Counselling services in Singapore
Just like physical therapy, counselling is beneficial for anyone who is going through a wide range of issues and simply requires someone to talk to. With our stressful lives in Singapore, finding someone who will give their 100% to hear you out without judgement may be challenging. As such, turning to a professional listening ear is the best solution to upkeep a healthy mindset.
Whether you’re struggling with marriage or are facing pressures in school, here are the 21 places to get counselling in Singapore to take care of your mental well-being.
Check out our other articles on mental health and wellbeing:
MENTAL: Colours of WellbeingMental health hotlines in SingaporeSchool counsellors in Singapore
Counselling, therapy & psychiatry – what’s the difference?
To get started, it’s important to note the kinds of therapy provided by different mental health professionals.
Art Therapy for senior citizens at St. Joseph’s HomeImage credit: St Joseph’s Home
Counselling in Singapore is usually provided by a professional trained in psychology and counselling. They’re mostly a one-off visit where counsellors are just there to listen and help you navigate your feelings. The term Therapy is sometimes used interchangeably, but it may also encompass the use of things like art and music to help you destress.
On the other hand, psychotherapy focuses more on your overall recurring issues and highlights the overall patterns in your behaviour, usually spanning longer for a few months. For psychiatry, you can think of it as a band-aid for underlying mental health issues like depression, in which you may sometimes receive medication.
– Free counselling services –
1. Silver Ribbon Singapore – Free counselling via video call
Image credit: Silver Ribbon Singapore
Going for counselling can cost up to a few hundred dollars for a single session. But with Silver Ribbon Singapore, you do not have to worry about hefty bills as they offer free counselling services through video calls.
Being a strong advocate for positive mental health, they also organise mental health workshops and awareness talks for students, migrant workers and psychiatric inmates to help them better cope with personal struggles.
H.O.L.A.Address: Blk 208 Serangoon Central, #01-238, Singapore 550208Contact: 6386 1928 | Silver Ribbon Singapore website
The LinkageAddress: Wisma Geylang Serai, 1 Engku Aman Turn Level 4, Singapore 408528Contact: 6509 0271 | Silver Ribbon Singapore website
Raintree SanctuaryAddress: Blk 550 Hougang Street 51, #01-168, Singapore 530550Contact: 6385 3714 | Silver Ribbon Singapore website
2. Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic – Free counselling with one-time fee
Image credit: Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic
Though this is a Buddhist organisation, Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic offers free non-religious counselling with a flat $10 registration fee for each session – so you can test the water without any commitment or upfront costs.
With the sessions conducted in English and Mandarin, you can choose a counsellor who speaks in your most comfortable language so you can fully express yourself and pour your heart out.
Fees: $10 registration fee per sessionContact: 6841 3370 | Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic website
3. James Cook University Singapore – Fee waiver for those eligible
Image credit: James Cook University
James Cook University Singapore is offering its counselling sessions to all its students, but even the public is welcome, with specialists attending to children, adults and families. Their rates range from $25 to $40, but there is a fee waiver for those eligible – you simply have to call in to enquire.
Whether you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one, or are constantly experiencing meltdowns and panic attacks, you can seek help from the group of well-trained students at JCU who are completing their post-graduate training.
Fees: $25-$40, with a waiver for someAddress: JCU Singapore Psychology Clinic, 149 Sims Drive, Singapore 387380Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pmContact: 6709 3762 | James Cook University Singapore website
4. Free counselling services for university students
National University of Singapore – University Health Centre (UHC)
Image credit: NUS
Counselling need not necessarily warrant any underlying-issue before you make an appointment – simply wanting to better perform in exams can also be a valid reason for you to see a counsellor. If you’re an NUS student, feel free to hop by University Counselling Service if you need a listening ear.
Not only do they offer counselling for individuals and couples going through rough patches, the team also equips you with general life skills for growth and development in a workshop-style format.
