About Our Therapists: ThoughtFull Professionals
How to Find Your Ideal Professional Therapist?
ThoughtFull Professionals (TFPs) are certified and experienced mental health therapists (professional counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists) who can support you across a range of issues including anxiety, depression, work-related stress, relationships, trauma, grief, and more.
Finding a therapist who is a good fit can help you feel comfortable and develop the confidence to deal with mental health matters.
- Figure out your therapy goals
- Choose your therapy type
- Think about your preferred medium (online, offline or chat app)
- Look at credentials
- Consider geography and language
- Ask them questions to assess their compatibility
Mental Health Statistics in Singapore
Mental health and stress are healthcare priorities among Singaporeans
- A 2023 survey from Ipsos showed that mental health is the top health concern among Singaporeans. Almost half of Singaporeans (46 percent) indicated mental health as the biggest health problem facing the country, followed by cancer (38 percent( and stress (35 percent).
- Over half of Singaporeans (55 percent) say they have felt stressed to the point where it impacted how they lived their daily lives at least once in the past year. About a quarter (24 percent) indicated that it has happened several times.
- Nearly half (49 percent) of Singaporeans reported feeling depressed to the point that they felt sad or hopeless almost every day for weeks at a time. 20 percent say they have felt this way on multiple occasions in the past year.
- A survey by PAP showed that two in five respondents have experienced mental health struggles. This statistic increases to one in two among youths aged 15 to 35.
Individuals show an increased willingness to seek help for mental health issues
- According to MOH’s National Population Health Survey 2022, individuals showed an increased willingness to seek help if they were constantly unable to cope with stress.
- About 56.6 percent of Singapore residents indicated they were willing to seek help from health professionals in 2022, compared to 47.8 percent in 2019.
Understanding Mental Health Therapy in Singapore
What is Therapy?
Therapy—also called psychotherapy or talk therapy—refers to the process where an individual undergoes sessions with a therapist to talk through issues or problems they are facing. Over time, therapy can help the individual identify and change negative thoughts and behavioural patterns, and develop tools to better manage their mental health.
Therapy can be an effective treatment for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD or eating disorders. It can also help you address problems you may be currently facing—such as workplace challenges or relationship problems—or to make sense of past experiences and trauma.
Keep in mind that you don’t always need to have a specific issue to go to therapy. It also serves as a safe space for you to process your thoughts and emotions, and explore other areas of your life.
If you’re looking to make positive changes in your life, a therapist can help you with aspects like developing wellness goals, reframing your thinking, or creating more structure and stability in your daily routines.
Types of Therapy in Singapore
When you seek therapy in Singapore, you will often come across 5 common types of therapy. Understanding the differences can help decision-making when finding the right therapist.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Therapists help clients recognise these hidden patterns by exploring past experiences. This understanding can often lead to profound personal growth and improved self-awareness.
Sessions involve open conversations between both the therapist and the client. Through these dialogues & sessions, the client can gain insights into their unconscious thoughts and develop healthier coping mechanisms over time.
Psychodynamic therapy can:
- Help clients better understand the dynamics of their relationships
- Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Improve their self-awareness
- Help manage personality disorders
Behavioural Therapy
Behavioural therapy aims to identify and replace negative behaviours with positive ones. ‘Negative’ actions refer to habits that cause harm or discomfort to oneself. Behavioural Therapists believe that all and any learned behaviour can be unlearned over time with the right guidance and tools.
Therapists may employ techniques such as positive reinforcement, to assist the client. Through unconditional positive regard, clients can be trained to reduce or overcome negative behaviours.
By gaining a better understanding of the relationship between environment, behaviour, and consequences, a person can modify their reactions over time.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychological treatment that has proven effective for a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital difficulties, eating disorders, and severe mental illnesses (mental health disorders, and mental health conditions).
CBT treatment typically involves efforts to change behavioural patterns. These strategies may include:
- Confronting fears instead of avoiding them.
- Using role-playing to prepare for potentially challenging interactions with others.
- Learning to calm the mind and relax the body.
Traumatic and painful experiences from childhood often shape our automatic negative thoughts, leading us to believe in these patterns without appropriate mental health support.
