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Month: September 2025

Difference Between a Therapist and a Psychologist in Singapore

Posted on by Manassa Shrikanth
  • Published on 23 September 2025

If you’ve searched for mental health support in Singapore, chances are you’ve come across different terms like therapist, psychologist, counsellor and psychiatrist. 

While psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in treating mental health disorders, the other three may seem rather similar and confusing. 

Are you at the beginning of your therapy journey and on a similar boat? This blog is just for you! 

In the following sections, we explore the two common types of mental health professionals – therapists vs psychologists in Singapore, and discuss the key differences between them. Let’s get started!

This Article Contains:

Therapy Options in Singapore: 2 Types of Mental Health Professionals

As we saw earlier, while there are several types of mental health professionals, the two most commonly sought ones are therapists and psychologists in Singapore.

Understanding what each of them does and how their forms of support differ can help you choose the right fit for your needs and therapy goals.

Let’s explore both types in more detail below:

1) Who is a Psychologist?

A psychologist in Singapore typically holds a Master’s (M.Sc.) or Doctoral degree (PhD) and may specialise in areas such as clinical psychology, counselling psychology, or educational psychology.

Psychologists are trained to help people work through severe mental health issues and disorders, such as: 

In Singapore, licensed clinical psychologists can also conduct psychological assessments (eg IQ tests, ADHD evaluations) – a service that general therapists do not usually offer.

As opposed to therapists, psychologists may also work in research, academic, government or clinical settings. 

When to see a psychologist in Singapore: You might choose to see a psychologist if you’re dealing with complex mental health issues, are looking for a diagnosis followed by therapy, or prefer a structured, specialised and long-term approach.

Quick Psychologist Checklist

  • Master’s (M.Sc.) or Doctorate (PhD) in Clinical or Counselling Psychology
  • Specialises in diagnosing and treating particular mental health conditions
  • Uses structured, evidence-based therapies like CBT, ACT, or Schema Therapy
  • Offers psychological assessments (eg ADHD, IQ testing)
  • Works with complex or long-term mental health concerns

2) Who is a Therapist?

The word ‘therapist’ is an umbrella term that can refer to various mental health professionals, including counsellors, psychotherapists, and social workers, who provide talk-based mental health support.

Unlike psychologists in Singapore, who come from a background in clinical or counselling psychology, therapists may have a variety of educational backgrounds. They can hold a postgraduate diploma, a Master’s degree (MA) in counselling, or specialised training in psychotherapy.

While therapists are also trained to support all types of mental health issues, they may not be able to provide formal diagnoses or psychological assessments.

When to see a therapist in Singapore: You might choose to see a therapist if you’re looking for support with a life change, mental health challenge, relationship issues or simply for personal development.

Quick Therapist Checklist

  • Trained in counselling or psychotherapy with a Master’s (MA) or Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, Social Work or Counselling
  • Focuses on talk therapy for mental health issues, life transitions, relationship struggles and personal growth
  • Offers mental health support, but does not provide formal diagnoses or testing
A psychologist in Singapore taking notes during a session.

Therapist vs Psychologist in Singapore: Key Similarities and Differences

Choosing between a therapist and a psychologist in Singapore can feel tricky, especially when they seem to offer similar forms of mental health support. 

In this section, we break down the key similarities and differences between them to help you make an informed decision:

6 Similarities: Therapist vs Psychologist

  • Both therapists and psychologists in Singapore offer talk therapy to support your mental health
  • They create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can work towards your goals
  • Sessions are typically 1:1 and confidential, and may be in-person or online
  • They help you build self-awareness and develop healthier coping mechanisms, practical skills, and tools
  • Both work with a range of concerns like anxiety, depression, life changes, grief, relationships, self-esteem, personal growth, etc
  • Neither prescribes medication – only psychiatrists and medical doctors in Singapore can do that

7 Differences: Therapist vs Psychologist

Therapists in Singapore

  • Qualification: Typically has a Master’s in Counselling or Psychotherapy, Social Work
  • Focus Areas: Emotional support, personal growth, resilience, relationship issues, life stressors
  • Scope of Practice: Offers counselling sessions, emotional guidance, and coping tools
  • Regulatory Body (SG): May be registered under the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) or work under regulated centres
  • Therapeutic Approach: May be more flexible and exploratory
  • Referral Pathway: May refer clients to a psychologist or psychiatrist if clinical support is needed
  • Terminology: Not all therapists can be referred to as psychologists

