Complaints about Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Counsellors from LGBTQ Clients, Complaint Mechanisms Available and Sanctions and Punishments Meted Out

Ms Anthea Ong asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry has received any complaints about psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors from their LGBTQ clients and, if so, what are the complaints; (b) what are the complaint mechanisms available to their LGBTQ clients; and (c) how are errant individuals reported by their LGBTQ clients sanctioned or punished.

MOH has not received any complaints against psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors from self-declared LGBTQ patients in the past three years.

MOH and our healthcare institutions have systems in place to handle feedback or complaints against psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors. Patients may also seek assistance from the Singapore Mediation Centre for complaints against psychologists and counsellors or lodge a complaint against psychiatrists with the Singapore Medical Council.

Psychiatrists are regulated under the Medical Registration Act which sets out the disciplinary processes and the set-up of disciplinary bodies, namely the independent Complaints Committees and Disciplinary Tribunals. The Complaints Committee will review each complaint and decide on one of the following actions: (a) dismiss the complaint, (b) issue a Letter of Advice, (c) issue a Letter of Warning, (d) refer the doctor to the Disciplinary Tribunal or the Health Committee for a formal inquiry. The Disciplinary Tribunal has the power to remove the doctor from the register, suspend the practicing license for a certain period of time or impose a fine of up to $100,000.