About older adults
Psychological support for older adults addresses loneliness, grief, adapting to retirement or illness, memory concerns and caring for a partner. Many professionals also offer sessions at home or online.
Occupational therapists help people gain or recover independence in daily activities after an illness, injury or developmental difficulty: self-care, school, work and leisure. They often work with children with autism or sensory needs and with older adults.
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
Ageing brings changes, but persistent sadness, loss of interest, anxiety, withdrawal or irritability are not an inevitable part of getting older. It may be worth seeking help after losses such as bereavement, retirement or loss of independence, when loneliness is weighing heavily, or when there are noticeable changes in memory, orientation or behaviour that worry the person or their family.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Psychological therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, problem-solving therapy and reminiscence or life-review therapy are effective for older adults with depression or anxiety. Neuropsychologists assess memory concerns and design cognitive stimulation. Psychologists, psychiatrists with experience in older people, occupational therapists and social workers often work together, and family carers can also receive support and guidance.
When to seek urgent help
Sudden confusion, drowsiness, difficulty speaking, weakness on one side or a fall with injury need immediate medical attention: contact your local emergency services. Seek urgent help too if an older person expresses thoughts of suicide, stops eating or drinking, or if you suspect abuse or neglect. Reviewing medication with a doctor is important when behaviour changes.
What you can do in the meantime
Staying connected matters: regular contact with family, friends, neighbours or community groups helps protect mood. Keep routines with daily activity, walks, meals and sleep, and continue hobbies or learn new ones. Check hearing and vision, since difficulties can increase isolation. Carers should also look after themselves and ask for help, as caring can be exhausting.
What does a occupational therapist do?
An occupational therapist helps people take part in the everyday activities that matter to them, from washing and dressing to studying, working, socialising or managing a home. Day to day they assess how a physical, mental health, developmental or cognitive condition affects daily life, then work on skills, routines, adaptations and equipment. They see children, adults and older people, often within multidisciplinary teams.
When to see a occupational therapist
Consider an occupational therapist when daily tasks have become difficult after an illness, injury or stroke, when a mental health condition makes routines and work hard to sustain, when a child has sensory, motor or self-care difficulties, or when an older person needs support to stay independent at home. For emotional therapy itself, a psychologist is usually the main professional.
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 occupational 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).