Quick answer. Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health conditions, and they are very treatable. Help in Singapore ranges from free, anonymous national support – like the national mindline 1771 helpline and the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) crisis line on 1767 – to talk therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and medication (antidepressants) prescribed by a GP or psychiatrist. You can go public (polyclinic referral to IMH or a hospital, which is subsidised) or private (a psychiatrist or psychologist of your choice). Costs vary widely: subsidised polyclinic and CHAS-supported care can cost tens of dollars per visit, while private therapy sessions and psychiatrist consults typically run S$120-S$500. Anyone having thoughts of suicide or self-harm should seek immediate help – call SOS 1767, national mindline 1771, or go to the nearest A&E.
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Feeling persistently anxious, low, or unable to cope is more common than most people realise – and it is not a sign of weakness. Anxiety and depression are recognised medical conditions that respond well to treatment, whether that’s lifestyle change, talk therapy, medication, or a combination. This guide explains how to recognise when to seek help, the full spectrum of support available in Singapore (including free national resources), the public and private pathways, and what treatment typically costs in 2026.
At a glance
| Support / treatment | What it is | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| national mindline 1771 | Free 24/7 national helpline & textline (call, WhatsApp, webchat); anonymous support and guidance to care | Free |
| SOS hotline 1767 / CareText | 24-hour suicide-prevention and emotional-support crisis line and WhatsApp text service | Free |
| CHAT (IMH) | Free mental health checks and support for youth aged 16-30 (walk-in & online) | Free |
| Polyclinic / GP + referral | First assessment, common-case treatment, and referral to subsidised specialist care | Low subsidised fee (often ~tens of dollars for citizens); private GP varies |
| Subsidised psychiatrist (IMH / public hospital) | Specialist diagnosis and medication via polyclinic referral | Subsidised rates; cheaper than private |
| Private psychiatrist | Specialist doctor; diagnosis, medication, follow-up | ~S$150-S$400+ first consult; ~S$100-S$300 follow-up |
| Private therapy (psychologist / counsellor) | CBT and other talk therapy (no prescribing) | ~S$120-S$300 per session |
Recognising anxiety and depression – and when to get help
Anxiety and depression often overlap, and most people experience some symptoms at difficult times in life. It may be worth seeking help when symptoms are persistent (lasting two weeks or more), distressing, or interfering with work, study, relationships, or daily functioning.
Common signs of depression include: persistent low mood or sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy, fatigue and low energy, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and – in more serious cases – thoughts of death or self-harm.
Common signs of anxiety include: excessive worry that’s hard to control, restlessness or feeling on edge, irritability, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, and physical symptoms such as a racing heart, breathlessness, or panic attacks.
You do not need to wait until things feel unbearable. Speaking to a GP, counsellor, or one of the free helplines below is a reasonable first step, and early help often leads to a faster recovery. If you ever have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself, treat it as an emergency and reach out immediately using the crisis options in the next section.
Free and low-cost national resources (and crisis help)
Singapore has several free, confidential support services. Many let you stay anonymous, and several are available 24 hours a day.
- national mindline 1771 – Singapore’s national mental health helpline and textline, launched in June 2025. Free, 24/7, anonymous support by trained counsellors via phone (call 1771), WhatsApp (6669 1771), or webchat at mindline.sg. It offers initial support and can guide you to suitable care. (Note: the old IMH Mental Health Helpline 6389 2222 was retired in 2025; calls are now redirected to 1771.)
- Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) – a 24-hour suicide-prevention and emotional-support service. Call the hotline on 1767, or use CareText via WhatsApp on 9151 1767. Confidential and anonymous.
- CHAT (Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health) – run by IMH for young people aged 16-30. Offers free mental health checks and support, with walk-in and online (webCHAT) options.
- mindline.sg – a free national digital platform with self-help tools, wellness resources, and access to support.
In a crisis: if you or someone else is in immediate danger or has thoughts of self-harm, call SOS on 1767, call national mindline on 1771, dial 995 for an ambulance, or go to the nearest hospital Accident & Emergency (A&E) department.
