Counselling in Singapore - free & affordable help for mental healthcare
- May 17
- 2 min read
A comprehensive guide to accessible mental wellness resources in Singapore, detailing both cost-free services and affordable, sliding-scale private options. https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/counselling-singapore-free-affordable-help-mental-healthcare
Here is a summary of the key resources highlighted in the article:
1. Free In-Person Counselling & Specialized Helplines
Silver Ribbon Singapore: Offers completely free basic, face-to-face counselling during weekdays (appointments required) across branches in Serangoon Central, Geylang Serai, and Hougang.
Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH): Provides a general mental health helpline and in-person counselling. Sessions are donation-based and completely free for those facing financial hardship.
Specialized Helplines: * AWARE: A dedicated helpline for women.
Care Corner Counselling Centre: A toll-free Mandarin-language counselling hotline.
Fei Yue eCounselling Centre (ec2.sg): Online text-based counselling tailored for youths aged 13 to 25.
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): A 24-hour crisis and suicide prevention helpline.
2. Affordable & Subsidised Counselling Options
For options that do charge a fee, several non-profit and social service agencies offer heavily subsidised rates:
AWARE (Women Only): Fees are pegged to financial capacity, charged at 1% of the client's monthly income (capped at $150). Unemployed women pay $20. Cases handled via the Sexual Assault Care Centre receive the first three sessions for free.
Shan You: A non-profit organization with Buddhist roots (offering secular counselling). It charges an affordable flat rate of $80 per session for individuals and $100 for couples/families, with additional financial subsidies available upon assessment.
Counselling and Care Centre: Standard professional rates are $180/hour, but they offer a sliding scale subsidy system with much lower rates for Singaporeans and PRs earning under $10,000 monthly.
Calvary Community Care (C3): Tailored specifically for youth aged 13 to 25 dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, or grief. (Parental consent is encouraged but they offer advice to youth unsure how to ask).
Wings Counselling Centre: Evolved from a youth guidance centre to support individuals and families. Charges $80 for the first session and $60 for follow-ups, with full or partial fee waivers available.
Grace Counselling Centre: A Christian-based organization that also provides non-religious counselling. Sessions are mostly online (via Zoom/Skype) and cost $150 to $180 per hour for individuals. In-person or home visits range from $150 to $300.
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