Fees: Free for NUS studentsAddress: University Health Centre, 20 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Level 2, Singapore 119080Opening hours: Mon-Thu 8.30am-5.30pm | Fri 8.30am-5pm (Closed on weekends & PHs)Contact: 6874 1616 | 6516 2376 | University Counselling Services website
Nanyang Technological University – University Wellbeing Centre (UWC)
Image credit: Nanyang Technological University
If you feel that your rising stress levels are more than you can manage, you can seek help at University Wellbeing Centre for NTU students. The Centre covers a range of other areas, including family and relationship concerns.
Fees: Free for undergraduates and graduatesAddress: University Health Service, #02-01 36 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639801Opening hours: Mon-Thu 8.30am-5.45pm | Fri 8.30am-5.15pm (Closed on weekends & PHs)Contact: 6790 4462 | 9721 1637 (after office hours) | University Wellbeing Centre website
Singapore Management University – Student Wellness Centre (SWC)
Students can use the massage chairs, read books or play games at the Cosy Haven to de-stress.Image credit: Singapore Management University
Though academics may be the top priority for most University students, external factors in life can sometimes cause deep-rooted anxiety in us. At the Student Wellness Centre in SMU, you can open up about personal and relationship issues to the counsellors who are all ears.ears.
Fees: Free for SMU studentsAddress: Li Ka Shing Library, #B1-44 81 Victoria Street, Singapore 188065Opening hours: Mon-Thu 9.30am-5.30pm | Fri 9.30am-3.30pm (Closed on weekends & PHs)Contact: 6828 0786 | Student Wellness Centre website
5. Free counselling services for polytechnic students
As the curriculum at Polytechnics gravitates towards higher levels of independence since lesson structures are similar to University-based ones, this phase of life does present us with unique challenges. If exam stress, bullying or peer pressure are problems you face in this new environment, head down to your own in-house counselling centre at your respective polytechnics for a free session.
Singapore Polytechnic
Image credit: Singapore Polytechnic
Fees: Free for SP studentsAddress: 500 Dover Road, Singapore 139651Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm (Closed on Saturdays & Sundays) Contact: Singapore Polytechnic website
Republic Polytechnic
Image credit: Republic Polytechnic
Fees: Free for RP studentsAddress: 9 Woodlands Avenue, Student Care Centre Block W1, Singapore 738964Contact: 9770 4357(Office Hours) | Republic Polytechnic website
Nanyang Polytechnic
Image credit: Nanyang Polytechnic
Fees: Free for NYP studentsAddress: 180 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8, Block A Level 2,Singapore 569830Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (Closed on weekends & PHs)Contact: 6550 0123 | Nanyang Polytechnic website
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Image credit: Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Fees: Free for NP studentsAddress: Student & Alumni Services Office, Blk 22, Level 3, 535 Clementi RoadOpening hours: Mon-Thu 8.30am-6pm | Fri 8.30am-5.30pm (Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)Contact: 6460 6777 | Ngee Ann Polytechnic website
Temasek Polytechnic
Image credit: Temasek Polytechnic
Fees: Free for studentsAddress: Temasek Polytechnic Care@TP, Blk 26B, Level 1, Unit 49, 21 Tampines Avenue 1, Singapore 529757Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm (Closed on weekends & PHs)Contact: 6780 5959 | Temasek Polytechnic website
– Hotlines –
6. Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) – 24H suicide prevention helpline
Image credit: Giving.sg
Many may identify with having to tell your best friend the instant you and your partner get into a fight – not to snitch but just so that you can have a clearer mindset. Similarly, individuals who are at their breaking point may require that instant pain-reliever and that is where Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) comes into the picture.
A 24-hour suicide prevention helpline, SOS attends to the young and old who requires immediate support. They also have a range of services like crisis support and Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) that caters to anyone undergoing immense mental stress from suicidal thoughts.