Individuals from various age groups and backgrounds can benefit from CBT. Common issues that CBT can help with include depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, communication difficulties, trust issues, people-pleasing, and habit changes.
Therapists in Singapore might tailor their approach to address specific presenting problems.
Behavioural therapy can help address:
- Social anxiety
- Addictions
- Self-harm
- Panic attacks
- Self-hatred
Related to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (Act), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT).
Cognitive Therapy
In cognitive therapy, therapists and clients often work together to develop skills that identify and counteract unhelpful thoughts and beliefs.
This technique aims to shift the fixed behaviours associated with them, with an emphasis predominantly on the present. At its core, Cognitive Therapy adopts a pragmatic, solution-focused approach.
Furthermore, Cognitive Therapy emphasises skill acquisition. Therapists help clients learn and apply these techniques independently, resulting in sustained benefits long after therapy ends.
Humanistic Therapy
This theory posits that individuals already possess the necessary resources to overcome their difficulties. They simply require professional guidance to identify and access these tools.
For this intervention, therapists in Singapore focus on the present moment and the current problems a person may be experiencing.
Postmodern Therapy
Postmodern Therapy is rooted in the idea that reality is not fixed but is shaped by our personal and shared experiences.
In this form of therapy, each person’s story is unique and valid and influenced by many factors. Postmodern Therapy helps people rewrite their stories, challenge societal narratives and allow for exploration and growth.
Types of Therapy Services in Singapore
Online
ThoughtFull World
Need someone to talk to? At ThoughtFull World, we have counsellors and therapists standing by to support you through our private and secure mental health chat app (online chat therapy). With our ThoughtFullChat App, you can easily schedule a time to chat with qualified mental healthcare professionals.
- Sessions: Online Chat and Online Video options
- Rates:
- Online Chat Therapy: S$169 - 199 per month, depending on your subscription length. This gives you access to unlimited messages.
- Online Video Therapy: $150 - 400 per session, depending on whether the session is held for individuals and couples. Package rates are also available.
- Hours: This may vary depending on the availability of your therapist. You may check for available timings when you book an appointment.
- Address: 1 Paya Lebar Link #04-01, Singapore 408533
In-Person Offline
Care Corner Singapore
Care Corner Singapore is a non-profit organisation that supports the community through social and health care services. They offer a wide range of mental health and counselling services, including a Mandarin helpline, mental health screening for youths, play therapy, counselling, and more.
- Sessions: In-person, over the phone and online
- Rates: $120 -180 per session. Individuals may contact the organisation to enquire about additional subsidies.
- Operating hours: Monday - Friday (9am - 6pm), Saturday (9am - 1pm)
- Contact: 6353 1180
- Email: cccc@carecorner.org.sg
- Address (counselling centre): Blk 62B Lorong 4 Toa Payoh #02-143 Singapore 312062
- Helpline: 1800 3535 800
Calvary Community Care
Calvary Community Care is a non-profit voluntary welfare organisation offering counselling services to youths between 12 - 25 years of age. You may make an appointment via their website, or reach out to the organisation via phone or email for a mental health assessment.
- Sessions: In-person and online sessions
- Rates: $50 per hour. Individuals may submit a request if they require financial assistance.
- Operating hours: Monday - Friday (9am - 6pm).
- Contact: 6546 2759
- Email: peterlim@calvary.sg
- Address: 50 Playfair Rd, #03-01, Singapore 367995
Reach Community Service
Reach Community Service is a social service organisation that offers counselling, as well as care services for youths, families and seniors. The organisation provides counselling services for individuals, couples and families facing mental health issues, caregiving stress, relationship issues, and other personal issues.
- Sessions: In-person and online
- Rates: $120 - 220. A peak-hour surcharge of $20 will apply for sessions scheduled after office hours (6pm - 9pm).
- Operating hours: Monday & Tuesday (9am - 9pm), Wednesday - Friday (9am - 6pm)
- Contact: 68010730
- Email: counselling@reach.org.sg
- Address (counselling centre): 307 Shunfu Road #01-137 Singapore 570307
Singapore Counselling Centre
The Singapore Counselling Centre offers counselling, psychotherapy and psychological services to help individuals cope with personal, work or relationship issues. The organisation also offers a variety of workshops on Psychological First Aid, art therapy, music therapy and more.
