Shermaine Chek — Counselling Psychologist in Singapore

About Shermaine Chek

Shermaine Chek is a counselling psychologist practising at Annabelle Psychology in Singapore. Their stated areas of focus are: Adults; anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, and adjustment to life changes such as unemployment, illness, caregiving and grief, plus psychological assessments.

Where they practise

• Practice: Annabelle Psychology

What a counselling psychologist does

Counselling psychologists help people work through emotional, relationship and life difficulties using talking therapies, with an emphasis on the person’s strengths and everyday functioning. They commonly support anxiety, low mood, stress and burnout, grief, and adjustment to change such as illness, caregiving or job loss. The focus is on understanding what you are going through and building coping and resilience.

When to consider seeing one

Consider a counselling psychologist if you are dealing with stress, low mood, anxiety, grief, burnout, or a difficult change such as illness, caregiving, relationship strain or job loss, and would benefit from a supportive, structured space to work through it. You do not need a formal diagnosis — counselling psychologists help with everyday struggles as well as more defined conditions.

What to expect at a first session

A first appointment usually involves talking through your concerns and history so the psychologist can understand what is happening and what you hope to achieve. For some needs — particularly learning, developmental or cognitive questions — a formal psychological assessment over one or more sessions may be recommended. You should leave with a shared understanding of the plan, whether that is a course of therapy, an assessment, or a referral. Sessions are confidential within professional and legal limits.

Psychologist or psychiatrist — which do I need?

Psychologists provide assessment and talking therapies but do not prescribe medication; psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose and prescribe. Many people see one or the other, and sometimes both work together — for example a psychiatrist managing medication while a psychologist provides therapy. A GP can help you decide and refer you.

Fees and booking

Most private psychologists are booked directly, with fees charged per session (assessments, which take longer, cost more). Psychological therapy is generally not claimable the way medical treatment is, though some employer or insurance plans include mental-health benefits — check your coverage. Confirm current fees directly with the practice.

Common questions

Is Shermaine Chek a psychologist or a psychiatrist?

Shermaine is a counselling psychologist — a psychologist, who provides assessment and talking therapy and does not prescribe medication. For medication, a psychiatrist (a medical doctor) is needed.

Do I need a referral?

Not usually for a private psychologist — most accept direct bookings. A GP referral can still help, especially if medication or a psychiatrist may also be involved.

Is what I share confidential?

Yes, within professional and legal limits. Psychologists keep sessions confidential, with limited exceptions (such as a serious risk of harm) that they will explain.

See also our directory of psychologists in Singapore and our mental health support guide.

Details can change — you can verify a psychologist’s standing with the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS) and the Singapore Register of Psychologists (SRP). Psychologists are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medication. This page is general information, not medical or psychological advice, and not a recommendation of any individual. See our editorial policy.