Counselling in Singapore — Complete Guide (2026)

In This Guide

1. What to Look For When Hiring
2. Typical Price Ranges
3. HDB vs Condo vs Landed
4. Red Flags to Watch Out For
5. All 150 Verified Providers
6. Counselling by Location
7. FAQ

Counselling services in Singapore cover mental health support ranging from everyday stress and relationship issues to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Providers include clinical psychologists (AHPC-registered), counsellors (SAC-registered), psychiatrists (SMC-registered, the only tier that prescribes medication), and lay counsellors at community organisations. Rates run S$80-180/session at subsidised community services, S$150-280 at mid-tier private practice, and S$250-480+ at premium psychologist or psychiatrist rates. This guide covers credential tiers, what distinguishes good matches, and cost ranges.

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Understand the credential tiers: Clinical psychologists hold a Master's or PhD in clinical psychology and are AHPC-registered. Counsellors hold a Master's in counselling and are ideally SAC (Singapore Association for Counselling) registered. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MBBS) with psychiatry specialisation and SMC-registered — they can prescribe medication and diagnose serious mental illness. Lay counsellors at religious or community organisations may have less formal training.

Match the credential tier to the issue. Everyday stress, relationship issues, grief: a registered counsellor is sufficient. Depression, anxiety, trauma: clinical psychologist. Serious mental illness (bipolar, schizophrenia, major depression with suicidal ideation): psychiatrist as primary, often paired with therapy.

Check therapy modalities. CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization, for trauma), Psychodynamic, Schema Therapy, ACT — different conditions respond to different approaches. A therapist trained in multiple modalities can better match your needs.

Ask about a fit-finding first session. The therapeutic alliance matters — if you don't click with the therapist in 2-3 sessions, switching is often better than persevering. Quality therapists acknowledge this rather than push for commitment.

For cost access, check whether the clinic accepts corporate insurance (AIA, Great Eastern, Prudential mental health riders) or whether sliding-scale fees are available for financial hardship.

Contact providers directly for pricing.

Prices are estimates as of 2026 and may vary based on scope, urgency, and property type. Get exact quotes for free.

HDB-area clinics: many HDB estates have clinic buildings with private counselling practices charging S$120-220/session. Community counselling services (Singapore Association of Counselling network, Family Service Centres) run S$20-80/session with means-tested rates.

Condo / CBD clinics: premium private psychology and psychiatric practices concentrate here (Psych Matters, Promises Healthcare, Resilienz Clinic). Rates S$220-350/session for psychologists, S$280-480 for psychiatrists.

Landed / hospital-affiliated clinics: specialist clinics attached to private hospitals (Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles, Parkway East) with psychiatrists and clinical psychologists at the premium tier. Initial consultation S$350-600; follow-ups S$280-450.

Unclear credentials or registration: Ask for AHPC or SAC registration number for psychologists/counsellors, or MCR number for psychiatrists. Those who refuse aren't registered.

'Cures' specific conditions: Responsible therapists talk about symptom management and coping strategies. Those promising to 'cure depression in 8 sessions' are oversimplifying.

Promoting alternative therapies over evidence-based: Crystal healing, reiki, or 'energy work' as primary mental health treatment is not supported by research. It can complement, but not replace, evidence-based therapy.

No session notes or treatment plan: Quality therapists maintain session notes and can share a treatment plan with goals. Those operating without documentation are delivering ad-hoc conversations.

Boundary issues: Social media friending with clients, extended session times without boundary, dual relationships (therapist who's also a family friend) violate SAC and AHPC professional standards.

How many Counselling providers are on KakiList?

We currently list 150 verified Counselling providers serving Singapore. New providers are added regularly after verification.

Is KakiList free to use?

Yes, KakiList is completely free for homeowners. There are no platform fees, no middleman charges, and no hidden costs. You contact providers directly via WhatsApp or phone.

How are Counselling providers verified?

Providers with a verified badge have submitted their ACRA business registration number. All providers also display their real Google reviews and ratings for transparency.

How do I get Counselling quotes?

Use our free quote tool to describe your job. We'll match you with up to 5 verified providers who will contact you directly on WhatsApp with their quotes. No obligation.

What is the average rating of Counselling providers on KakiList?

The average Google rating across our Counselling providers is 4.4★ out of 5.0. We prioritize quality — providers with consistently poor reviews are removed.