Hotline: 1800-221-4444
Address: 10 Cantonment Close, #01-01, Singapore 080010Opening hours: 24 hoursContact: Samaritans of Singapore website
7. Institute of Mental Health – 24h emergency services
Image credit: Institute of Mental Health
The Institute of Mental Health (IMH) is a well-known name in Singapore for being one of the best professionals for various issues like mental health, addictions, gambling, and they also provide 24 hour emergency services. IMH provides many helplines catering to the myriad of issues listed above. The mental health helpline is manned 24/7 along with the line for general enquiries.
Mental Health Helpline: 6389 2222 | 24 hoursAll Addictions Helpline: 6-RECOVER (6-732 6837) | 8.30am-9pm, DailyNational Problem Gambling Helpline: 1800-6-668-668 | 8am-11pm, Daily
Address: Buangkok Green Medical Park 10 Buangkok View Singapore 539747Opening hours: Open 24 hoursContact: 6389 2000 (General enquiries) | Institute of Mental Health website
8. Tinkle Friend – Hotline for primary-school-aged children
This friendly mascot goes around the neighbourhood to meet the kidsImage credit: Tinkle Friend
Seeing your most beloved kid come back crying can be extremely heartbreaking, and the worst part is them refusing to tell you what’s going on. Tinkle Friend is a hotline for kids in primary school who are going through challenges in life.
Whether they are being treated unfairly by teachers or being picked on by classmates, the hotline offers support and advice for any problems under the sun faced by these young ‘uns.
Hotline: 1800-2744-788
Hotline operational hours: Mon-Fri 2.30pm-5pmOnline chat operational hours: Mon-Thurs 2.30pm-7pm | Fri 2.30pm-5pm (Closed on weekends & PHs)Contact: Tinkle Friend website
9. Over The Rainbow – Free online chat support for youths
Image credit: Over The Rainbow
If you’re not one to do phone calls, Over The Rainbow has an online chat function that’s manned by someone behind the screen – so you’re not just chatting with a bot. This is catered to those between the ages of 13 to 35 who need a listening ear to air their grievances to.
This chat will be kept confidential and anonymous, but know that you’ll be talking to trained volunteers instead of mental health professionals. Do also note that this is not a suicide prevention or a crisis intervention hotline – if you or anyone you know needs urgent attention, please see the help of a mental health professional.
Chatline: OTRlistensOnline chat operational hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-12am | Sat-Sun 12pm-12amContact: Over The Rainbow website
– Marriage/ Family counselling-
10. TOUCH Community Services – 8-week couples counselling
Image credit: TOUCH Community Services
Trying to rebuild a relationship broken by infidelity is incredibly challenging. Oftentimes, flashbacks and our imagination can easily be the culprits stealing our sleep at night. TOUCH Community Services offers an intensive 8-week programme for couples who are attempting to save their marriage after dealing with cheating.
Apart from that, they also provide couples counselling for other marital issues, and even general counselling for parenting challenges or interpersonal issues. Do note that walk-ins are not available and only on an appointment basis.
Fees: From $80Address: Toa Payoh Lorong 1, Block 149 #01-943, Singapore 310149Opening hours: Mon – Fri 9am-6pm (Closed on weekends & PHs)Contact: 6709 8400 | TOUCH Community Services website
11. Alliance Counselling – Sex therapy for relationships
Image credit: Alliance Counselling
Intimacy has long been a taboo topic even amongst couples, but it is no doubt that it plays a large role in keeping the spark alive especially in long-term relationships and marriages. Alliance Counselling has specialised sex therapy to help couples navigate sexuality issues like maintaining a healthy sexual life and dealing with sexual health issues.
They also have a range of other services centred on couples such as the Gottman Couple Therapy to deepen the connection and intimacy, as well as the Marathon Couples Therapy which involves two intense consecutive counselling sessions to rebuild broken relationships. Apart from that, they also have general counselling services for individuals, families and children.