Psychologists help thousands of Singaporeans everyday

Talk to a TYHO Psychologist

Psychologists in Singapore

  • Qualification: Psychologists in Singapore usually hold a Master’s or Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling Psychology
  • Focus Areas: Psychologists can perform assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of severe mental health conditions
  • Scope of Practice: Psychologists in Singapore can conduct clinical assessments and provide formal diagnoses in addition to counselling
  • Regulatory Body (SG): Psychologists in Singapore may be voluntarily registered under the Singapore Register of Psychologists (SRP)
  • Therapeutic Approach: Psychologists often practise a more structured and goal-oriented therapeutic approach
  • Referral Pathway: Psychologists in Singapore may work alongside other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, for more complex treatment plans
  • Terminology: All psychologists can be referred to as therapists; however, not every psychologist is an experienced talk therapist, as some choose to go into research, academia, government jobs or clinical practice

Note

It’s important to remember that neither a therapist nor a psychologist in Singapore can prescribe medication to treat mental health issues.

Only a qualified psychiatrist, holding an MD in psychology, can do so.

4 Steps to Choosing the Right Type of Mental Health Professional in Singapore

Now that we understand what a psychologist and a therapist do, as well as the key similarities and differences between them, here are some simple steps to help you choose the right one for your needs:

1) Note Down Your Needs, Goals & Nature of Concern

Are you dealing with work stress, burnout, relationship issues or self-esteem struggles? 

The first step in choosing the right type of mental health professional is to identify your goals and needs clearly.

Ask yourself

Why am I seeking mental health support? Do I need specialised support for a particular concern?

If you’ve been experiencing ongoing or severe symptoms like anxiety attacks, body dysmorphia or obsessive behaviours, it may be best to choose a psychologist specialising in your issue. Psychologists in Singapore are licensed to diagnose and treat mental health concerns like ADHD, BPD, OCD, etc.

However, if your symptoms are not as severe or you’re planning to work towards personal growth and emotional resilience, a therapist may be the ideal choice.

2) Consider Whether You Need a Diagnosis

As we saw earlier, psychologists in Singapore are trained and licensed to conduct formal psychological assessments and provide clinical diagnoses. 

If you doubt that you’re showing symptoms of mental health disorders and would like an assessment or diagnosis, a psychologist is the right choice for you.

Psychologists in Singapore can diagnose and treat conditions such as the following:

Psychologists can also administer cognitive and developmental assessments, including IQ, memory, and executive functioning tests.

3) Think About the Type of Mental Health Support You’re Looking For

Psychologists in Singapore generally use a more structured, research-backed and evidence-based approach. If you’re someone who craves structure and routine, a psychologist may be the best choice in this regard.

On the other hand, therapists may offer a more person-centred and flexible approach that’s tailored to your needs. Due to this reason, therapists are the ideal choice for goals such as personal development, relationship improvement, skill development, and building self-esteem and self-confidence.

4) Reach Out for an Introductory Call or a One-Off Session

Many types of mental health professionals offer short introductory calls where you can understand their approach and clarify any doubts you may have. 

Alternatively, you can schedule a single session to gauge whether they are the right fit. If you’re browsing through a mental health platform, you can also reach out to their customer support to clarify whether a professional is a psychologist or a therapist.

Key Takeaways

Choosing between a therapist and a psychologist in Singapore doesn’t have to be confusing. Understanding what each professional specialises in and how they can support your mental health can help you make the right choice. 

Here are some key points to take away from our blog:

  • Psychologists are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions using evidence-based methods.
  • Both psychologists and therapists provide safe, non-judgmental and professional support and practical tools for a range of mental health issues and life challenges.
  • If you’re looking for a formal diagnosis of a mental health condition, a psychologist in Singapore would be the right choice.
  • If you’re looking for flexible and person-centred therapy, a therapist would be the ideal choice.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on the nature of your concern, your goals, and the level and type of care you need.

