This is a very good and common question. Sometimes people use these terms interchangeable but there are clear and distinct differences.

Psychiatrists are specialist medical doctors who diagnose and manage mental health disorders. Psychiatrists typically prescribe medication as a key part of their treatment.

Psychologists do not prescribe medication. We use different forms of talk therapy to understand, diagnose and guide our clients towards workable solutions. Talk therapy is scientifically supported to help with matters such as Depression, Anxiety, Pain, Stress and Fatigue. The style of the therapy you receive will largely be based on the nature of your problems.

Psychologists and Psychiatrists often work hand in hand to help a client, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Please do discuss with your treatment team today. 

Psychologists are professionally trained to study human behavior and the brain (including how people think, feel, learn and behave). This means that we are equipped to help people undergoing challenges such as anxiety and depression, addictive behaviours and childhood behaviour disorders. Psychologists use evidence-based approaches that are individualised to fit each client.

Over the past few years the problems have had a wide range but the majority would be depression and its effects, stress and anxiety, and relationship problems.

The Singapore Mental Health Study 2016 showed that the top three mental disorders are Major Depressive Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Alcohol Abuse.

If you are having suicidal thoughts or planning to act on it, it is important to receive professional intervention. If you are actively suicidal, you should go to the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) or the Emergency Department of any govt restructured hospital, where you will be kept safe. 

The following are helplines and organizations you can approach for more information and assistance.

Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) 1800 221 4444

Emergency Helpline (IMH) 63892222

National Care Hotline 1800 202 6868

SAF Hotline (For SAF Personnel) 1800 278 0022

Whether you have a referral or not, simply request an appointment, call us on 65189950, or whatsapp us and our team will be happy to assist you.

It is normal to feel anxious, nervous, or unsure about your first therapy session. Our psychologists will provide a private, comfortable and safe space for you to discuss and process your issues. Our tone towards such share is always respectful and non-judgmental.

In the first few sessions, our psychologist will ask you questions about yourself, your life, to get to know you better. We will also like to hear about issues that you consider important to work through. The aim of psychological therapy is for us to work together to help you achieve those changes.

In the first session with your child, our psychologist will often invite you both into the session at the beginning, then ask to see the child by themselves. After this, the psychologist will discuss with you the most appropriate structure of future counselling sessions with your child.

In the case of adolescents, depending on the age of your teenager they may wish to see their therapist without their parent present. However, it is recommended that a parent is always available to attend the sessions if needed. We would also need parental consent for teenagers to have therapy.

Each individual therapy session is approximately 50 minutes in length. After the first 1-2 sessions, your psychologist will set goals and work with you on them. A review will also be done every few sessions, to check in on therapy progress.

On the day of your appointment, please come 10 minutes earlier and bring with you:

1. A photo identity document for registration purposes (e.g. NRIC, passport)
2. Referral letter (if applicable)
3. Any other documents (such as medical reports, health booklet, academic records) that you think may be useful for your psychologist to understand your issues better.

Shipping Information if you have opted for:

*Delivery to Singapore address > It takes approximately 7 – 10 working days to deliver your order of book(s)

*Self-Pick Up at Psychology Matters > Please collect your order from Mondays to Fridays, 10am – 5pm (avoid lunch hour 1 – 2pm) or Saturdays 9am – 1pm. We are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

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Please quote your “Invoice/Order #” in your payment for tracking purposes and forward a screenshot of successful payment to our mobile# at 82895985.