Complete Guide To Getting Help For Better Mental Health

While de-stigmatising mental health is a step forward in the right direction, it still falls to the individual to identify when they are not coping well and to seek the necessary help. Just like all other health conditions, symptoms of mental illness/dysfunctions may be caused by different disorders, and it takes a trained practitioner to diagnose and perform the correct treatment.

Similarly, while some mental health conditions are mild and may cause minor discomfort, others may be severe and require immediate treatment. There are also some conditions which may seem minor at first but get worse if left untreated. Again, this needs a trained practitioner to tell the difference.

Aside from the fact that mental health services does not come cheap, it is also sometimes confusing as to which type of mental healthcare is most suitable for one’s needs, making it all the more daunting to seek help. Here’s a guide to finding the right type of mental healthcare for your needs.

Psychotherapy Vs Counselling

Counselling is typically used for short-term issues such as coping with divorce, grief, or stress. Counselling is more applicable for people who do not have a behavioural pattern which is causing problems for them or their loved ones and are just having difficulty coping with a life situation. Counselling may involve the counsellor giving a listening ear or providing coaching to help their client cope.

Psychotherapy is more applicable for people who have long-term issues which may impact normal social functions. Some of these issues may be caused by a chronic medical condition, others may stem from a childhood trauma, or some may stem from a mental disorder or illness. Psychotherapeutic treatment may involve therapies such as talk therapy, art therapy, or cognitive behavioural therapy, or tests such as personality or intelligence tests for diagnostic purposes.

There are some overlaps between both, especially since some conditions like depression may have long-term or short-term causes. While it is generally more inexpensive to visit a counsellor rather than a psychotherapist, counsellors are generally less well-equipped to handle issues which may require or benefit from psychotherapy. Nevertheless, an experienced counsellor may be able to correctly identify if you are better suited for psychotherapy and refer you accordingly.

Many psychologists/therapists list the conditions they are experienced in treating, and this may be helpful in finding the right therapist to fit your needs.

Psychiatrist Vs Psychologist

The main difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is that the psychiatrist is a trained medical doctor and can prescribe medication, whereas the psychologist cannot.

Psychologists focus mainly on psychotherapy and rely on conversations or interactions to diagnose their client’s problems and to help the client resolve psychological or behavioural issues. While psychiatrists can also provide psychotherapy, their main focus is on managing treatment by medication, sometimes by referral from a psychologist.

Counselling psychologists and clinical psychologists also differ in that counselling psychologists focus on helping clients address issues and stressors in their lives, whereas clinical psychologists focus on mental disorders or severe mental health disorders.

Online Vs Face-To-Face Counselling/Therapy

Online counselling services come in various forms, but they are typically handled through an app. There are some benefits to it. For example, some clients are shy, so not needing to turn on their webcams may help. Another benefit is also the fact that clients can do this therapy session anywhere.

However, not all therapeutic activities can be easily conducted through online counselling/therapy. Some activities require equipment which the therapist may have handy in their office.

Additionally, the responsibility for setting a conducive environment now lies with the client. Technical issues or poor internet connection may derail the therapy session.

It may also be tougher for the therapist to understand the client since it may be harder to see their facial expressions or body language.

Studies have shown that online counselling/psychotherapy is no less effective than face-to-face counselling/psychotherapy, but a quick google search on forum threads online show many forum posts with people stating a preference for face-to-face counselling/therapy.

Read Also: Beginner’s Guide To Understanding How MediShield Life Works

Psychiatrist Services

From the table above, it seems that psychiatric consultation can cost between $283.40 per hour to $500 per hour. While not publicly stated on the websites, publicly funded hospitals like Changi General Hospital and Singapore General Hospital generally offer cheaper treatment. However, it may not be so easy to get an appointment at short notice.

Do note that other psychiatry services exist, however the fees are not stated on their websites. Some may be specialised to cater to specific mental disorders or conditions, hence the fees may differ based on the treatments/medications needed.

Psychologist/Counselling Services

Psychologists typically provide psychotherapy. Most if not all psychologists are also counselling-trained, so a psychologist typically provides counselling services as well, but their fees will be the same. Some therapists/counsellors are only counselling-trained, and hence they typically have a lower fee. The fees typically depend on the qualifications as well as experience of the psychologist/counsellor.

Most if not all publicly funded hospitals have their own psychiatry or psychological services departments. While the fees are not stated on the websites, their services are subsidised. Some forum posts have stated that the fees are between $30-$80 an hour. The Institute of Mental Health has similar charges for their services as well after subsidy.

Some providers like TalkYourHeartOut and Singapore Counselling Centre offer packages which may make it cheaper to pay for more sessions in advance.

School-Based Counselling Services

Most secondary schools and JCs have an in-house school counsellor. Tertiary institutions usually come with their own counselling services also. These services are typically provided for free. The counsellors typically cover a wide range of needs, such as academic stress, depression, relationships and LGBTQIA+ issues that might be faced by students of the age group.

These counsellors will be able to refer the students for more specialised help should the need arise, and also refer them to resources to help offset any costs incurred.

Those who are enrolled in the following tertiary education institutions may seek counselling services provided by the school:

Free Counselling Services

Some centres offer free counselling services, which is mainly focused on basic care counselling and suicide prevention.

Using MediSave/MediShield/MediFund

Dementia, schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety are listed under conditions covered by Medisave for Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP).

Under the CDMP, you can tap on your own or family members’ Medisave accounts for up to $500 a year (or $700 if you have a complex chronic condition). You may use the MediSave500/700 at Specialty Outpatient Clinics in hospitals and national specialty centres, polyclinics, MediSave-accredited clinics, and clinics participating in the Community Health Assist Scheme(CHAS). Do note that each claim is subject to a 15% co-payment in cash.

MediSave can also be used to pay for inpatient psychiatric episodes, up to $150 per day for daily hospital charges, subject to a maximum of $5,000 per year.

Aside from drawing from your MediSave, you can claim for inpatient psychiatric expenses under Medishield Life, which will cover you for $160 per day up to 60 days per policy year.

Those still facing difficulties paying for healthcare bills after Government subsidies and after having exhausted MediShield Life and MediSave can approach Medical Social Workers at institution where treatment was received to apply for MediFund. Note that the institution must be a MediFund approved institution.

Read Also: MediSave; MediShield Life; CareShield Life: Understanding How Singapore’s National Healthcare Schemes Protect You And Your Family

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