Looking for online counselling or online therapy in Singapore?
Finding the right support should feel safe, comfortable, and on your own terms. Online counselling offers a discreet and accessible way to connect with a trained therapist, allowing you to have meaningful conversations in a space where you feel at ease.
Without the need to travel or adjust to unfamiliar settings, you can take your time to open up and reflect. If you are apprehensive about the idea of seeking professional help, online counselling may make it easier for you to take the first step.
What is Online Counselling?
Online counselling is a form of therapy conducted through digital platforms such as video calls, phone sessions, or secure messaging. It allows individuals to receive professional support remotely, without the need to attend in-person sessions.
Who is Online Counselling For?
Online counselling may be suitable for individuals who:
- Prefer a private and familiar environment to open up
- Have busy schedules and need flexible appointment options
- May have mobility challenges or find it difficult to attend sessions physically
- Are seeking a gentle, accessible way to begin counselling
- Wish to continue their counselling journey with greater convenience
What Issues Can Online Counselling Help With?
Online counselling can support individuals facing a wide range of emotional, psychological, and life challenges, including:
- Stress and burnout
- Anxiety and overwhelming thoughts
- Low mood or depression
- Relationship and communication difficulties
- Work or academic pressures
- Life transitions and uncertainty
- Self-esteem and confidence issues
- Grief, loss, or difficult experiences
- Stress and burnout
- Anxiety and overwhelming thoughts
- Low mood or depression
- Relationship and communication difficulties
- Work or academic pressures
- Life transitions and uncertainty
- Self-esteem and confidence issues
- Grief, loss, or difficult experiences
Benefits of Online Counselling
Research has found that online therapy can be equally as effective as in-person therapy sessions. Other benefits of online counselling are:
- Reduced travelling time and costs
- Comfort of a familiar environment
- More flexibility with scheduling
- More consistent support
- Accessible and convenient care
While online counselling can be effective for many individuals, it may not be suitable for everyone.
It is generally not recommended for those currently in crisis, experiencing severe or long-standing mental health conditions, psychosis (such as hallucinations or delusions), or engaging in high-risk behaviours such as heavy substance use. In such cases, in-person psychological support is more appropriate.
If you or someone you know is in immediate distress, please contact the SOS hotline (1800 221 4444) or visit the nearest emergency centre.
How Does Online Counselling Work?
Step 1: Schedule A Session
Choose a suitable time and book an appointment that fits your schedule.
Step 2: Connect With Your Counsellor
At your appointment time, simply join your session via Carepatron, and speak with your counsellor online.
No downloads are required. A secure session link will be provided in your booking confirmation email as well as your appointment reminder.
Step 3: Receive Personalised Support
Work through your thoughts and challenges with your counsellor and learn practical ways to cope with the issues you’re facing.
Our Online Counsellors
Our team of counsellors and psychotherapists are experienced, compassionate professionals dedicated to supporting you through life’s challenges.
If you’re unsure which counsellor may be the best fit, you can submit our New Client Information Form and we’ll recommend a professional suited to your needs.
Sophia Goh
Principal Counsellor
Sophia provides counselling for couples, adults and teenagers to address a variety of issues pertaining to anxiety, relationships, parenting and more.
Claire Leong
Counsellor
Claire offers counselling for families, couples and teenagers. Her areas of focus include anxiety, stress, depression, burnout and relationship issues.
Our Online Counselling Fees
| Consultation | Duration | Senior Counsellor | Counsellor | Practicum Counsellor* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Session (Initial) | 75 min | $250 | $220 | $80 |
| Individual Session (Subsequent) | 75 min | $250 | $220 | $80 |
| Individual Session (Subsequent) | 50 min | $200 | $170 | $50 |
| Extension of Individual Session | Per 10 min block | $40 | $35 | -- |
| 6 Session Package (Individual)** | 6 sessions x 75 min | $1350 | $1188 | -- |
| 6 Session Package (Individual)** | 6 sessions x 50 min | $1080 | $920 | -- |
| Couples/Family Session (Initial) | 75 min | $300 | $280 | -- |
| Couples/Family Session (Subsequent) | 75 min | $300 | $280 | -- |
| Extension of Couples Session | Per 15 min block | $60 | $56 | -- |
| Out-of-Session Phone Call / Email | Per 10 min block | $40 | $35 | -- |
*All 6 sessions must be used within 6 months of the first session. Weekly or bi-weekly (once every two weeks) sessions are recommended by our counsellors as counselling is the most effective when done regularly.
