services |
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| Website | https://www.dynamics.com.sg/ |
| Address | Forum The Shopping Mall 583 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238884 |
| Telephone | (65) 6100 9235 |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Friday from 9Am to 7Pm Saturday 9Am to 6Pm |
Company | Encompassing |
| Services |
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| Website | http://encompassing.co |
| Address | 16 Mohamad Sultan, #06-02 Singapore 238965 |
| Telephone | +65 8856 7026/ [email protected] |
| Operating Hours | (Strictly by appointment only) Mon-Fri: 9 am-6 pm Sat: 8 am-2 pm |
Company | Adelphi Psych Medical Clinic |
| Services |
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| Website | https://adelphipsych.sg/ |
| Address | 1 Coleman Street, The Adelphi #04-32, Singapore 179803 |
| Telephone | (65) 6250 9833 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM |
Company | Gentle Mind |
| Services |
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| Website | http://gentlemind.com.sg/ |
| Address | 1 Tanglin Road #04-10 Singapore 247905 |
| Telephone | (65) 9818 1963 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Company | Counselling and Care Centre |
| Services |
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| Website | http://www.counsel.org.sg/index.php?route=common/home |
| Address | 536 Upper Cross Street, Blk #05-241 Hong Lim Complex, Singapore 050536 |
| Telephone | (65) 65366366 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
Company | The Lion Mind |
| Services |
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| Website | https://thelionmind.org.sg/ |
| Address | 1 Sophia Road, #06-31, Peace Centre, Singapore 228149 |
| Contact | Tel: (65) 9677 6878 Email: [email protected] |
| Operating Hours | 12 PM to 9 PM daily, closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Public Holidays |
Company | The Psychiatric and Behavioral Medicine Clinic |
| Services |
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| Website | http://www.ppw.sg/ |
| Address | 3 Mt Elizabeth #15-08 Mt. Elizabeth Medical Centre Singapore 225810 |
| Telephone | (65) 6737 3663 |
| Operating Hours |
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Company | Alliance Counselling |
| Services |
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| Website | https://www.alliancecounselling.com.sg/ |
| Address | 501 Bukit Timah road, #04-03 & #03-02, Cluny Court, Singapore 259760 |
| Telephone | (65) 6466 8120 |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Friday: 8am – 8pm Saturday: 8am – 5pm Sunday: 9am – 4pm |
Company | The School of Positive Psychology |
| Services |
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| Website | https://www.positivepsych.edu.sg/ |
| Address | 61 Stamford Road, #01-09 Stamford Court, Singapore 178892 |
| Contact | Tel: (65) 6884 5161 Email: [email protected] |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Friday 1:00 – 9:00 PM |
Company | The Lighthouse Counselling |
| Services |
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| Website | https://www.tlhcounselling.com/ |
| Address | #28-14 International Plaza, 10 Anson Road, Tanjong Pagar, Singapore 079903 |
| Telephone | (65) 8299 4866 |
| Operating Hours | Mon – Fri 9am – 7pm, Sat 9am – 2pm |
Company | Mind Care Therapy Suites |
| Services |
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| Website | http://suites.mindcarespecialists.com/ |
| Address | 1 Farrer Park Station Road #10-15 Farrer Park Medical Centre Connexion Singapore 217562 |
| Contact | Tel: (65) 67055 105 Email: [email protected] |
| Operating Hours | (Strictly by appointment only)
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Company | PSYCH CONNECT |
| Services |
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| Website | https://www.psychconnect.sg/ |
| Address | 10 Winstedt Rd #03-13 Singapore 227977 |
| Telephone | (65) 6493 0244 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Saturday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm |
Company | The Therapy Room Pte Ltd |
| Services |
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| Website | http://www.thetherapyroom.com.sg/ |
| Address | Orchard Shopping Centre #08-03, 321 Orchard Road Singapore 238866 |
| Contact | Tel: (65) 6467 8903 Email: [email protected] |
| Operating Hours |
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| Clients |
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Company | Relationship Matters |
| Services |
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| Website | http://www.relationshipmatters.com.sg/ |
| Address | 7500A Beach Road 07-323 The Plaza Singapore 199591 |
| Telephone | (65) 9789 6991 |
| Operating Hours |
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Company | Carolyn Kee |
| Services |
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| Website | https://www.psychsg.com/ |
| Address | 08-06 Orchard Shopping Centre 321 Orchard Road Singapore 238866 |
| Telephone | (65) 6904 6028 |
| Operating Hours |
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Company | ImPossible Psychological Services |
| Services |
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| Website | http://www.impossiblepsychservices.com.sg/ |
| Address | Icon @ Changi 228 Changi Road #03-07 Singapore 419741 |
| Telephone | (65) 6538 2686 |
| Operating Hours | Mondays to Fridays: 9am – 5:30pm. |
Company | Gestalt Singapore |
| Services |
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| Website | https://psychotherapist.sg/ |
| Address | 20 Upper Circular Road, #01-13, The Riverwalk, Singapore 058416, Singapore, Central, Singapore |
| Telephone | (65) 87978848 |
| Operating Hours | By Appointment |
Company | KALEIDOSCOPE THERAPY CENTRE |
| Services |
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| Website | https://www.kaleidoscope.com.sg/ |
| Address | #07-05/06, The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Road, 287994 |
| Telephone | (65) 6468 8991 |
| Operating Hours | By Appointment |
Company | Aspire Counselling |
| Services |
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| Website | https://aspirecounselling.net/ |
| Address | 10 Winstedt Road, #01-04 Singapore 227977 |
| Telephone | (65) 6570 2751 |
| Operating Hours | By Appointment |
Company | The Center for Psychology |
| Services |
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| Website | https://www.center4psy.com/ |
| Address | 491B River Valley Road, #04-01 Valley Point Office Tower, Singapore 248373 |
| Telephone |
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| Operating Hours | By Appointment |
Company | Solace Art Psychotherapy |
| Services |
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| Website | https://solace.com.sg/ |
| Address | Novena Regency, 275 Thomson Road, #01-14, Singapore 307645 |
| Contact | (65) 9360 0616 Email : [email protected] |
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 inaccuracies. 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 in 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.
