You know something needs attention, but may be unsure whether to see a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist. The useful starting point is what you need help with: emotional support, therapy, medical assessment or a combination. Here is how the different options in Singapore can help.
If you or a loved one is experiencing mental distress, don't delay seeking support. We can help you explore what you can do to better manage your mental well-being and take meaningful steps toward healing.
What Are the First-Stop Touchpoints and Helplines?
In Singapore, individuals facing mental health challenges can access immediate support through dedicated helplines and first-stop touchpoints. These services provide timely assistance, emotional support and referrals to appropriate care.
National Mindline 1771
Singapore’s nationwide mental health helpline operates 24/7, offering immediate guidance and referrals. It is designed to be the first point of contact for anyone seeking help, ensuring they are directed to the right resources quickly and effectively.
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
SOS provides round-the-clock suicide prevention services. Their hotline offers confidential emotional support to individuals experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts, creating a safe space for them to talk and seek help.
Who Are the Specialist Providers?
For in-depth assessment, treatment and structured care, individuals are often referred to specialist mental health providers. Each plays a unique role in supporting recovery and overall well-being:
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. They can prescribe medication and may combine it with therapy. GPs and polyclinic doctors can also prescribe medication when appropriate.
Psychologists
Clinical and counselling psychologists provide psychological therapy for emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties. Their postgraduate training also includes psychological assessment. Depending on their specialism and qualifications, this may involve formal testing to understand a person’s cognitive abilities, learning, personality or psychological functioning. Not every psychologist offers every type of assessment, so it is worth checking their area of expertise.
Counsellors and psychotherapists
Counsellors and psychotherapists provide structured therapeutic work to help people understand and change patterns affecting their emotional wellbeing, relationships and daily lives. This can include anxiety, low mood, grief, recurring conflict, betrayal of trust and difficult life transitions.
The work goes beyond having someone listen. It involves understanding your concerns, assessing what needs attention, agreeing on therapeutic goals and working towards change. Depending on their training, practitioners may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and specialist couples therapy.
Social Workers
Social workers focus on the broader social and environmental factors affecting mental health. They provide practical support, resources and advocacy to help individuals manage their conditions and improve their quality of life.
Which professional is right for you?
There is considerable overlap in the therapy provided by counsellors and psychologists. The important questions are whether the practitioner has relevant training and experience, whether you need specialist assessment, and whether their approach suits your concerns.
In my practice, I bring over 15 years’ experience in individual counselling and marriage and relationship counselling. My approach draws on Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. I help you understand the patterns keeping you stuck, address difficult conversations and turn insight into practical changes, with clear goals and progress reviewed together.
Contact me to arrange an appointment.
About Cassandra Chiu
Cassandra Chiu
Psychotherapist/Counsellor
Cassandra Chiu is a Registered Counsellor with the Singapore Association for Counselling, with over 15 years’ experience supporting individuals and couples. She holds a Master of Social Science in Professional Counselling from Swinburne University of Technology, is a Master Solution-Focused Practitioner and a Certified Solution Focused Practitioner in Therapy, and has completed Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 and Level 2 training. Her approach is warm, direct and purposeful, with clear goals and progress reviewed together. Read more about Cassandra’s background and approach.