Talk therapy and medication: what treatment looks like
Talk therapy (psychotherapy) with a psychologist or counsellor is a first-line treatment for many people. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most evidence-based approaches for both anxiety and depression – it helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours. Therapy is usually delivered over a series of weekly or fortnightly sessions.
Medication can be helpful for moderate to severe symptoms and is often combined with therapy. Antidepressants such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are commonly prescribed by a GP or psychiatrist. A few important points to understand:
- They typically take 2-6 weeks to show their full effect, so patience is needed.
- Antidepressants are not addictive in the way recreational drugs are.
- You should not stop them abruptly – coming off should be done gradually under medical guidance to avoid discontinuation effects.
- Mild side effects in the first weeks are common and often settle; tell your doctor about anything that worries you.
Many people recover well with the right combination of self-help (sleep, exercise, reducing alcohol, social connection), therapy, and – where appropriate – medication. Treatment is individualised, so it’s worth discussing options with a professional.
Public vs private pathways: where to get help
Public / subsidised pathway: Start with a polyclinic or GP. A GP can assess you, start treatment for common anxiety and depression, and refer you onward if needed. For specialist care, a polyclinic referral lets you see a psychiatrist at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) or a public hospital’s psychiatry department at subsidised rates. This pathway is generally the most affordable but may involve waiting times.
Private pathway: You can see a private psychiatrist (a medical doctor who can diagnose and prescribe medication) or a private psychologist / counsellor (for assessment and therapy, but not medication) directly, usually without a referral. Private care offers shorter waits and continuity with a chosen provider, at higher cost.
GP vs psychiatrist vs psychologist: a GP is often the easiest entry point and can prescribe medication; a psychiatrist is a specialist doctor for more complex or severe cases and prescribes medication; a psychologist or counsellor provides talk therapy but does not prescribe.
Costs, MediSave and CHAS subsidies
Costs depend heavily on whether you go subsidised or private. The figures below are typical 2025-2026 market ranges, not quotes – confirm fees directly with each provider.
- Polyclinic / GP visit: a subsidised polyclinic consultation and referral is relatively low-cost (often around the low tens of dollars for citizens). Private GP visits vary.
- Psychiatrist consultation: private first consultations typically range from about S$150-S$400+, with follow-ups commonly S$100-S$300. Subsidised public-hospital psychiatry (via polyclinic referral) is considerably cheaper.
- Therapy session (psychologist / counsellor): private sessions typically run about S$120-S$300 per hour. Lower-cost community and Family Service Centre options exist.
- Medication: medication prescribed in the subsidised public system or at a CHAS GP is supported; medication from a private psychiatrist is usually not subsidised.
MediSave and CHAS for chronic conditions: both major depression and anxiety are included on MOH’s Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) list. This means you can use MediSave to help pay for outpatient treatment of these chronic conditions – up to S$500 per patient per year (or S$700 for complex conditions), with a 15% cash co-payment – and all Singaporeans are eligible for CHAS subsidies at participating CHAS GP clinics when treated for these conditions, which can substantially lower out-of-pocket costs. Some integrated and corporate health insurance plans also cover outpatient mental health treatment – check your policy.
Related guides
- Best Psychiatry & Mental Health Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- psychiatry & mental health clinics directory
- Adult ADHD: assessment & treatment
- Therapist vs psychologist vs psychiatrist
- Cost of seeing a psychiatrist
Sources
- national mindline 1771 – MOH news release
- IMH discontinues Mental Health Helpline 6389 2222 (mindline 1771 launch)
- Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) – services & 1767 hotline
- CHAT (Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health), IMH
- Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) – MOH
Related conditions & guides
Related conditions and guides you may find useful:
- Bipolar Disorder in Singapore
- Eating Disorders in Singapore
- Insomnia Treatment in Singapore
- OCD Treatment in Singapore
- Panic Attacks, Panic Disorder & Phobias in Singapore
- Postnatal Depression in Singapore
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