Accessing psychological support

It can be challenging to navigate mental health challenges that arise at any stage of your transition. Gender dysphoria and isolation may trigger or worsen mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. It's essential to seek gender-affirming social support and mental health care to manage your mental well-being, and receive treatment if you need it. Fortunately, an increasing focus on mental health awareness in Singapore has expanded available options.

What psychological support involves

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Psychological support refers to seeking a form of therapy provided by a mental health professional. With their guidance, you can express your concerns and anxieties, identify underlying causes and work towards solutions to alleviate your difficulties.

Mental health services are available through public and private institutions. The Institute of Mental Health (IMH), a state-owned facility, offers the most comprehensive options.

You may also consider the Singapore Counselling Centre (SCC) or MindSG.

Subsidies

While all services require payment, eligible patients at public health institutions can receive:

  • Up to 80% subsidies for inpatient mental health treatment
  • Coverage under MediShield Life
  • Access to MediSave to offset remaining bills (up to certain limits).

    • For outpatient treatments, eligible patients can receive:

  • Up to 75% subsidies at polyclinics and public specialist outpatient clinics
  • MediSave coverage for treatment of mental health conditions under the Chronic Disease Management Program (CDMP).

    • Understanding differences between mental health providers

    Counsellors and psychotherapists

    Counsellors and psychotherapists provide talk therapy with a person-centered approach. They work with patients to set personal goals. However, they cannot conduct assessments or provide diagnoses.

    Many hold a master's degree in counselling or psychology. Psychotherapists are more equipped than most counsellors to treat patients with moderate to severe mental health conditions.

    Oogachaga and the T Project provides trans-friendly counselling and therapy services, with subsidies for those who cannot afford it.

    Psychiatrists

    Regulated by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC), psychiatrists are medical doctors licensed to prescribe medications for mental health conditions in Singapore.

    Psychiatrists have undergone 10 years of medical training and specialisation to become practitioners in their field. Unlike psychologists or counsellors, psychiatrists do not provide talk therapy.

    Therefore, patients may need to see both a psychologist and a psychiatrist to adequately address their mental health conditions on the long.

    Most mental health professionals at IMH are psychiatrists who can diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions. Unfortunately, the wait time for a consultation can take over a month. It's possible to seek out practitioners in private practices if need be.

    Clinical psychologists

    Clinical psychologists are trained in assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.

    They use treatments and tools such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychological testing.

    In Singapore, all psychologists are accredited by the Singapore Psychological Society. They may hold a masters or doctorate in clinical psychology, or other specialisations. These professionals work with a broader range of mental health conditions, can conduct assessments and tackle more severe conditions than counsellors.

    Determining what kind of support you need

    There are two main factors to consider when deciding on mental health services.

    If you require emotional help from a professional without needing assessment, counselling will be the right fit for you. More serious cases of mental health symptoms should be directed to a psychologist so that they can medically certify your condition, while still providing mental support. Should you be recommended by your psychologist, a combination of psychiatric and psychological treatment may be an option to better treat your condition.

    Costs will vary between each practice. Overall, counsellors are the most affordable, psychologists will cost more, and psychiatrists are the most expensive (not including medication). If you cannot afford the service you need, consider getting a referral from your GP to receive counselling and treatment from a public healthcare provider, such as IMH. This route is subsidised by government aid, but the process of receiving help will be slower in comparison to private practice. In addition, you could request to speak to a social healthcare worker who will bring you through means testing for further public healthcare support.

    Should you decide to seek out counselling or a psychologist, remember that your first professional may not be the right fit. If you're uncomfortable at therapy, don't hesitate to request a change in provider.

    For information on getting support, refer to our Support & Communities page.