About LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ affirmative professionals offer a safe, respectful space to explore identity, relationships, coming out, minority stress or discrimination, without pathologising sexual orientation or gender identity.
Couples therapists help partners with communication problems, frequent arguments, infidelity, crises or decisions about the future of the relationship. Sessions are usually joint, sometimes combined with individual ones.
Getting mental health care in Singapore
Public health system · Public healthcare (polyclinics, Institute of Mental Health and public hospitals)
Polyclinic doctors assess mental health concerns and can refer patients to public mental health services. To be seen as a subsidised patient at the Institute of Mental Health you need a referral from a polyclinic or, for CHAS cardholders, a CHAS GP; subsidised patients pay reduced consultation fees. In 2020 the median wait for a new subsidised appointment was about 32 days for a psychologist and 34 days for a psychiatrist. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Singapore Psychological Society – Singapore Register of Psychologists (voluntary). Psychology is not regulated by law and registration is not required to practise. The voluntary Singapore Register of Psychologists requires an applied postgraduate degree in psychology and adherence to the SPS Code of Ethics, so check for the title Registered Psychologist (Singapore). Search the official register
- Singapore Medical Council (SMC). Doctors must be on the SMC Register of Medical Practitioners with a valid practising certificate; psychiatrists must also be accredited and listed on the Register of Specialists. Search the official register
Urgent help in Singapore
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 995 · Ambulance / Fire (SCDF)
- 1767 · Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
- 1771 · National Mindline 1771
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: nhghealth.com.sg, moh.gov.sg, moh.gov.sg, singaporepsychologicalsociety.org
Signs to look out for
Being LGBTQ+ is not a mental health problem. However, discrimination, rejection, hiding who you are or living in an unsupportive environment can create stress that affects well-being. It may help to seek support if you feel anxious or low, isolated, unsafe, conflicted about your identity, struggling with coming out, facing family rejection, or affected by harassment or violence.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Look for affirmative therapy: psychologists, psychotherapists and other professionals who respect your identity and have training in sexual and gender diversity. Evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and family therapy can be adapted to address minority stress. So-called conversion therapies are harmful and rejected by professional bodies. Peer and community groups can complement professional support.
When to seek urgent help
If you are in immediate danger, have been assaulted, or are being threatened because of your identity, contact your local emergency services. Seek urgent help too if you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or if you have been thrown out of your home and have nowhere safe to go. Specialised LGBTQ+ organisations in many places can offer support and guidance.
What you can do in the meantime
Connect with people and spaces where you can be yourself, whether friends, community groups or trusted online communities. You decide when, how and to whom you come out; your safety comes first. Look for reliable, affirming information sources. Look after sleep, movement and routines, and limit exposure to hostile content online. Ask potential therapists directly about their experience with LGBTQ+ clients.
What does a couples therapist do?
A couples therapist helps two people understand and improve their relationship. Day to day they work with couples on communication, recurring arguments, trust after infidelity, intimacy, life transitions such as parenthood or retirement, and decisions about continuing or separating. They stay neutral, make room for both perspectives, and teach practical skills to talk, listen and repair after conflict.
When to see a couples therapist
Couples therapy makes sense when arguments repeat without resolution, you feel distant or misunderstood, trust has been damaged, sexual or emotional intimacy has changed, or you face a big decision together. It also helps couples who want to separate respectfully. If there is violence, control or fear in the relationship, couples therapy is not appropriate; individual support and safety come first.
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 Singapore cover psychological care?
Polyclinic doctors assess mental health concerns and can refer patients to public mental health services. To be seen as a subsidised patient at the Institute of Mental Health you need a referral from a polyclinic or, for CHAS cardholders, a CHAS GP; subsidised patients pay reduced consultation fees. In 2020 the median wait for a new subsidised appointment was about 32 days for a psychologist and 34 days for a psychiatrist.
How do I check that a couples therapist is licensed in Singapore?
Singapore Psychological Society – Singapore Register of Psychologists (voluntary): Psychology is not regulated by law and registration is not required to practise. The voluntary Singapore Register of Psychologists requires an applied postgraduate degree in psychology and adherence to the SPS Code of Ethics, so check for the title Registered Psychologist (Singapore).