About couples therapy
Couples therapy helps partners improve communication, handle conflict, rebuild trust after a crisis or make decisions together, including separation. Sessions are usually joint, sometimes with individual meetings. It is not about deciding who is right but about understanding the patterns between you.
Sexologists help with sexual difficulties, desire, communication about sexuality, and sexual and gender identity, individually or as a couple, in a respectful and confidential setting.
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
All couples argue. It may be time to seek help when the same arguments repeat without resolution, conversations quickly turn into criticism or silence, you feel lonely within the relationship, affection or sex have faded and that worries you, trust has been broken, or a big change such as a baby, illness or a move has unbalanced things. Considering separation is also a reason to talk.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Couples therapy approaches with good evidence include emotionally focused therapy, integrative behavioural couple therapy, cognitive-behavioural couples therapy and the Gottman method. Couples therapists, psychologists and psychotherapists with couples training usually lead the work, and a sex therapist can help when sexual concerns are central. Therapy can help couples reconnect, or separate with less damage, especially when children are involved.
When to seek urgent help
If there is physical violence, threats, sexual coercion, or you feel afraid of your partner, your safety comes first: contact your local emergency services if you are in immediate danger, and seek specialised support for domestic violence. Couples therapy is not recommended in these situations. Seek urgent help too if anyone has thoughts of suicide or harming others.
What you can do in the meantime
Choose calm moments to talk about difficult topics, rather than in the middle of an argument. Try to describe how you feel and what you need, instead of criticising. Take a break if things escalate and agree to come back to it. Make time for small moments of connection. Reading reliable information on relationships together can also open useful conversations.
What does a sex therapist do?
A sex therapist helps individuals and couples with concerns about sexuality in a respectful, confidential space. Day to day they talk about desire, arousal, pain, orgasm, sexual communication, body image, identity and orientation, and the impact of illness, ageing or past experiences. They use psychoeducation, talking therapy and practical exercises, and coordinate with doctors when a physical cause needs to be checked.
When to see a sex therapist
Seeing a sex therapist makes sense when a sexual difficulty causes distress or tension, when desire differs a lot within a couple, when there is pain or anxiety around sex, after illness, childbirth or menopause, or when you have questions about identity or orientation. A medical check-up is advisable first for pain or sudden changes; trauma may need trauma-focused therapy.
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 sex 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).