- Sessions: In-person and online sessions
- Rates: $160 - 400 per session, depending on whether the session is held for youths, individuals, couples or families. Package rates are available.
- Operating hours:
- Monday - Friday (9am - 6.30pm)
- Saturday (9am - 6pm)
- Sunday (12pm - 5pm)
- Contact: 6339 5411
- Address: 51 Cuppage Rd, #03-03, Singapore 229469
Religious Counselling (Christian, Buddhist and Muslim Associations)
Kingsmead Centre
Kingsmead Centre offers a range of programmes and services—including retreats, seminars, workshops and counselling—based on Ignatian spirituality. The centre has a team of trained counsellors to provide counselling sessions for individuals, couples and families. You may make an appointment via their website, or by phone or email.
- Sessions: In-person
- Operating hours: Monday - Saturday (9am - 6pm)
- Contact: 6467 6072
- Email: kc-counselling@mas-jesuits.org
- Address: 8 Victoria Park Road Singapore 266492
Shan You
Shan You is a social service agency that provides mental health and social care services to the community, regardless of race or religion. The Shan You Counselling Centre offers counselling sessions in English and Mandarin for individuals, couples and families. You may request for a counselling session by filling in a form on their website.
- Sessions: In-person
- Rates: $80 - 90 (individual counselling) and $120 (couple/ family counselling). You may refer to their website for further information on additional fee subsidies and time-based surcharges.
- Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (9am to 6pm)
- Tuesday (12pm - 9pm)
- Contact: 6741 9293
- Email: counselling@shanyou.org.sg
- Address: Block 5 Upper Boon Keng Road #02-15 Singapore 380005
AMP Singapore
Previously known as the Association of Muslim Professionals, AMP Singapore is a non-profit organisation serving the Muslim community in Singapore. The organisation offers a variety of counselling services for youths, married couples and individuals who face issues of family violence. They also operate a helpline to provide emotional support for individuals in distress.
- Sessions: In-person
- AMP helpline: 6416 3960 / 6416 3961 ( Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm)
- Operating hours:
- Pasir Ris: Monday - Friday (9am - 6pm)
- Jurong: Monday - Friday (9am - 5.30pm)
- Contact:
- Pasir Ris: 6416 3966
- Jurong: 6416 3990 / 9726 7655
- Addresses:
- 1 Pasir Ris Drive 4, #05-11, Singapore 519457
- 1 Jurong West Central, #06-02 Jurong Point Shopping Centre , Singapore 648886
Mental Health Helplines and Free Mental Health Checks
ThoughtFull World
ThoughtFull World offers free online assessments to provide professional support for both individuals and employers.
- Individual: DASS Mental Wellness Assessment
- Organisations: ThoughtFull Organisational Assessment
We also operate a 24/7 wellness hotline to support individuals who require immediate intervention. Our hotline is manned by personnel who are trained with Psychological First Aid, and callers are also referred to ThoughtFullChat or therapy for post-call support. We provide employers with a dedicated phone-line for their organisation.
AWARE Women
AWARE Women operates a helpline to offer emotional support to women. Callers may also obtain more information on AWARE, or to make an appointment with AWARE’s counsellors or lawyers through the helpline. Individuals who can’t get through the helpline, or are unable to find a safe space to speak may reach out through AWARE’s online text chat service.
- Helpline: 1800 777 5555
- Operating hours: Monday to Friday (10am - 6pm)
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
Samaritans of Singapore offers crisis support services. The organisation operates a 24-hour hotline, as well as CareText, a WhatsApp messaging service. Individuals who require emotional support may also reach out via email.
- Helpline: 1767 (24-hour)
- CareText: 9151 1767 (24-hour)
- Email: pat@sos.org.sg
Online Therapy vs In-Person Therapy Options
There are advantages to both online and in-person therapy, and what is considered the right fit will vary from one individual to another.
Below, we’ll dive into the details of how online and in-person therapy sessions are conducted. We’ll also outline key factors you need to consider when choosing your ideal therapy medium.
