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When your mind and body are overwhelmed, it can feel like there’s no clear way forward. Questions like “Where do I go?” or “Who can help me?” are natural.
In Singapore, mental health struggles are more common than many think, especially among young adults and adults.
Data from the National Population Health Survey show that the prevalence of poor mental health was 17% in 2022 and 15% in 2023. Young adults aged 18–29 were the most affected group, with 25.3% experiencing poor mental health.
It’s a reminder that more adults are quietly struggling with mental health issues, and that having access to support or mental health services early on can make a real, positive difference in their lives. In fact, the survey further revealed that individuals aged 30 to 39 (62.0%) in Singapore were the most willing to seek support from healthcare professionals.
In acknowledging the need for mental health services, Singapore already has a structured ecosystem of services designed to help individuals at different stages of need.
This guide outlines available options and highlights how mental wellness hubs and community services, such as Viriya, support young adults and adults through programmes such as CREST and COMIT. It also explores specialist services, such as those available at the Viriya Therapy Centre (Division of Specialist Services or DSS).
Signs You May Need Mental Health Support
Mental health difficulties can show up in small ways at first, and many people don’t realise they’re there until they seek support or notice changes in their day-to-day life. However, for others, changes can be drastic.
More so, symptoms of mental illness can be seen in behaviours, emotions, and thoughts.
- Physical signs: Sleeping too little or too much, significant changes in eating behaviours, increased heart rate, nausea, sudden sweating, nervousness, feeling fatigued.
- Mental signs: Memory or concentration problems, suicidal thoughts or behaviours, illogical thinking, experiencing delusions, and hallucinations.
- Emotional signs: Increased irritability, difficulty empathizing with others, emotional extremes—from intense highs to deep lows, constant or excessive worrying, withdrawal from activities or friends, and extreme guilt feelings.
However, experiencing these signs doesn’t necessarily mean you automatically have a mental health condition. It’s important to consult a qualified mental health professional for an accurate assessment, proper guidance, and the right support if needed.
Furthermore, signs that may need immediate mental health services or support are suicidal tendencies or substance abuse, as these can be warnings that a person’s safety or well-being is in immediate danger.
More importantly, getting support early helps you understand what’s happening, minimises or delays symptoms, prevents hospitalisation, and gives you tools to regain stability before symptoms intensify.
Your First Steps When You Start Feeling Overwhelmed
When worrying or feeling overwhelmed, performing simple relaxation techniques can help.
This can involve slow, steady breathing to ease tension, visualising peaceful or pleasant scenes to help your body relax, or using a chosen word, image, or cue to guide yourself into a calm, focused state that supports more positive thoughts and behaviours.
If you feel these small actions are not enough, it can help to talk to a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, guidance counsellor, doctor, or a professional from mental health and family services, who can offer support.
In seeking help, understanding the difference between a mental health crisis and a non-crisis moment can also guide you to take the right next step.
Crisis moments include behaviours that threaten personal safety, such as suicidal or self-harming actions, which can lead to hospital-based care. Non-crisis situations involve significant emotional distress without immediate safety concerns.
If symptoms persist or escalate, professional help is available and accessible.
Immediate Help Options in Singapore (Low-Barrier Support)
The Ministry of Health in Singapore has provided a list of access to mental health services. It includes helplines, chat services, websites, and platforms that conduct mental health assessments.
The following services could be your first stop in seeking external help in managing your mental health and well-being:
- Dial 1771 Mental Health Helpline: A nationwide helpline and text service offering round-the-clock mental health support through phone calls, text messages, and online chat.
- Online community support via Mindline SG: Mindline SG is a digital mental health platform that offers self-help resources and online community support.
- CHAT: CHAT is a mental health service for young people aged 16 to 30, launched in 2009 by Singapore’s Institute of Mental Health under the Ministry of Health. It provides specialised support in a welcoming and inclusive environment, helping youth access mental health services and care.
Understanding Singapore’s Mental Health Service Ecosystem
Aside from low-barrier support, mental health services in Singapore are organised across different levels, from general practitioners to community mental health hubs and social service agencies.
The following explains the range of other mental health services and support available across the country.
General Practitioners (GPs) and Polyclinics
GP clinics and polyclinics provide assessments, diagnoses, and treatment for mild to moderate mental health conditions. It also includes subsidies, specialist care, counselling, and psychotherapy.
At polyclinics, care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses, medical social workers, and psychologists, with additional support from psychiatrists at partner restructured hospitals or the Institute of Mental Health (IHS) through a shared-care arrangement.
Private Therapy Clinics
If you prefer more choice in therapists, therapy style, schedule, or faster access, private clinics provide that flexibility.
People often choose private therapy because of shorter waiting times and a broader selection of therapy modalities.