Fees: from $257 per 50-minute sessionContact: 6466 8120 | Alliance Counselling website
Cluny Court outletAddress: 501 Bukit Timah Road, Cluny Court #04-03 & #03-02, Singapore 259760Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm | Sat 8am-5pm | Sun 9am-4pm (Closed on PHs)
East Coast outletAddress: 121 Upper East Coast Road, #02-01, Singapore 45524Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-8pm | Sat 9am-5pm (Closed on Sun & PHs)
12. Olive Branch – Divorce counselling
Image credit: Olive Branch
At Olive Branch, their marriage counselling services cater to couples who are going through deep emotional turmoil in face of infidelity, divorce and even anger management issues with their spouses.
Not only does Olive Branch accommodate couples, they also conduct counselling for children of divorced or separated parents, or counselling for families to better manage their emotions. There are also separate charges for individuals struggling financially on a case-by-case basis – so do not let the fees get in the way of seeking help.
Fees: $180 per hourAddress: 229 Mountbatten Road, Mountbatten Square, #02-32, Singapore 398007Opening hours: 9am-9pm, DailyContact: 8322 8861 | Olive Branch website
13. Annabelle Psychology – Intensive 2-day couples therapy
Novena branchImage credit: Annabelle Psychology
If your relationship is in need of some serious help, Annabelle Psychology offers a 2-day Intensive Therapy for Couples that uses the acclaimed Gottman Method to increase intimacy, respect and affection in couples.
Couples therapy is one way to a smooth, healthy relationship; but at times, it’s the deep-seated personal issues that are triggering the outbursts in your relationship. For that, the clinic specialises in an extensive range of treatments to tackle personality, abuse/stress, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Newton BranchAddress: 10 Winstedt, #02-06, 10 Winstedt Road, Singapore 227977Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm (Closed on weekends & PHs)Contact: 82023385 | Annabelle Psychology website
Novena BranchAddress: Royal Square Medical Centre, #17-12, 101 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329565Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pmContact: 82023385 | Annabelle Psychology website
14. PAVE – Violence specialist centre
Image credit: PAVE
As easy as it is to coax someone into leaving a toxic relationship or a toxic, abusive family, violence is a difficult issue to deal with as it involves a complex labyrinth of fear, guilt and even shame. At PAVE, they work with individuals in abusive homes and relationships to provide not just emotional support, but information on legal protection and even reintegration services for post-violent families.
They also work with children aged 5-18 who are suffering from post-traumatic stress from violent homes, to help them regain their footing with the skills learnt to better manage their emotions.
PAVE at Ang Mo KioAddress: Block 211, Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, #01-1446, Singapore 560211Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-1pm, 2pm-6pm (Closed on weekends & PHs)Contact: 6555 0390 | PAVE Website
PAVE at YishunAddress: 305 Yishun Central, Singapore 760305Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-1pm, 2pm-6pm (Closed on weekends & PHs)Contact: 6555 0390 | PAVE Website
– Youth-
15. Sofia Wellness Clinic – youth counselling and free Covid-19 support
The counsellor, Sofia, at Sofia Wellness ClinicImage credit: Sofia Wellness Clinic
With the accessibility of social media platforms, we know how easy it is to scroll through your feed and compare yourselves to influencers or your peers who seem to have the perfect face and body. At Sofia Wellness Clinic, well-designed face-to-face and online counselling plans are specially curated for every individual to teach him or her how to cope with plummeting self-esteem.
But that’s not all, they also provide free COVID-19-related counselling services for Covid-19 patients, frontliners, migrant workers and individuals who have lost their jobs during the pandemic. This service can only go up to a maximum of four sessions, and those interested should check if they are eligible for this scheme.
Fees: From $80 for initial 75-minute consultation | From $50 for subsequent 50-minute sessionsAddress: 190 Clemenceau Avenue, Singapore Shopping Centre #02-07, Singapore 239924Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-8pm | Sat-Sun 9am-5pm (Closed on PHs)Contact: 8368 3591 | Sofia Wellness Clinic website
16. Singapore Association for Mental Health – Youth programmes
Image credit: SAMH
Youth who are facing academic stress or family problems in the household can head over to Singapore Association for Mental Health for their counselling services. These sessions are covered by donations so you are not obligated to pay if your finances are tight.