In-person Therapy Sessions
With in-person therapy sessions, you’ll meet your qualified therapist face-to-face at a designated location, such as a clinic or private office. During the session, your therapist is responsible for holding space and creating a safe environment where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts, feelings and issues.
Your therapist will also provide support and offer therapeutic interventions. These are actions or practices that can help individuals improve their well-being and may include identifying triggers, imagery training, mindfulness, gratitude intervention, and more.
In-person therapy sessions are typically conducted every week, but may also take place more or less frequently depending on your circumstances. An individual therapy session may have a duration of 45 - 60 minutes, while group therapy sessions usually last about 75 - 90 minutes.
The costs of in-person therapy sessions will vary, depending on your mental health provider, the qualifications of your therapist, and the type of therapy you choose.
Based on the list we’ve provided above, the average costs for an individual therapy session lies in the range of RM50 - 250. Your actual costs may fall outside of this range, depending on whether you’re able to access free or subsidised mental health care, or seek the services of a private healthcare provider.
Online Therapy Sessions
Online therapy sessions, also known as teletherapy, are held remotely. You may opt for live sessions, whereby appointments with a therapist are scheduled in advance. This is similar to an in-person session, except that it is provided over the phone, through a video call, or via text messaging.
Online sessions can also take place primarily through messaging. With this option, you may send text, voice or video messages to a therapist via a platform. Your mental health professional will respond within a specified timeframe, which can be within 24 hours or up to a few days—depending on his or her schedule.
Key Factors To Consider When Deciding
Accessibility
The first factor you need to consider is accessibility.
Start by assessing your circumstances and routines, including your work schedule, responsibilities, and how comfortable you feel when you communicate with someone new. This can help you decide on the type of therapy that works best for you.
For example, in-person therapy sessions may not be readily accessible for certain individuals—such as people with physical disabilities, employees juggling a hectic work schedule, or individuals who struggle with social anxiety. In such situations, online therapy can plug the gap by providing easier access to mental health support.
Effectiveness
Various studies point to the effectiveness of online therapy in providing effective mental health care:
- A 2022 study showed that online counselling interventions can be as effective as face-to-face counselling, particularly for psychological distress.
- Another study, which compared face-to-face and online psychotherapeutic interventions, revealed no differences in effectiveness.
- Research was conducted to evaluate client satisfaction and one-month mental health outcomes for clients who underwent telepsychiatry and face-to-face psychiatric consultations. Telepsychiatry clients reported that they could present the same information as they would in an in-person session (93 per cent), were satisfied with their session (96 per cent), and were comfortable in their ability to talk (85 per cent).
It is important to keep in mind that crises should be navigated with care. As highlighted in a Forbes Health article, online therapy may not be as effective in cases where immediate intervention or physical assistance is needed.
Cost
Various factors can affect the cost of therapy, and whether it would fit into your budget. This includes your income level, whether your insurance provider covers the costs of therapy, and the type of therapy you opt for.
For instance, individual therapy sessions tend to cost more relative to group sessions.
In general, online options will be cheaper than in-person sessions. This can also vary, depending on the level of support that you require.
Benefits Of Online Therapy in Singapore
Expanding on the factors we’ve outlined above, the benefits to choosing online therapy in Singapore include:
- Highly Accessible: With online therapy, you’re no longer limited by geographical boundaries. This allows you to widen your search, which can help you with finding a therapist with a good fit. Additionally, having access to online therapy ensures that you can continue working with your preferred therapist or provider, even when you have to travel or relocate for work or personal reasons.
- Immediacy: The easy accessibility of online therapy means that you can quickly schedule a session, and access mental health support when you need it.
- Comfort: Online therapy sessions can be conducted at any location of your choice, as long as you have access to a reliable internet connection. Being in a familiar environment can help you feel at ease, and encourage you to share your concerns more easily. This is particularly helpful for individuals who feel uncomfortable with face-to-face interactions.
- Affordability: Mental health solutions like ThoughtFullChat can help to bridge the gap by providing access to therapy at affordable costs. Our platform offers the option of paying a monthly, three-month or six-month billing cycle, so our users can pay a lower fee depending on their subscription duration. This allows you to achieve cost savings when you commit to long-term care.
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