Difference Between a Therapist and a Psychologist in Singapore

Last Updated on September 23, 2025 by Manassa Shrikanth

Reviewed by April Justice, LICSW

A psychologist in Singapore conducting an assesment with a client.

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:

Personality disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related issues
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Eating disorders

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

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

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:

Personality disorders (eg Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, etc)
Eating disorders (eg anorexia nervosa, bulimia)
Anxiety disorders (eg panic disorders, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, social anxiety)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
Substance use and behavioural addictions

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.💜

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.

Book a session with a qualified Therapist today!