Take your time, ask questions, and remember that seeking support (of any kind) is always a sign of strength, not a weakness.

When you feel ready, click here to explore TYHO psychologists in Singapore.💜

A psychologist in Singapore engaging in a session with a client.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Psychologists in Singapore

1) Are therapists and psychologists the same?

No. Therapists and psychologists in Singapore differ based on their educational background, scope of practice and approaches used. 

Psychologists generally hold a master’s or doctoral degree in clinical or counselling psychology and can perform formal assessments and tests. On the other hand, therapists may hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or postgraduate diploma in psychology, social work, or counselling.

With regard to their scope of work, psychologists specialise in diagnosing and treating severe mental health disorders and behavioural issues. 

2) How is a psychiatrist different from a psychologist in Singapore?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. Psychologists in Singapore cannot prescribe medication but can provide psychological assessments and therapy.

3) Can a therapist or psychologist prescribe medication?

No – Only psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication for mental health concerns. Neither therapists nor psychologists in Singapore can prescribe any type of medication.

4) Can a therapist perform diagnostic tests and assessments?

No. Only qualified psychologists can conduct formal psychological assessments and make clinical diagnoses.

5) How do I choose from the different types of mental health professionals on TYHO?

At TYHO, we refer to all our mental health professionals, including counsellors, psychologists and psychotherapists, as ‘Therapists’. Regardless of the type, all TYHO Therapists are well-equipped to support a wide range of mental health concerns.

However, we encourage you to take the time to read through the profiles of different mental health professionals to find someone who best suits your needs.

Child Psychologists in Singapore: What Parents Should Know

Posted on by Manassa Shrikanth
  • Published on 23 September 2025

Children, just like adults, experience stress, anxiety, and other emotional struggles. But unlike adults, they may not always have the words to express what they’re feeling.

That’s where child psychologists come in. They specialise in helping children make sense of their emotions, behaviours, and struggles, while guiding parents along the way.

In this blog, we explore what child psychologists in Singapore do, when to seek their help, and what every parent should know about the process to support their child’s mental well-being.

This Article Contains:

What is Child Psychology and Who are Child Psychologists?

Child psychology refers to a specialised subfield of psychology that focuses on the behaviour, development and mental health of children and adolescents. 

A child psychologist is a mental health professional trained to assess, diagnose, and support children facing a range of emotional, behavioural, or developmental challenges. These could include:

  • Difficulty managing emotions (eg anger, anxiety, sadness)
  • Changes in behaviour (eg aggression, withdrawal, regression)
  • Academic or school-related stress
  • Trauma, grief, or loss
  • Social difficulties or bullying
  • Attention, focus, or learning issues
  • Family conflict or adjustment to major life changes (eg divorce, relocation)

Child psychologists use evidence-based approaches, such as play therapy, art therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), as well as general talk therapy (adapted to the child’s age and needs).  Child therapists in Singapore help children learn to express themselves and develop healthier coping mechanisms. 

They also work closely with parents or caregivers to offer guidance, reassurance, and strategies to support the child’s mental wellbeing at home.

When to See a Child Psychologist in Singapore: Signs to Look Out For

Our childhood is our formative period. It’s thus absolutely normal for children to go through many emotional ups and downs.

However, due to this very reason, it can be tricky for parents to identify when it’s something more serious. Here are some signs and situations when it may be time to consider speaking to a child psychologist in Singapore:

1) Sudden or Ongoing Behavioural Changes

  • Getting unusually aggressive, withdrawn, or defiant
  • Major shifts in eating or sleeping patterns
  • Regressing to earlier behaviours or behaviours of younger kids (eg bedwetting, baby talk)

2) Emotional Struggles

  • Frequent meltdowns or extreme mood swings
  • Intense anxiety or fear (eg about school, being alone, making mistakes)
  • Signs of sadness, low motivation, or feeling ‘empty’

3) Struggles at School

  • Difficulty concentrating, learning, or keeping up with classes
  • Refusing to go to school or finding reasons to avoid going (like stomach aches)
  • Unusual and frequent conflicts with teachers or peers

4) Social or Friendship Challenges

  • Trouble making or keeping friends
  • Avoiding social situations or group activities (eg a classmate’s birthday party or play dates)
  • Extreme clinginess or unexplained isolation

5) Coping with Big Life Changes or Trauma

  • Parental separation, relocation, loss of a loved one
  • Bullying or peer pressure
  • Any experience that seems to have shaken their confidence or sense of safety

6) A Parent’s Gut Feeling

Sometimes, even if nothing seems apparently wrong on the outside, your instincts may say otherwise. It’s always wise to trust your instincts, especially as parents.

