The short answer
Free counselling does exist in Singapore, but who gets it depends on who you are and what you need. Some services are free to everyone. Some are free only to citizens and PRs, or to students. Some are subsidised, which is not the same as free.
This guide keeps those three apart. It uses each organisation's own pages, plus MOH and MSF information, checked in October 2026. Numbers and eligibility change, so confirm with the service before you rely on it.
If you need to talk to someone right now, call national mindline on 1771 (24 hours), or the Samaritans of Singapore on 1767 (24 hours).
Talk to someone now
national mindline 1771
Call 1771, WhatsApp +65 6669 1771, or use the web chat at mindline.sg. Open 24 hours, 7 days. It is confidential and you can stay anonymous. It started on 18 June 2025.
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
Call 1767, 24 hours. You can also text through CareText on WhatsApp at 9151 1767.
These are for when you need someone now. For regular sessions, look at the services below.
Free, if you qualify
Family Assist (MSF): marriage, divorce and parenting counselling
All sessions at Family Assist centres are free. They are open to Singapore Citizens and PRs aged 18 or over. Non-residents can also use it if they have a family member who is a Singapore Citizen or PR. Online live chat and audio calls run Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, closed on public holidays. Start at familyassist.msf.gov.sg.
Young people aged 12 to 25
MOH lists CREST-Youth and the Youth Integrated Teams as free services for young people. Fei Yue's CREST Youth is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:30pm, and takes referral forms. Its screenings are free.
Silver Ribbon: Complimentary Counselling Service
Free and open to all nationalities. You book first, by Zoom, WhatsApp, phone or in person, and a session lasts up to an hour. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Call 6386 1928.
Care Corner counselling hotline (Mandarin)
Toll-free on 1800-3535-800, from 10am to 10pm every day except public holidays.
Syariah Court Marriage Counselling Programme
Muslim married persons must attend this before filing for divorce. You register through the SYC Portal. The session with the Resource Person is stated as free.
Community mental health teams for adults (CREST, 18 and over)
Government-funded, with no out-of-pocket cost, according to the Agency for Integrated Care. No referral is needed. Make an appointment through the provider listings on mindline.sg.
Students
NUS says counselling is free for its students. Request an appointment through its online form, or call the 24-hour line on 6516 7777. Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic also say their counselling is free for students. Schools have their own counsellors, so ask your school's counselling team.
Pay what you can, or low cost
SAMH Insight Centre
Counselling is by donation, so you give what you choose. Call the toll-free line on 1800-283-7019, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, to book.
Family Service Centres (FSCs)
There are 49 across Singapore's HDB towns. They offer casework and counselling, and you can call, walk in or email. To find yours, call the ComCare Hotline on 1800-222-0000 (every day, 7am to midnight) or use MSF's FSC locator. The fee is not stated, so ask when you call.
Subsidised is not the same as free
Polyclinics and GPs
Singapore Citizens get subsidies at polyclinics and public hospitals, and the rate depends on your income and citizenship. CHAS, Pioneer and Merdeka cardholders also get subsidies for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia at selected private CHAS GPs, under the Chronic Disease Management Programme. MediSave can be used toward it at accredited clinics. Your clinic will tell you what you pay.
The IMH and polyclinic referral guide shows the steps. Subsidised mental health services explains who qualifies, and what a psychiatrist or psychologist costs shows the fees.
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)
MOM's advisory says employers should provide access to confidential counselling, for example through an EAP. Ask HR whether your company has one, and whether you can use it. That depends on your employer.
What a free first session means at private practices
Many private practices offer a free first conversation. That is an introduction, not free ongoing counselling.
Heal Counselling offers a free 30-minute consultation, in person, on a walk, or online. Sessions after that are paid, from SGD 200 per hour, and Nidhi confirms your rate during the consultation. You can see the details on the pricing page.
If you decide to see a private therapist, how to choose one lists what to ask before you book.
Some free services take bookings and may not have a slot in the same week. If you need someone now, use mindline on 1771, or SOS on 1767. In an emergency, call 995.