affordable therapy in Singapore

Affordable Therapy in Singapore: Cheap & Free Counselling Sessions

In today’s fast-paced and high-pressure society, mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent. The need for affordable therapy in Singapore has never been more critical. According to a Singapore Mental Health Study, 1 in 13 adults in Singapore have contemplated suicide at some point in their lives. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, it’s essential to know that there are affordable and even free options available to seek help.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various avenues for affordable therapy in Singapore, including free counselling services, affordable counselling options, marriage counselling, and utilising Medisave for mental health treatment.

affordable therapy in Singapore

Free Therapy Services in Singapore

When seeking affordable therapy in Singapore, exploring free counselling services can be the first step.  Many churches and religious organisations have volunteers who offer counselling services. 

While these services may be religiously affiliated, some provide non-religious counselling as well. Additionally, several organisations offer free counselling services for those in need. Here are some options to consider:

Organisation Session Type Fees
Silver Ribbon Singapore Online or

In Person at: Serangoon, Geylang Serai, Hougang
$0

Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH)Helpline

In-Person Counselling Sessions
Fees dependent on income

AWARECounselling for Women
Fees dependent on income
Care Corner Counselling CentreFree Mandarin Counselling Hotline
$0

Fei Yue eCounselling CentreFei Yue eCounselling Centre provides online channels for youths aged 13 to 25 and family counselling$0

Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) 24-hour suicide prevention helpline

Call 1-767

WhatsApp 9151 1767
$0

Tinkle Friend Helpline for primary school children needing help

1800 2744 788
$0

1. Silver Ribbon Singapore 


Silver Ribbon Singapore provides free basic counselling services in person at their various locations, including H.O.L.A. at Serangoon Central, The Linkage at Wisma Geylang Serai, and Raintree Sanctuary at Hougang St 51. Appointments are required, and counselling sessions are available on weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm.

2. Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH)


SAMH offers a helpline (1800-283 7019) for all mental health-related help. They provide individual and family counselling services, with in-person donation-based counselling sessions available. If your finances are tight, free counselling sessions may be available. Appointments are required, and counselling sessions are available on weekdays from 9 am to 1 pm, 2 pm to 6 pm, with evening counselling on Wednesdays from 6 pm to 9 pm.

3. AWARE


AWARE, a helpline for women, offers counselling services during weekdays from 10 am to 6 pm (1800-777 5555). While primarily focused on women’s issues, AWARE may be able to provide guidance and support to individuals seeking counselling services.

4. Care Corner Counselling Centre


Care Corner Counselling Centre operates a Mandarin counselling helpline (1800-353 5800). They offer counselling services for young adults, children, couples, and families.

5. Fei Yue eCounselling Centre


Fei Yue eCounselling Centre provides online channels for youths aged 13 to 25 and family counselling. Sessions are available on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm.

6. Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)


SOS operates a 24-hour suicide prevention helpline. If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call 1-767, WhatsApp 9151 1767, or chat online for immediate assistance.

7. Tinkle Friend (by Singapore Children’s Society)


Tinkle Friend offers a helpline and chat-line for primary school children. counselling services are available from Monday to Friday, 2:30 pm to 5 pm.

These free counselling services provide essential support for individuals seeking affordable therapy in Singapore.

 It’s important to note that appointments may be limited, and it is advisable to contact the respective organisations for more information on availability and specific services offered.

Affordable Therapy Services in Singapore Below $90 / Session 

 

cheap and affordable counselling singapore

If you can afford to pay for counselling services, there are several affordable options to consider. These options provide professional counselling at a reasonable cost, ensuring accessibility to those seeking affordable therapy in Singapore. 

Organisation Session Type Fees
Safe Space Online or In-Person
From $30 / session for a counsellor-in-training
AWARECounselling for women, sliding scale
Above $3,000: 2% of salary per session

Below $3,000 or unemployed: $35/session

First three sessions free for sexual assault victims
Shan YouNon-religious counseling, individual, couple, or familyIndividual: $80/session

Couple or family: $100/session

Fee subsidies available based on financial assessment
Counselling and Care Centre Online and In-Person Range from $40 to $150 per hour

Subsidised rates for Singaporeans and PRs earning less than $10,000/month
WINGS Counselling Centre Individual, couple, and family therapy
First session: $80
Follow-up sessions: $60
Full or partial fee waivers available
It All Starts Hear SGVolunteer-Based programme

Intern Counsellors: $10 one-time admin fee for 10 zoom sessions

Experienced Counsellors: Starting from $50 per session
Caper Spring In-Person Therapy Reduced Rate Therapy by Counsellors in training at $25 / session

These affordable counselling services ensure that individuals can access professional help without breaking the bank. Each service has its own fee structure, so it’s advisable to contact the respective organisations for detailed information on fees, availability, and services offered. 

You may find links to the relevant websites and their contact information hyperlinked in the section below: 

Marriage counselling in Singapore below $200/session 

 

marriage counselling singapore

Marriage counselling plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy relationships and resolving conflicts within couples. 

While marriage counselling may be more expensive than individual therapy, there are still affordable options available in Singapore. 

Organisation Session Type Fees
REACH Community Services Online or In-Person
Range from $80 to $120 per hour

$20 surcharge for after-hours sessions
The Enneagram Singapore Couples counselling with Enneagram tool

First session: $150 (2 hours)

Subsequent sessions: $100 per hour
Shan You Online and In-Person Therapy

$100 per 65 to 75-minute session

Fee subsidies available
WINGS Counselling Centre Online and In-Person Therapy

Range from $40 to $150 per hour

Subsidised rates for Singaporeans and PRs earning less than $10,000/month
The Share Co. Online TherapyFirst session: $80

Follow-up sessions: $60
Talk Your Heart Out Online Therapy
From $120 / hour
Additional $40 for in-person
Caper Spring In-Person Therapy From $120 - $280, depending on therapist’s experience

You may find links to the relevant websites and their contact information hyperlinked in the section below: 

Utilising Medisave for Your Mental Health Needs 

 

medisave for mental health

In Singapore, Medisave can be utilized for psychiatric treatment, including mental health therapy. Medisave allows individuals to use their Medisave funds to cover certain mental health treatments. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Inpatient Treatment


Medisave can be used for daily hospital charges related to psychiatric inpatient treatment. The maximum amount that can be used is $150 per day, with a yearly cap of $5,000. Individuals aged 60 and above can withdraw an additional $200 per year under the Flexi-MediSave scheme.

2. Outpatient Treatment


Since January 2021, Medisave can also be used for outpatient treatments of certain chronic mental illnesses. The enhanced MediSave500/700 scheme allows patients with complex chronic conditions to use up to $700 annually, while those with simple chronic conditions can use up to $500 annually. A 15% co-payment is required for outpatient treatments, and the coverage includes major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, dementia, and anxiety, among others.

3. Exclusions to Using MediSave for Mental Health Treatments 


It’s important to note that Medisave cannot be used for outpatient fees and tests (unless approved for chronic disease management diagnoses) or hospital stays of less than 8 hours. 
For a comprehensive understanding of Medisave coverage for mental health treatments, you may refer to the Ministry of Health’s guidelines on MediSave. 

Getting Affordable Therapy in Singapore 


Affordable therapy in Singapore is crucial for individuals seeking mental health support without financial strain. 

The availability of free counselling services and the utilisation of Medisave for mental illnesses ensures that individuals can access the help they need within their budget. 

It’s important to remember that seeking therapy is a sign of strength and self-care. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, don’t hesitate to reach out and seek support. Remember, help is available, and you are not alone.

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