Median Waiting Times for Patients Seeking Support for Common Mental Health Conditions Through Primary Care

Dr Choo Pei Ling asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what are the median waiting times for assessment, counselling and referral pathways for patients seeking support for common mental health conditions through primary care; and (b) whether the Ministry is expanding capacity in this area.

Patients are usually first seen at the polyclinics and general practitioner clinics, where an assessment and appropriate treatment may be provided. Non-urgent cases will be referred to the mental health clinic if needed. In 2025, the median wait time for non-urgent referrals to the mental health clinic was 23 days.

Those who have more urgent or complex needs requiring specialist care will receive earlier appointments or are referred to emergency services at the Institute of Mental Health or other acute hospitals.

Services, such as assessments, counseling and psychotherapy, are also available in the community at Community Outreach Team and Community Intervention Team, which do not require referrals. The Ministry of Health will continue to right-site care and expand mental health services progressively in the community.