The short answer
At IMH, a subsidised Singapore citizen pays from about SGD 33 for a first psychiatrist visit. A private psychiatrist usually costs several hundred dollars a visit. A private clinical psychologist session usually costs about SGD 180 to SGD 360. The details are below.
Sources: IMH, SGH, MOH and CPF pages, and the prices private clinics publish on their own websites, checked 21 October 2026. Prices change, and clinics treat GST differently, so confirm before you book.
Who does what
HealthHub explains the three roles:
- Psychiatrist: a medical doctor who can prescribe medication
- Clinical psychologist: assesses, diagnoses and treats, but cannot prescribe. They can refer you to a psychiatrist
- Counsellor: gives you a safe, non-judgmental space to work through what you are facing
Heal Counselling offers counselling. If you need a diagnosis or medication, Nidhi can talk through your referral options.
Public hospitals: psychiatry
IMH outpatient charges from 1 September 2026, for Singapore citizens (adult visits, GST included):
- First visit, subsidised: SGD 33.44 to SGD 78.02, depending on your subsidy level
- Repeat visit, subsidised: SGD 31.90 to SGD 74.44
- First visit, non-subsidised: SGD 103.50 to SGD 219.70, depending on the doctor's seniority
- Repeat visit, non-subsidised: SGD 92.60 to SGD 154.40
IMH says its rates differ for PRs, resident foreigners and non-residents, but it does not publish them, so ask IMH. Longer consultations can cost extra.
MOH's subsidy for specialist outpatient care at public institutions, from 1 January 2025, is 30% to 70% for Singapore Citizens depending on household income, and 25% for PRs. MOH's page does not say whether foreigners get any subsidy.
Referral. For the subsidised rate at IMH you need a referral letter from a polyclinic, or from a CHAS GP if you hold a CHAS card. IMH also has the Sayang Wellness Clinic for non-subsidised patients, so ask IMH how to be seen without a referral. SGH accepts self-referral, by appointment. The IMH and polyclinic referral guide shows the steps.
Private psychiatrists
On three private clinics' own websites in October 2026, a first psychiatrist consultation was priced from about SGD 320, and often SGD 500 to SGD 700 or more. Follow-up visits started from about SGD 225 and ran up to SGD 600 or more, depending on the clinic, the length of the visit and the doctor. Many of these are "from" prices, and some include GST while some do not say.
Whether you need a referral for a private psychiatrist is up to the clinic. None of the clinics we checked mentioned one, but confirm when you book.
Private psychologists and counsellors
Across private clinics' published prices, a clinical psychologist session cost about SGD 180 to SGD 360, mostly as "from" prices. The top of that range includes couples sessions. Some clinics include GST and some do not.
A psychological assessment costs more than a regular session. One clinic publishes a range of SGD 450 to SGD 2,200. For adult ADHD assessments specifically, see the ADHD assessment guide.
Some clinics charge less for counsellors than for psychologists, and some charge the same. At Heal Counselling, sessions start from SGD 200 per hour, GST included, and Nidhi confirms your rate after the free consultation. The pricing page has the details.
MediSave and insurance
MediSave. The Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) covers 23 conditions. The mental health conditions on the list are schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety, and dementia is also listed. You can claim up to SGD 500 a year, or SGD 700 if you have complex conditions, and pay 15% in cash. CPF says the limits rise to SGD 700 and SGD 1,000 from 1 January 2027, and the 15% co-payment is waived at your enrolled Healthier SG clinic.
The clinic must be accredited. GPs join the Mental Health GP Partnership, and the Agency for Integrated Care's Mind Matters Directory lists some of them. MOH said in November 2025 that mental health conditions outside the CDMP cannot be claimed with MediSave.
MediSave covers the conditions in this programme at accredited clinics, up to the limit. We found nothing saying it covers private counsellor or psychologist sessions, so ask CPF before you assume you can use it for them.
Insurance. As MOH said in 2023, MediShield Life covers hospital stays, including inpatient mental health care, and Integrated Shield plans also cover inpatient mental health, with different limits. MOH adds that insurance may be less useful for frequent, lower-cost outpatient visits. Check your own policy for outpatient cover.
If cost is the barrier
Free counselling in Singapore lists what is free and what is subsidised. Subsidised mental health services explains who qualifies. If you cannot afford a bill at a public hospital, ask the medical social worker there about MediFund, the safety net for patients who cannot pay.
If you are not sure which kind of help you need, the free 30-minute consultation is a place to work that out. You do not need a referral to book. How to choose a private therapist lists the questions worth asking first.
If you are in crisis right now, call national mindline on 1771 (24 hours), or 995 in an emergency.