If your gut says something is ‘off’, or your child seems unlike themselves, talk to them. A child psychologist can also help assess and understand what may be going on, or even just rule out that nothing is.   

A child psychologist engaging in art therapy with a child in Singapore.

What Happens During Child Therapy Sessions: How Exactly Do Child Psychologists Help?

Deciding to take your child to see a child psychologist can be daunting. Your mind may be swirling with thoughts like:

  • What happens in a session?
  • How do I find the right child therapist in Singapore?
  • Will my child be able to open up?
  • Will they feel comfortable and safe with the child psychologist?
  • Will the therapy process be tailored to suit my child?
  • Will I be included in sessions?
  • Will I be kept informed about what happens during sessions?

If you’ve been wondering about these questions, this section takes you through how child psychologists work and how a typical session flows:

1) Initial Assessment (with Parents)

During the first session, or even the first few sessions, a child psychologist will take time to conduct an initial assessment. Parents are encouraged to attend these sessions in order to help children feel comfortable and safe in the therapist’s presence.

Child therapists in Singapore may also talk to the parents and child separately during the initial sessions. The initial assessment helps the child psychologist:

  • Understand your child’s concerns or symptoms in detail
  • Gather school reports, medical history, and behavioural observations
  • Explore your child’s developmental, emotional, and social history
  • Set therapy goals collaboratively with the family

Sometimes, a child psychologist may also ask parents to fill in a questionnaire or participate in a short interview (not involving the child).

2) Building Trust & Establishing Rapport

Trust, comfort and safety are important in all types of therapy, but especially so when it comes to child therapy. This is why a child psychologist will take the time to get to know your child and slowly build a safe space where they feel seen and accepted. 

Here are some ways a good therapist may do that:

  • Allowing the child to set the pace of interactions
  • Spending time getting to know your child’s likes, dislikes, and personality
  • Respecting their boundaries and not forcing disclosure
  • Using warmth, consistency, and positive reinforcement to build rapport
  • Including toys, art, and other interactive elements in sessions

3) Age-Appropriate Therapy Modalities

Once your child starts feeling safe enough to open up, the child psychologist will introduce age-appropriate activities and approaches. 

Some modalities and approaches that are commonly used in child therapy include:

a) Play Therapy

Used primarily with younger children, play therapy involves toys, games, drawing, or storytelling to help kids express feelings and experiences they may not yet have the words for.

Example

A child might act out family dynamics using dolls or draw how they felt during a stressful situation.

b) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a widely used approach for older children. It helps kids recognise automatic negative thought patterns and replace them with more rational responses. 

Example

A child who’s anxious about school tests may learn to reframe ‘I’ll fail this test’ into ‘I’ve studied well, and I’ll do my best!’

c) Behavioural Therapy

Behavioural therapy is a helpful approach for kids struggling with peer interactions, social challenges or other behavioural challenges associated with conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Sessions may include modelling and practising real-life scenarios. 

Child psychologists personalise such activities based on your child’s age, developmental stage and specific needs.

Example

Turn-taking games, conflict resolution scripts, practising asking for help, etc

d) Parent Involvement & Guidance

Child therapy is a shared journey that includes parents, caregivers and other close family members.

The involvement of parents, in particular, is a crucial part of child therapy. Below are some ways a child psychologist may ensure your participation. They may:

  • Offer feedback on your child’s progress
  • Share suggestions for responding to challenging behaviours at home
  • Help you understand your child’s emotional needs better
  • Support you in managing your own stress as a caregiver

e) Collaborative & Holistic Support (If Needed)

If your child is dealing with challenges involving other areas of life, such as at school, child psychologists may also work with teachers and school counsellors. 

