The Mental Health Landscape in Singapore: Navigating the Path to Wellbeing
Mental health is a critical component of overall health and wellbeing, yet it is an area that has long been shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. I still recalled the time when I was 8 years old and I had to visit a family member who was admitted to the then Woodbridge Hospital, which was post colonial building that had gated gardens and isolated corridors. I was terribly afraid, but that was because I do not understand the purpose and reason why the patients were there at that time. How long do they have to be ‘hospitalised”, or if they can recover and go back home to their families?
Zooming back to present time, Singapore, and times have certainly change as there is a growing recognition of the importance of mental healthcare, with the government and healthcare sectors working to improve access and support for those in need.
The Singapore Mental Health Landscape
Singapore’s mental healthcare system is a unique blend of public and private providers, all working to cater to the diverse needs of the population. At the forefront are the country’s major public hospitals, which house specialised psychiatric departments and outpatient clinics. Institutions like the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Singapore’s largest mental health institution, provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient treatment for a wide range of conditions, (such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder). Singapore General Hospital (SGH) is also another important public healthcare providers that has a Psychiatry Department which provides a full range of specialised services to meet the individual patient’s needs.
Complementing the public sector, are private psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselling services. These providers offer an alternative for those seeking more personalised or specialised care, often in a more private and discreet setting like a small consultation office.
Therapists, counsellors, and alternative mental health providers services have seen increase in their engagements with patients, and are sometimes used by individuals and their families as a supportive and complementary treatment to aid them on their road to recovery. (See links below for reference)
In addition to traditional clinical care, Singapore has also invested heavily in community-based mental health initiatives. Multi-agencies Campaigns such as MindSG “Its OKAY to reach out” was formed during the height of covid19 period in Singapore, and with that, it has continue its engagement with the public to help bring mental health awareness and avenues to individuals seeking help or connect with professionals. Organisations like the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) operate drop-in centres, support groups, and outreach programs to connect individuals with the resources they need.
Navigating the System
For those seeking mental health support in Singapore, the first step is often to consult with a general practitioner (GP) or family physician. GPs can provide initial assessment, counseling, and referrals to appropriate specialists or services. From there, individuals may be directed to public hospital clinics, private psychiatrists, or community-based programs, depending on the severity of their condition and their personal preferences.
It’s important to note that Singapore’s mental healthcare system, while continuously improving, is still not without its challenges. Waitlists for public services can be long (between 30-50 days), and the cost of private care can be prohibitive for some. However, the government has made strides in recent years to address these issues, introducing initiatives like the MediShield Life scheme to provide more comprehensive insurance coverage for mental health treatments. (Do note that Medishield Life is only available to citizens and PR in Singapore).
For employees in Singapore, do check with your Human Resource department to see if the company has corporate healthcare insurance which covers mental health benefits and wellness benefits, or if there are employees assistance programs relating to counselling and therapies.
Many private clinics also accept insurance coverage, making mental health services more accessible. If you are not a local citizen or permanent resident and are working or relocating to Singapore, do have a chat with me, as you may not be eligible for Singapore’s subsidised healthcare program, and therefore, will need to look for private healthcare insurance plans that may cover mental health benefits.
Seeking Help: A Compassionate Approach
Navigating the mental healthcare landscape can be daunting, but it’s vital that individuals in need of support feel empowered to take that first step. The key is to approach the process with self-compassion and a willingness to explore the options available.
Remember, mental health conditions are common and treatable, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. With the right support and resources, individuals can embark on the path to wellness and reclaim their mental wellbeing.
Resources and Useful Links (Updated 14 April 2024)
Medical Providers:
Public: Institute of Mental Health (IMH),, SGH Institute of Mental Health (IMH),
Private: Novena Medical Center / Mount Elizabeth Centre
Therapy and Wellness:
Singapore Psychological Society (est in 1979)
A Space Between (Singapore) Easy to navigate portal and directory of therapists and providers, with photo profiles and detailed write ups of each providers.
Therapy Route (Global directory with providers based in Singapore) A comprehensive global portal with directory of therapists and providers, as well as useful articles to help give understanding on the different types of Mental Health conditions, and targeted age or individual groupings.
Talk Your Heart Out . A directory and platform which is Singapore based which provides a wide range of therapy services.
Important: The information and opinions in this article are for general information purposes only. They should not be relied on as professional financial advice. Readers should seek independent financial advice that is customised to their specific financial objectives, situations & needs. This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
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