About quit smoking
Quitting smoking is easier with support. Psychological programmes work on habits, triggers and cravings and can be combined with medical treatment. Planning a quit date and preparing for difficult moments increases the chances of success.
Therapist is the everyday word for a professional who offers talking therapy: depending on the country it can be a psychologist, a psychotherapist, a licensed counsellor, a marriage and family therapist or a clinical social worker. Profiles show each therapist’s actual title, training and registration.
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
Many people who smoke want to stop but find it hard. Signs that nicotine has a strong hold include smoking soon after waking, feeling irritable, anxious or unable to concentrate without it, failing despite several attempts, and smoking even when ill. Professional support makes particular sense if you have tried alone before, smoke to manage stress or low mood, or have a health condition.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Combining behavioural support with medical treatment increases the chances of quitting compared with trying alone. Psychologists use cognitive-behavioural techniques, motivational interviewing and relapse prevention to work on habits, triggers and cravings, individually or in groups. A doctor or pharmacist can advise whether nicotine replacement or other medication is suitable for you. Many health services run stop-smoking programmes.
When to seek urgent help
Quitting smoking is not usually an emergency, but contact your local emergency services immediately for chest pain, severe breathlessness or signs of a stroke, such as sudden weakness or difficulty speaking. If quitting brings a sharp drop in mood or thoughts of harming yourself, seek help urgently. People with mental health conditions should involve their doctor when stopping, as some treatments may need adjusting.
What you can do in the meantime
Choose a quit date and prepare: remove cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays, identify your triggers and plan what you will do instead. Cravings usually pass within minutes, so distraction, water, a short walk or slow breathing can help. Tell people around you so they can support you, and avoid alcohol early on. A slip is not the end; learn from it and continue.
What does a therapist do?
A therapist helps you talk through what is worrying you and find practical ways to feel and cope better. In sessions they listen, ask questions, help you notice patterns in your thoughts, emotions and relationships, and agree goals with you. Depending on their training they may use cognitive-behavioural, humanistic, systemic, psychodynamic or other evidence-based approaches, with individuals, couples, families or groups.
When to see a therapist
It makes sense to look for a therapist when stress, anxiety, low mood, grief, relationship problems, a difficult change or the effects of past experiences start to weigh on your daily life, or when you simply want space to understand yourself better. If symptoms are severe, you may need medication or there are signs of a medical cause, involve your doctor or a psychiatrist as well.
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 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).