Teachers also play a vital role in your child’s development. Keeping them in the loop can help ensure a more holistic form of support. With your consent, child therapists in Singapore may collaborate with teachers and school authorities to:

  • Suggest strategies that can support your child in the classroom
  • Help ensure a more nurturing and supportive academic and social environment

Your child deserves the best mental health care

Talk to a child therapist

Benefits of Seeing a Child Psychologist in Singapore

Child therapists in Singapore can help your child:

  • Understand and express emotions in healthy ways
  • Learn coping skills to manage anxiety, frustration, or low mood
  • Improve social skills, communication, and confidence
  • Challenge and reframe unhelpful thoughts or behaviours
  • Work through past experiences or ongoing stressors
  • Build emotional resilience, self-esteem and a stronger sense of self
  • Strengthen parent-child relationship through guided support
  • Navigate life changes like school transitions or family shifts
  • Address developmental, behavioural, or learning challenges
  • Develop healthier routines, boundaries, and habits

How to Help Your Child Prepare to Meet a Child Therapist in Singapore

Starting child therapy can be a bit daunting, for you as well as your little one. The goal is to ease any anxiety, encourage open-mindedness, and create a sense of safety around this new experience.

Here are some practical ways to help your child feel more comfortable and ready for their first session with a child psychologist:

1) Avoid overexplaining or using language that might feel intimidating. Be honest and explain it to them in simple terms, depending on your child’s age.

You could say

  • ‘You’ll be meeting someone whose job is to help kids with big feelings or tricky thoughts.’
  • ‘They’ll be talking with you, playing games, and helping you feel better when something’s bothering you.’

2) Normalise the experience by letting them know that many children and even adults see a therapist when they need support. If you have personal experience with therapy, share it with your child. This helps reduce shame and fear around meeting a child psychologist. 

You could say

‘Just like we see a doctor when our body feels unwell, we see a therapist when we need help with our feelings.’

3) Involve them in the process, wherever and however possible (in age-appropriate ways). This can give your child a sense of control over what’s happening and build a sense of familiarity and safety around therapy.

You could

  • Ask what toys or games they’d like to bring to feel more at ease
  • Let them choose a comfortable outfit for the session
  • Show them photos of the clinic or therapist if available online

4) Acknowledge any worries and answer any questions that your child may have about meeting a child psychologist. If they express confusion, resistance, or fear, gently validate those feelings without trying to fix them immediately.

You could say

‘It’s okay to feel nervous when trying something new. I’ll be right here, and we’ll figure this out together.’

Questions to Ask a Child Psychologist (As a Parent)

It’s natural to be concerned about finding the right child psychologist for your kid. Here are some questions you can ask shortlisted child therapists to find the correct fit:

  • What age groups and issues do you usually work with?
  • How do you build trust with children during the first few sessions? 
  • How do you handle situations where a child doesn’t open up easily?
  • What kind of therapy techniques or approaches do you use?
  • Do you tailor your approach to fit each child? If so, how exactly do you do that?
  • What can we expect during the first session, and how can I help my child prepare?
  • When can I expect to see progress? What signs should I look out for to know if therapy is working?
  • How do you handle confidentiality, and what do you share with parents? How involved will I be in the therapy process? 

In addition to these questions, remember to be open with your child psychologist, especially before and during the first session. Inform them about your child’s temperament, preferences and triggers. If your child has any specific concerns about starting therapy, you can share those with the therapist as well. 

Conclusion: Parenting and Mental Health

As a parent, you’re not just a caregiver; you’re also your child’s first source of emotional safety and support. You’re the first person they’ll turn to when they need help. 

Good parenting is the cornerstone of children’s mental health. Thus, the environment you create at home, the way you respond to your child’s emotions, and how you navigate challenges together can all have a lasting impact on their mental health.

Kudos on taking the brave step of considering therapy for your child. Remember, when parents are actively involved in the process, child therapy becomes much more effective. 

At Talk Your Heart Out (TYHO), we have child therapists in Singapore who offer both online and offline sessions. If you’re ready to find the right child psychologist for your child, click here to get started. 💜