However, private services typically come at a higher cost, and users should consider fees before proceeding. Singapore’s government insurance provides additional financial support—Medishield Life is an example.
Community Mental Health Services (CREST, COMIT)
Community mental health services are also available in Singapore, with specific programmes such as CREST and COMIT.
| Service | Age Group | Key Mental Health Services |
|---|---|---|
| Community Outreach Team (CREST) – Adults | 18+ | You can approach over 100 community mental health teams in the community islandwide. These community mental health teams, such as CREST, serve as your in-person First Stop for Mental Health. We will listen to your concerns and provide support, such as therapy, to support your mental well-being. |
| Community Intervention Team (COMIT) – Adults | 18+ | You can approach over 100 community mental health teams in the community islandwide, such as the Community Intervention Team (COMIT). We provide psychotherapy and psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy and psychoeducation support for clients with mental health issues and dementia, and their caregivers. We also work closely with the General Practitioners, Polyclinics, hospitals, and other community partners to provide collaborative and coordinated care to clients and caregivers in the community. |
Non-Profit Counselling & Social Service Agencies
Non-profit organisations and social service agencies in Singapore offer community-based emotional support for individuals seeking help outside of clinical settings.
For example, the Viriya Mental Wellness Hub and the Viriya Therapy Centre provide accessible mental health support, casework, community development, counselling, and resources for individuals and families seeking assistance in a safe and welcoming environment.
How Viriya Community Services Can Support You
Part of Singapore’s ecosystem of mental health care, Viriya Community Services (VCS) offers a tiered support system, with pathways for general wellness activities or specialist clinical intervention.
Generally, our core strength is an integrated service model that combines family support, mental health care, and specialist services within one ecosystem. This allows individuals and families to receive coordinated support in a safe and supportive environment.
You can access this integrated care through our two service divisions:
Viriya Therapy Centre (Division of Specialist Services)
Viriya Therapy Centre provides specialised mental health support to youth and families.
Our key services include neurodevelopmental assessments, as well as psychological therapy and psychotherapy. We have no service boundaries and welcome both clients referred from our Family Service Centres and private clients.
To ensure support remains accessible, subsidised rates are offered based on income and need, with each application reviewed individually. As a non-profit, we strive to balance accessibility with the sustainability of our services.
Viriya Mental Wellness Hub (Division of Community Health and Mental Health)
As a social service agency in Singapore, we focus on building resilient families and communities. In doing so, we provide mental health services to individuals through the Viriya Mental Wellness Hub (VMWH).
The Hub serves as a community-based space focused on Universal and Selective Care, providing support to individuals and caregivers before mental health challenges escalate.
- Selective Care (Support): Casework and monitoring, group work, screening, and assessments
- Universal Care (Promotion): Outreach and engagement, psycho education talks, mental wellness initiatives
Additional Viriya Programmes for Related Emotional Needs
If you’re dealing with stress, family issues, or other tough emotions, Viriya has several programmes that can support you in those areas too.
Mental Health and Caregiving Services
We provide integrated mental health services and caregiving support, offering early and specialised intervention and caregiver counselling to promote wellbeing for individuals and families.
Grief Counselling in Singapore
Our Persons in Grief Programme provides dedicated support for individuals and families coping with loss. We provide services such as bereavement therapy, individual and family grief counselling for non-death losses, grief support group, and workplace grief support for corporate companies, among others.
Children and Youth Support Services
We offer programmes that care for the well-being of children and youth, providing counselling, community activities, therapy, and financial support to help them grow confidently.
How to Reach Out & What to Expect
If finding help feels overwhelming, Viriya Community Services can be a reassuring first step. Your first session will be a safe and welcoming space to share your concerns, ask questions, and explore the support that’s right for you.
You can reach out to us for help via the form below.
To book an appointment or refer someone for psychological or psychotherapy support, simply use our Viriya Therapy Centre referral form.
Choosing the Right Type of Help for Your Needs
When seeking support, it’s important to consider a few key factors: the severity of your symptoms, the urgency of the situation, the cost of services, your personal comfort level, preferred language, and age-appropriate options.
For some, a gentle, community-based approach is a good place to start, offering support, early intervention, and a sense of connection while keeping care accessible.
But if challenges feel more serious, persistent, or complex, clinical care with specialised assessment and treatment can provide the appropriate guidance and help you need.
You Don’t Have to Face Mental Health Challenges Alone
Many people experience mental health challenges, and in Singapore, there are clear avenues for support, so you don’t have to go through it by yourself.
As a social service agency, Viriya Community Services provides specialist services, mental health hubs, and supportive services such as counselling, therapy, and family programmes. Through an integrated model for providing mental health services and support, we are here to help you and your loved ones feel seen, heard, and cared for.
When you’re ready, Viriya’s mental health services can be your first step in managing your well-being and building resilience for yourself and your loved ones.
