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Best Psychiatrists in Singapore: Editorial Directory by Sub-Specialty

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Best Psychiatrists in Singapore: Editorial Directory by Sub-Specialty

A neutral, editorial directory of notable psychiatrists practising in Singapore, grouped by sub-specialty to help you find the right expertise. This is not a ranking and not a paid listing.

How we compiled this directory

We list established, currently-practising psychiatrists with a clear public professional footprint, chosen to cover the main areas of mental health and psychiatric care — not by who pays. Profiles are compiled from public sources and we omit ratings and prices, which we cannot independently verify. This is an independent editorial selection, not an advertisement — see our editorial policy. Always verify a doctor’s current registration on the SMC public register and choose based on your own needs, your GP’s referral and your insurance.

General adult psychiatry — mood, anxiety, ADHD & OCD

  • Dr Lim Boon Leng — Dr BL Lim Centre for Psychological Wellness (adult adhd, mood & anxiety disorders)
  • Dr Ng Beng Yeong — Dr Ng Beng Yeong Psych Medicine Clinic (general adult psychiatry (mood, anxiety & sleep))
  • Dr Wong Sheau Hwa — SH Wong Sleep & Psychological Wellness Clinic (anxiety/ocd & sleep disorders)

Child & adolescent psychiatry

Addiction psychiatry

Geriatric psychiatry (older adults & memory)

How to choose

  • Match the focus to your need — a general adult psychiatrist for depression, anxiety, ADHD or OCD; a child & adolescent psychiatrist for under-18s; an addiction psychiatrist for alcohol, drug or behavioural addictions; or a geriatric psychiatrist for older adults and memory problems.
  • Psychiatrist vs psychologist/therapist — a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose and prescribe medication; psychologists and counsellors provide talk therapy. Many people benefit from both — see our therapist vs psychiatrist guide.
  • Check registration on the SMC register and confirm fees; a GP or polyclinic referral can help and may support subsidised care at public services such as IMH.
  • In a crisis — if you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 995 or go to the nearest A&E; the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) hotline is 1767.

Looking for a clinic rather than a named doctor? See our shortlist of psychiatry clinics in Singapore.

Independent editorial directory — not a paid listing or ranking, and not medical advice. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.

When to see a psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health — diagnosing conditions, prescribing medication where appropriate and coordinating care. People see a psychiatrist for concerns such as persistent low mood, anxiety, attention or focus difficulties, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, sleep problems, addiction or memory changes in later life. Many people start with a GP or polyclinic, which can provide initial support and refer you on when specialist assessment or treatment is needed.

What to look for when choosing a psychiatrist in Singapore

  • Registration and accreditation — confirm the doctor is registered with the Singapore Medical Council and listed on the Register of Specialists for psychiatry.
  • Focus area — match the doctor to your need, whether that is general adult psychiatry, child and adolescent care, addiction or geriatric psychiatry.
  • Approach to care — ask whether the psychiatrist works alongside psychologists or counsellors, as many people benefit from both medication and talk therapy.
  • Comfort and rapport — feeling able to speak openly is important, so consider whether you feel at ease with the clinician.

Public and private mental health care

In the public system you can be referred by a GP or polyclinic to a hospital psychiatry department or to the national mental health service, with means-tested subsidies for eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Private psychiatric care allows you to choose your specialist and may offer more flexible appointments, generally at higher cost. Some outpatient treatment may be supported by MediSave or insurance within scheme limits; confirm details with your clinic and insurer.

Psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication. A psychologist or counsellor provides talk-based therapies but does not prescribe. Care is often shared between them, and the right combination depends on your situation.

If you need urgent help

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 995 or go to the nearest A&E. The Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) hotline, on 1767, offers round-the-clock emotional support.

Common questions

Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?

For subsidised care at a public service you generally need a referral from a polyclinic or GP. In the private sector you can usually book directly, though a referral can help.

Will my consultation be confidential?

Yes — medical consultations are confidential, and information is shared only with your consent or where the law requires it. You can ask your psychiatrist how your records are handled.

How long does psychiatric treatment last?

It varies widely depending on the condition. Some people need short-term support, while others benefit from longer-term care. Your psychiatrist will discuss a plan and review it with you over time.

Listed here, or want to be? If you are a doctor or clinic featured on this page and would like your entry corrected, updated or removed — or you would like to be added or featured — please reach out to us or use our contact form.

Frequently asked questions

Which type of psychiatrist should I see?

Match the focus to your need — a general adult psychiatrist for depression, anxiety, ADHD or OCD; a child & adolescent psychiatrist for under-18s; an addiction psychiatrist for substance or behavioural addictions; or a geriatric psychiatrist for older adults and memory-related conditions.

What’s the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication, while a psychologist or counsellor provides talk therapy and psychological assessment. Many people see both — medication from a psychiatrist alongside therapy. See our therapist vs psychiatrist guide.

Is this a ranking of the best psychiatrists?

No. This is a neutral editorial directory grouped by area of focus, not a ranking and not a paid listing. We list established specialists to help you find the right expertise, and encourage you to verify details and choose based on your own needs.

Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?

You can see a private psychiatrist directly without a referral. A GP or polyclinic referral can help and may be needed for subsidised care at public services such as the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). In an emergency, call 995 or the SOS hotline on 1767.