Securing Sessions with Counsellors or Trained Professionals Beyond Phone Hotlines and Online Counselling Services

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Social and Family Development beyond the phone hotlines and online counselling services, whether there are avenues for individuals to procure urgent and immediate meetings with counsellors or a trained professional to talk to.

There is a comprehensive range of counselling services available under the Community Mental Health Masterplan developed by the Ministry of Health.

Apart from telephone hotlines and online counselling services, Social Service Agencies (SSAs) also provide in-person counselling services to those who require such support. The SSAs prioritise those in greater need of support in their appointments.

For persons with severe emotional distress, they can seek urgent support from the Institute of Mental Health’s Emergency Service or Emergency Department of restructured hospitals.