If you’re looking for a little stress relief, their Creative SAY! programme provides a range of sports, art and outdoor activities to promote general well-being in youths ages 13-15.
Hotline: 1800 283 7019
Fees: On a donation basis | $20 monthly membership fee for Creative Say! ProgrammeAddress: Block 139, Potong Pasir Avenue 3, #01-136, Singapore 350139Contact: 6255 3222 | Singapore Association for Mental Health website
17. Calvary Community Care – Subsidised $5 sessions for youth
The team at Calvary Community CareImage credit: Calvary Community Care
From general work or academic stress to more serious issues like depression and self-harm, Calvary Community Care provides counselling support for individuals aged 13-25. The sessions are totally flexible – allowing the clients to just speak their minds and lead the session without any rigid plan to follow.
For clients who require financial assistance, there is a subsidised fee of just $5 for each session to encourage everyone to seek help when in need. Youths can also attend Calvary Community Care’s weekly academic mentoring sessions at the centre, or their host of other ad hoc activities like night cycling to challenge resilience and push on through tough times.
Fees: $50 per hour | $5 or $25 per hour for clients who require financial assistanceAddress: 147 Potong Pasir, Avenue 1, Singapore 350147 | 50 Playfair Road Noel Building #03-01 Singapore 367995Opening hours: Mon – Wed (online) 9am-6pm| Thurs 9am-8pm | Fri 9am-6pmContact: 6281 1866 | Calvary Community Care website
– Counselling for women –
18. Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) – Counselling on violence and sexuality issues for females
The dedicated team behind AWARE Image credit: AWARE
Being a victim of sexual assault or harassment can be extremely terrifying, and even confiding in someone can be a challenging first step on its own. An NGO striving for women rights, AWARE’s female-centric programmes and services are designed to help those dealing with issues like sexuality and violence.
Services are exclusively for women above 21, but if you’ve got a referral from their Sexual Assault Care Centre, the AWARE team will be ever ready to guide you through post-traumatic emotions.
These sessions can only be done on a by-appointment basis, and walk-ins are not allowed. If you’re a student with no income, sessions are capped at $20 while adults are charged 2% of their monthly salary.
Hotline: 1800 777 555
Fees: 2% of monthly salary for adults earning >$3,000 | Flat fee of $35 for adults earning <$3,000 or are unemployedAddress: Block 5 Dover Crescent, #01-22, Singapore 130005Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm (Closed on Weekends)Contact: 6779 7137 | AWARE website
19. Family Life Society – Pregnancy crisis support
Have your kids enrol in the “Bulletproof Friendships” workshop to equip them with social skillsImage credit: Family Life Society
It is extremely difficult to deal with an unplanned pregnancy, but with the support and encouragement along the way, it can be made just that bit more manageable. Family Life will be your listening ear to support you through these tough times, as they offer counselling sessions for girls and women facing unplanned pregnancies.
There is also the Rachel’s Vineyard Weekend Retreat that promotes healing for individuals who have gone through the pain of abortion. The centre hasn’t announced an upcoming retreat just yet, so feel free to contact them to stay updated on their next session.
Other than that, they also offer educational parenting and adolescent workshops, as well as counselling services for families, couples and individuals.
Pregnancy crisis hotline: 6339 9770
Fees: $75 per session on weekdays during office hours | $90 per session on weekdays after office hours and SaturdaysAddress: 2 Highland Road, #LG-01, Singapore 549102 | Agape Village, 7A Lorong 8, Toa Payoh, #04-01, Singapore 319264 | Cana 55, Waterloo Street, #02-01, Singapore 187954Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm (Closed on Sundays)Contact: 6488 0278 | Family Life Society Website
– Counselling for community groups –
20. Grace Counselling Centre – Counselling for Christians
Image credit: Grace Counselling Centre
For Christians, their faith in God can provide comfort and a strong sense of assurance in tumultuous times. As such, you might benefit from Grace Counselling Centre that provides Christ-centred counselling. Whether you’re facing debilitating emotions like condemnation or guilt, you can rely on the trained professionals to give you the support based on religious teachings.
