Mental Health Support to Lower Income

Mr Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) in light of the increased need for mental well-being support and increased use of online healthcare and counselling services; (b) whether the current schemes and subsidies to provide mental health services to the lower income are sufficient; and (c) whether there are plans to review and provide a holistic support structure in terms of uplifting these individuals.

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided fresh impetus to pay heed to the importance of mental health and well-being. We are committed to ensuring that all Singaporeans can access mental health services, regardless of their income level. We have several schemes and initiatives in place, many of which provide additional support for lower income groups.

Today, mental health services are subsidised at public healthcare institutions. Under the Chronic Disease Management Programme, the Community Health Assist Scheme provides each patient with subsidies of up to $500 per year for the management of mental health conditions, and patients can also use their MediSave to defray the cost of treatment at polyclinics, public Specialist Outpatient Clinics and participating private general practitioner and specialist clinics. MediFund is also available at public healthcare institutions as a safety net to assist needy Singaporeans who are unable to afford their medical care, including for mental health.

There is a variety of social services providing mental health support. Counselling programmes offered by Social Service Agencies (SSAs) and funded by the National Council of Social Service are either free-of-charge or subsidised, with subsidies and corresponding out-of-pocket fees varying according to clients’ income levels. Low-income and vulnerable families can also approach any of our 48 Family Service Centres (FSCs). FSCs provide counselling and case management support for those with socio-emotional needs and bring in the relevant mental health services to provide specialist support where needed.

Individuals of all income levels may also access free mental health support through platforms, such as helplines and online services. These include the National CARE Hotline and 24-hour crisis hotlines by Samaritans of Singapore and the Institute of Mental Health. Mindline.sg also provides an online repository of free resources and tools to improve mental well-being.

To provide greater mental health support in the community, MOH, together with the Agency for Integrated Care, works with community partners, such as the SSAs, to provide mental health services under the Community Mental Health Masterplan. This includes expanding community mental health services, such as the community outreach teams and community intervention teams, to support persons with mental health needs in the community. In addition, a new inter-agency platform on mental health and well-being will be established by mid-2021 and co-led by MOH and MSF. The platform will oversee mental health and well-being efforts, focusing on cross-cutting issues that require multi- and inter-agency collaborations.

The Government is committed to uplifting lower income families and households, including supporting their mental health needs. My Ministry will continue to work closely with other Government agencies and community partners to ensure the availability of mental wellness services to all who require such support.