IMH Appointment and Referral in Singapore: How to Book, Step by Step

IMH appointments: the short answer

• IMH Appointment Centre: 6389 2200. This is the number for outpatient appointments, for example to change a date or set up SMS reminders.
• First visit: IMH's specialist clinics are by appointment only. To be seen at the subsidised rate you need a referral letter from a polyclinic, or from a CHAS GP if you hold a CHAS card. Without one you can still be seen, at the unsubsidised rate.
• Urgent: IMH Emergency Services is open 24 hours at Block 1, Level 1, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore 539747. No appointment or referral is needed.
• To talk to someone now: call national mindline on 1771 (24 hours), or WhatsApp 6669 1771. It replaced the old IMH helpline, 6389 2222, which is no longer in use.

Source: IMH's own Appointments & Referrals and Emergency Services pages on nhghealth.com.sg, checked October 2026. Numbers change, so confirm on IMH's site before you travel.

Before you go

Getting into the system faster comes down to preparation. Doctors at polyclinics see a high volume of patients and have limited time. The clearer you are about what you are experiencing, the more likely you are to receive an appropriate referral.

Prepare these before your appointment:

• A brief written note (2–3 sentences) describing what you have been experiencing and for how long. You do not need to have a diagnosis. "For the past three months I have been feeling persistently low, unable to enjoy things I used to, and sleeping poorly" is enough.
• Any previous mental health history — prior diagnoses, medications, therapy
• Your NRIC and CHAS card if you have one
• A list of any current medications

Step 1: Book the polyclinic appointment

Book online via HealthHub (app or healthhub.sg) or call your polyclinic directly.

When booking, select "General Appointment" — you do not need to specify mental health, though you can note it in the remarks if available.

Tip: Book at a polyclinic near your home. If you need follow-up care, proximity makes attendance easier.

Step 2: At the appointment — what to say

This is the most important step. Many people understate their symptoms in a clinical setting, which can result in a lower level of care than they need.

Say clearly: "I have been struggling with my mental health and I would like a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist."

If the GP asks you to describe your symptoms, be specific and honest. Use numbers if helpful: "I have been feeling like this for about four months. My sleep has been affected most nights. My concentration at work has dropped significantly."

If you have completed the Clarity Check, bring your scores. PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores are clinically recognised and will carry weight with the GP.

Step 3: The referral

If the GP agrees a referral is appropriate, they will refer you to the specialist outpatient clinic (SOC) at a restructured hospital. You will receive:

• A referral letter
• An appointment date (usually by post or SMS within 1–2 weeks)
• Information on the subsidised rate

The wait for a first SOC appointment is typically 4–8 weeks. If symptoms worsen while you are waiting, return to the polyclinic — they can escalate the urgency of the referral.

Step 4: Before your specialist appointment

When you receive your appointment:

• Confirm the date and location
• Prepare a clear account of your history — onset, symptoms, what has helped or not helped, any family history of mental health conditions
• Bring your referral letter, NRIC (or passport if you are not a Singapore Citizen or PR), and a list of any medications

If the GP does not refer you

This happens. If you believe you need a referral and are not getting one:

• Ask directly: "Can you explain why a referral is not appropriate at this stage?"
• Request to see a different GP at the same polyclinic
• Visit a different polyclinic

You can also go to IMH directly. Walk in to IMH Emergency Services at Buangkok View, open 24 hours. You will be screened, registered and given an estimated waiting time, and the most acute cases are seen first. IMH says its busiest period is between 11am and 7pm. This route is for severe symptoms, not for skipping the outpatient queue.

If you are not a Citizen or PR, or do not want to wait

The subsidised route through a polyclinic referral is for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. On an Employment Pass, S Pass or Dependant Pass you can still be seen at IMH, at the unsubsidised rate, so the referral does not save you money in the same way.

If what you need is to talk regularly with someone, rather than a psychiatric diagnosis or medication, a private counsellor needs no referral and no wait list. Heal Counselling offers a free 30-minute consultation, in person, on a walk, or online. If you are new to Singapore, counselling for expats covers insurance, confidentiality and cost on a work pass.

Emergency route

If you are in crisis and cannot wait:

• IMH Emergency Services: Block 1, Level 1, 10 Buangkok View, open 24 hours
• Any hospital A&E can provide initial psychiatric assessment in a crisis
• Call national mindline: 1771 (24 hours), or WhatsApp 6669 1771
• Call 995 for an ambulance if there is immediate physical danger