About occupational psychologists
Occupational (work and organisational) psychologists deal with well-being at work: stress and burnout prevention, workplace conflicts, career guidance, leadership and team development.
Getting mental health care in Brunei
Public health system · Ministry of Health – Psychiatry and Psychology Services
Public mental health care is run by the Ministry of Health, mainly through the Department of Psychiatry at RIPAS Hospital and the Ministry's psychology services. The Clinical Psychology Unit takes referrals from hospitals and private clinics. The Community Psychology Division takes referrals from government health centres and schools and sees patients at health centres by appointment. Ask your nearest health clinic or hospital for a referral. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Allied Health Professions Council of Brunei Darussalam (AHPCBD). Under the Allied Health Professions Order 2017, clinical psychologists and psychologists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists must be registered with the AHPCBD and hold a practising certificate. The Council publishes a directory of registered professionals. Search the official register
- Brunei Medical Board. Doctors, including psychiatrists, are registered with the Brunei Medical Board, which publishes a list of registered medical practitioners. Search the official register
Urgent help in Brunei
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 991 · Ambulance
- 145 · Talian Harapan 145 (Ministry of Health)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: moh.gov.bn, moh.gov.bn
What does a occupational psychologist do?
An occupational psychologist, or work and organisational psychologist, applies psychology to the workplace. Day to day they may assess and select candidates, design training, improve team dynamics and leadership, assess psychosocial risks such as stress or harassment, support organisational change and promote well-being. Some also offer individual career guidance, coaching or support with burnout and return to work.
When to see a occupational psychologist
An occupational psychologist can help individuals facing career decisions, job loss, work stress or a return after sick leave, and organisations dealing with conflict, high turnover, burnout risk, restructuring or the need to assess psychosocial risks. If work stress has led to significant anxiety, depression or exhaustion, a clinical psychologist or doctor should also be involved.
How is it different from other professionals?
An occupational psychologist focuses on people at work and organisations, while a clinical psychologist treats mental health problems wherever they come from. A coach may work on goals and performance but is not necessarily a psychologist. HR professionals manage people processes; occupational psychologists bring psychological assessment methods and evidence. A social psychologist studies group processes more broadly.
What happens in the first session
For individuals, the first session explores your work history, current situation, strengths, values and what you want to change. For organisations, it is usually a meeting to define the need, the people involved and expected outcomes. Bring your CV or relevant data, and ask about methodology, confidentiality, especially if your employer is paying, and how results are reported.
How long does the process take?
Individual career or coaching processes often involve a limited number of sessions spread over weeks or a few months. Organisational projects vary from one-off workshops or assessments to programmes lasting months, with phases of diagnosis, intervention and follow-up. Duration depends on the goals, the size of the team or organisation and how changes are implemented.
Online or in person?
Online sessions are well suited to career guidance, coaching, training and many assessments, and they fit easily into working schedules. Remote work makes them even more practical for distributed teams. In-person may be preferable for team workshops where interaction matters, workplace observation, conflict mediation, or when an employee prefers to be away from both home and office.
How to check their qualifications
Occupational psychologists are psychologists, so check that they hold a psychology degree and are registered with the licensing body or professional college of their country where practice is regulated. Ask about postgraduate training in work and organisational psychology, certifications for the assessment tools they use, experience in your sector, and references from previous projects or clients.
What affects the price?
Individual sessions are priced similarly to other psychological services, varying with experience, city and modality. Organisational work is usually priced per project, depending on the number of employees, assessments or workshops, preparation and reporting time, and travel. Some employers or employee assistance programmes cover sessions. Ask for a clear proposal and what is included.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Brunei cover psychological care?
Public mental health care is run by the Ministry of Health, mainly through the Department of Psychiatry at RIPAS Hospital and the Ministry's psychology services. The Clinical Psychology Unit takes referrals from hospitals and private clinics. The Community Psychology Division takes referrals from government health centres and schools and sees patients at health centres by appointment. Ask your nearest health clinic or hospital for a referral.
How do I check that a occupational psychologist is licensed in Brunei?
Allied Health Professions Council of Brunei Darussalam (AHPCBD): Under the Allied Health Professions Order 2017, clinical psychologists and psychologists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists must be registered with the AHPCBD and hold a practising certificate. The Council publishes a directory of registered professionals.