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.
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 |
| AWARE | Counselling for Women | Fees dependent on income |
| Care Corner Counselling Centre | Free Mandarin Counselling Hotline | $0 |
| Fei Yue eCounselling Centre | Fei 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
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 |
| AWARE | Counselling 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 You | Non-religious counseling, individual, couple, or family | Individual: $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 SG | Volunteer-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:
- SafeSpace
- AWARE
- Shan You
- Counselling and Care Centre
- WINGS Counselling Centre
- It All Starts Hear SG
- Caper Spring
Marriage counselling in Singapore below $200/session
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 Therapy | First 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:
- REACH Community Services
- The Enneagram Singapore
- Shan You
- WINGS Counselling Centre
- The Share Co
- Talk Your Heart Out
- Caper Spring
Utilising Medisave for Your Mental Health Needs
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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