Looking for therapist/counsellor

Ask a Therapist Seeking Help
1

Hi I feel like im at the point where i need to book therapy /counselling session but, there are like so many options to choose from and idk how to go about. from what i have gathered online, it seems like there’s broadly 2 paths - public vs private

If i go the public route (referral from polyclinic → IMH), will it leave a medical record?

secondly for private, there are just SO MANY clinics / options out there. how am i supposed to pick which one. also the fees are crazy high ($200/hr?!?!?!?!) but i guess this is what you pay for to get an appointment quicker and not wait for 4 months??

lastly, i have seen there are some (budget) community options like those targeting youths and still in school, but i’m a working adult now at 30yo so i don’t think these are applicable to me anymore :')

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Dear @chillcantaloupe7734

Thank you for reaching out. I sense you are very clear on the support you need to navigate this period of your life journey.

Polyclinic route

You can book an appointment to consult the polyclinic doctor and request him/her for a referral to see a counsellor available in the public health system. Some polyclinics have counselling services as well. Records are kept, but these are confidential.

Other avenues available

The mindline website provides extensive information on various types of mental health support services available, many of which are affordable. I recommend you explore the mindline service wayfinding feature to explore options which include subsidised counselling for adults.

https://www.mindline.sg/mental-health-service-providers/start

Private agencies are also an option and fees vary so do enquire directly.

I commend you for taking this first step. Your determination and openness to process what you are going through is key to moving forward and improving your wellbeing. :yellow_heart:

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Hi @chillcantaloupe7734,

Thank you for reaching out.

What you’re experiencing is understandable. Seeking help is a brave step, but navigating the options can sometimes feel like a maze. With so many public and private choices, varying prices, and uncertainty about what suits your needs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Remember, choosing a mental health service is a significant decision that impacts your privacy, finances, and the support you’ll receive. But you’re not alone in this journey. We’re here to help you find the best path forward, guiding you through these steps with care.

Firstly, on the public route (e.g., a polyclinic referral to a service like the Institute of Mental Health), there will be a medical record, but it cannot be freely accessed by employers, schools, or the general public. As @CaringBee mentioned, in Singapore, medical records are protected by doctor–patient confidentiality and healthcare privacy laws and are shared only with explicit consent or in specific legal/clinical situations.

Secondly, regarding access timing, community mental health services in Singapore (including public-linked and some non-profit providers) often have relatively short wait times once a referral or booking is made. Commonly, it averages around 1 to 2 weeks for an initial appointment, though this can vary depending on demand and urgency.

I have also listed the types of Community Mental Health Services that are offered in Singapore. You can access these services via this link ( Find Support ).

  • A Community Outreach Team (CREST) can help identify your needs, support your emotional well-being, and link you to other services. This service is available free-of-charge.

  • A Community Intervention Team (COMIT) has qualified mental health professionals who can provide counselling, case management and caregiver support. This service is available free-of-charge.

  • A General Practitioner (GP) clinic or Polyclinic can provide medical support, or refer you to specialist outpatient clinics in IMH and other public hospitals. This service is offered with government subsidies such as CHAS and the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP).

  • National Mindline is a mental health helpline which is available 24/7. You may call them at 1771 or WhatsApp them at 6669 1771. This service is available free-of-charge.

Hope this helps! :+1:

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