Non-Christians are also welcome – Grace Counselling Centre offers secular face-to-face or online services but if you prefer physical counselling. They can also arrange house calls and home visits for immobile patients.
Fees: From $150/sessionAddress: Manhattan House, 151 Chin Swee Road #06-15, Singapore 169876Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-9pm (Closed on Sundays)Contact: 6408 9752 | 9895 3786 | Grace Counselling Centre website
21. Counselling and Care Centre – Work-related counselling
Image credit: Counselling and Care Centre
At Counselling and Care Centre, there is an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that employers can arrange to allow their employees to receive counselling to deal with the difficulties in the workplace. Big bosses or minions alike, workplace stress is a prominent issue that can affect everyone regardless of position or title.
Counselling services are not limited to workplace counselling, they also cater to individuals, families and couples who are dealing with hiccups in life.
Fees: $180/hour | $40-$150/hour for monthly gross income below $10,000Address: Block 536 Upper Cross Street, #05-241 Hong Lim Complex, Singapore 050536Opening hours: Mon & Wed 9am-9pm | Tue, Thu & Fri 9am-6pmContact: 6536 6366 | Counselling and Care Centre website
22. Singapore Counselling Centre (SCC) – 9 languages available for non-English speakers
You can opt for video counselling onlineImage credit: SCC
For individuals who have not signed up for counselling because of a language barrier, Singapore Counselling Centre may be your saving grace. Offering nine languages, the centre provides counselling in languages like Cantonese, Hokkien, Filipino, Thai and French.
If your hectic schedule does not allow for in-person counselling, video counselling can be arranged in your preferred language. Covering issues ranging from depression to pet loss, there are also workshops available like art and music therapy to help you de-stress and achieve positive well-being.
Fees: From $192.60/session for adults, from $171.20/session for youths (below 18)Address: 51 Cuppage Road, #03-03, Singapore 229469Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-7pm | Sat 9am-5pm (Closed on Sundays & PHs)Contact: 6339 5411 | Singapore Counselling Centre website
23. Fei Yue Community Services – Support for inmates
It’s playtime for the Early Intervention Programme (EIPIC) childrenImage credit: Fei Yue Community Services
As a multi-service social organisation, Fei Yue Community Services reaches out to the young and old. If you are experiencing any form of mental stress from your families or external forces like work-related issues, you can hit their counsellors up to help you explore the solutions to your issues.
They also cater to other vulnerable groups like inmates and provide counselling services to both the inmates and their families to cope with financial difficulties and interpersonal issues.
Moreover, they also offer a range of programmes for all ages. They ensure that at-risk children of special needs are well taken care of through a range of activities, while befriending the old folks during house visits through the Community Befriending Programme (EBP).
Fees: Discussed during the first sessionAddress: Refer to their full list of centres hereContact: Fei Yue Community Services website
Going for counselling in Singapore
If you’ve managed to take the first leap of faith to go for counselling, give yourself a pat on the back for bravery. Do remember that counselling is not a one-off magic potion and it takes multiple follow-up sessions for it to be effective.
With these 23 places for counselling in Singapore, you’ll hopefully find one that suits your needs to a T. You can also go for counselling as a preventive measure to ensure that you stay in the pink of health – emotionally, that is. We wish you all the best in your recovery journey and be proud of where you are at now!
Read more articles related to mental health:
Guide to getting therapy in SingaporeMental health support workshopsMental health apps
Image adapted from: AWARE and Singapore PolytechnicOriginally published on 9th October 2020. Last updated by Hafiq Hairuddin on 22nd November 2022
