Your guide to affordable therapy services in Singapore
Prioritising your mental well-being without breaking the bank
By Cheryl Lai-Lim and Shazrina Shamsudin -
Therapy, it seems, is everywhere. Whether it’s daily affirmations on TikTok, empowering podcasts, or simply chatting with a friend, these various forms aim to alleviate our anxiety and calm our minds. Despite all that, finding an actual therapist can feel extremely daunting – especially when you factor in the cost.
Unlike a cold or flu, mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression often require a longer period to treat. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), different people require a varied range of therapy sessions – some people might find eight sessions effective, some require 6 months, and for others, therapy might be an ongoing journey with no end date.
To translate: therapy is a commitment, and the costs can rack up over time. Moreover, teletherapy, VR therapy, and mobile apps are transforming the landscape of mental health care. But costs alone shouldn’t deter you from seeking help when you need it – which is why we’ve gathered some quality and affordable therapy options in Singapore that are open to the public, below.
With years of experience under their belt, the folks at Goodity are well-versed in dealing with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress management, grief, men’s mental health, family & relationships and self-improvement.
The first session will involve getting to know more about your background before the therapist recommends your next approach. Based on your needs, you will then be given the option to choose from a wide range of therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Art Therapy, Play Therapy (for young children) and Mindfulness Therapy.
Goodity provides a range of therapy options, including sessions for individuals, couples, and families. You can also choose from convenient WhatsApp Therapy sessions or engaging Coffee Talks, ideal for those seeking a brief and supportive conversation.
Fees: Individual sessions start from $190/hour, while couple sessions start from $220/hour and family counselling sessions start from $240/hour. Alternatively, you can also opt for their WhatsApp Therapy session ($45/30min) or book a slot at Coffee Talks which starts from $19/15 mins.
Learn more here
Founded in 2006, Silver Ribbon Singapore is dedicated to reducing the stigma around mental health, encouraging early intervention, and promoting the inclusion of individuals with mental health conditions in society. Through innovative strategies, the organization strives to improve mental health awareness and build a more empathetic and inclusive community.
Silver Ribbon Singapore offers free basic counselling services, available via Zoom, phone, WhatsApp, or in-person at several 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 sessions are available in English, Chinese, and several dialects (Hokkien, Cantonese, and Teochew).
Fees: Free
Learn more here
Leading women’s rights advocacy group, AWARE offers a variety of programs and services, including experienced counsellors who specialize in supporting women dealing with trauma, violence, and issues related to sexuality.
Due to the pandemic, walk-in services have been suspended, so it’s recommended to call ahead and schedule an appointment. It’s important to note that AWARE provides counselling for women aged 21 and above, although exceptions are made for those referred by the Sexual Assault Care Centre.
Fees: Counselling fees are calculated as 2% of your monthly income. For example, if your monthly income is $4,000, the session fee would be $80. For individuals who are unemployed or earn under $3,000 monthly, the counselling fee is a flat rate of $35 per session. For sexual assault and harassment cases referred through the Sexual Assault Care Centre, the first three sessions are provided free of charge.
Learn more here
Established in 1995, the Shan You Counselling Centre (SYCC) is a non-profit organization that provides professional counselling services at affordable rates. Although the charity has Buddhist origins, its services are open to individuals of all ethnic backgrounds and religions, adhering to core values of compassion, mindfulness, morality, and wisdom.
Fees: Individual sessions are priced at $80/50 to 60 minutes, while sessions for couples or families are $120/90 minutes. If these rates are beyond your budget, you can request discounts or waivers, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the centre’s clinical director.
Learn more here
With a focus on family-related matters, TOUCH offers counselling services for couples, addressing premarital and marital issues, domestic violence, emotional and mental distress, and the management of interpersonal relationships.
The center also provides specialized counselling for youths, aimed at enhancing their emotional and relational well-being through youth-centered, systemic, and values-driven approaches in both individual and group settings. These services are supported by the Ministry of Social and Family Development, with a focus on cyber wellness, mental health, and youth-related issues.
Fees: Couples counselling sessions range from $109 to $130.80 per session (60 mins). Counselling for parents and families may be subsidized, based on per capita household income. Youth counselling fees are not publicly listed but can be discussed directly with the organization.
Learn more here
Seeking treatment through the polyclinic or GP route can provide access to subsidized, more affordable rates for professional care and in-depth psychiatric support at hospitals.
Fees: To qualify for subsidized rates, you’ll need a referral from a polyclinic doctor (consultations cost around $17.50 for Singapore citizens) or from your GP. Once referred, you can access counselling services at IMH, with fees varying based on your age group.
Learn more here
Additional reporting by: Latisha Sonia Shaymentyran