Difference Between a Therapist and a Psychologist in Singapore

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 managing 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!
 

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 Psy.D) and may specialise in areas such as clinical psychology, counselling psychology, or educational psychology.

Psychologists are trained to help people work through complex mental health issues/concerns, 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 Intelligence 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 specialised and long-term approach.

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/concerns, they may not be able to provide formal diagnoses or conduct 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.

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 body
• 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 in Singapore

• Qualification: Psychologists in Singapore usually hold a Master’s or Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling Psychology
• Focus Areas: Psychologists can conduct assessment, diagnosis, and Intervention of complex mental health concerns
• Scope of Practice: Psychologists in Singapore can conduct psychological 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 goal-oriented therapeutic approach
• Referral Pathway: Psychologists in Singapore may work alongside other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, for more complex intervention plans
• Terminology: All psychologists can be referred to as therapists; however, not every psychologist is a well-versed talk therapist, as some choose to go into research, academia, government jobs or clinical practice

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. 

If you’ve been experiencing ongoing symptoms like complex trauma symptoms, anxiety symptoms, body dysmorphia or repetitive worries with compulsive behaviors, it may be best to choose a psychologist specialising in the concerns you have. Psychologists in Singapore are licensed to diagnose and provide intervention for mental health concerns like ADHD, BPD, OCD, etc.

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

It's also important to reduce mental health stigma through research and understanding. Once you do so, reaching out to the right professional will be much easier.

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 are in 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 conduct intervention for concerns 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 administer a range of cognitive and developmental assessments, including measures of intellectual abilities, executive functioning.

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 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 provide intervention for 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 concern, a psychologist in Singapore would be the right choice.

• If you’re looking for 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 conduct psychological assessments. 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 providing intervention for complex mental health behavioural concerns. 

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

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health concerns 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 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.