Why Choose Sofia Wellness Clinic?
A Safe Environment
We strive to create a safe and comfortable environment where you can share your thoughts and emotions freely. In doing so, we hope to enable you in overcoming your life’s challenges and leading a fulfilling life.
Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists
All of our counsellors and psychotherapists are equipped with a minimum of a Master’s degree in counselling. They are experienced and professionally trained in various evidence-based counselling approaches.
Tips for a Successful Online Counselling Session
1. Create intentional time and space for the session
While the convenience makes it easy for us to jump in on a call with our therapist just like another one of our work or social calls, it can be helpful for us to take a few moments to create intentional time and space for the session.
Think about creating your own rituals around having therapy sessions such as:
- Making a cup of tea to sip during the session
- Lighting a candle
- Taking a few quiet moments to pause before the session
After the call, it would also be good to take a few quiet moments to process the session before stepping back into the hustle and bustle of your everyday life.
2. Set up the environment
Having therapy in the comfort of our home can make a big difference to the therapy experience for some of us. Here are some suggestions on how to set up your environment to have a successful session:
- Find a comfortable, private space that you will be undisturbed for the duration of the session.
- Make sure that you are located in an area that has stable internet connection and test out your camera and microphone before the session.
- To ensure privacy during the session, it is recommended that you use headphones and place an electronic device with a white noise app at the entrance of your door.
- Make sure that your device is placed such that your face is visible and in the middle of the screen so that your counsellor can make “eye contact” with you.
3. Be descriptive in expressing how you are feeling
It can be more difficult for your counsellor to read your facial expressions and bodily cues from the other side of the screen.
Therefore, it might be helpful to express explicitly how you are feeling to your counsellor. For instance, you may want to say, “I am feeling very anxious right now”, or “My hands are shaking and I can feel my heart beating rapidly in my chest.”
This practice of naming your emotions and bodily sensations is good for self-awareness, and also helps your counsellor become aware of your emotional state.
FAQs about Online Counselling
Does online counselling work?
Yes! Based on research studies conducted, various mental health issues can be treated through online counselling.
A research study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that online cognitive behavioural therapy was effective in treating anxiety disorders, while another study on online and physical counselling sessions found that online treatment for depression was equally as effective as in-person therapy.
Furthermore, a 2018 study on online therapy for anxiety and depression in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that online cognitive behavioural therapy was equally as effective as in-person treatment for major depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalised anxiety disorder.
Is online counselling as effective as in-person sessions?
Yes, online counselling sessions can be as effective as in-person ones. In fact, research has shown that online therapy is successful in treating various issues including depression and anxiety.
Will I be able to choose my own online therapist?
Yes, you are able to choose your own online therapist. However, if you require assistance with the selection, fill up our New Client Information Form and we will recommend a suitable counsellor.
Is online counselling available for families and couples?
Yes, online counselling is available for families and couples!
To create a more effective session, we recommend that each individual use their own device in separate rooms. This ensures that everyone can be seen and heard clearly by one another.
What happens during the first online counselling session?
During the first online counselling session, an intake assessment and comprehensive evaluation will be carried out. This will enable us to better understand your concerns, relationship history, family history and more. Thus, our counsellors will be able to tailor the treatment plan according to your needs.
Is there an age limit for online counselling?
Online counselling is generally suitable for adolescents and adults. For younger children, therapists may work collaboratively with parents or caregivers to prepare materials prior to the session, such as paper, colouring tools, or any resources that need to be downloaded and printed. This helps to support engagement and ensure the session is developmentally appropriate.
What happens if the connection drops during a session?
If there are any technical disruptions, your therapist will attempt to reconnect with you promptly. Where needed, alternative arrangements such as switching to a different online platform (for example, Google Meet) or rescheduling the session will be made to ensure continuity of care.
Can I attend online counselling sessions from overseas?
Yes, online counselling can be accessed from most locations, provided you have a stable internet connection and a private space for your session. However, we are currently unable to provide services to clients who are physically located in the United States or Canada due to licensing and regulatory requirements governing the provision of counselling services in those jurisdictions.
