Mental health professionals in Singapore are raising alarm over the safety of clients due to the lack of regulation in the psychology sector. The absence of oversight, combined with incidents of professional misconduct and breaches of confidentiality, is eroding public trust and endangering vulnerable individuals, according to Adrian Toh, president of the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS).
The SPS is currently in talks with the Ministry of Health regarding the potential regulation of psychologists in Singapore. This conversation has gained urgency following reports of unqualified individuals offering counseling services on the online marketplace Carousell, underscoring a broader trend of untrained help being provided on social media and messaging platforms.
The Case for Regulation
In Singapore, only psychiatrists—medical doctors trained to prescribe medication and manage hospitalizations—are regulated by the Singapore Medical Council. Other mental health professionals, such as psychologists and counselors, remain unregulated. While organizations like SPS and the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) set professional and ethical guidelines for their members, these voluntary codes lack the force of law.
Toh pointed out that, although many psychologists adhere to high standards, the lack of legal safeguards creates risks for clients, practitioners, and the broader mental health sector. In Singapore, psychologists are involved in diverse roles, including developing resilience programs in schools and offering preventative mental health support to vulnerable groups. However, without formal regulation, unethical practices remain a concern.
SPS oversees approximately 700 registered psychologists, and Toh noted that the organization receives an average of six complaints annually related to unethical practices, including overcharging and breaches of confidentiality. While the number of complaints is relatively small, Toh emphasized that it highlights the need for regulatory oversight.
Risks of Unqualified Practitioners
One of the key concerns is the potential for harm when individuals with inadequate training claim to be psychologists. Toh cited an example of a person with post-traumatic stress disorder seeking therapy from someone untrained in trauma care. In such cases, improper treatment could worsen a client’s condition and, in extreme instances, have life-threatening consequences. Toh also mentioned instances where unqualified practitioners had incorrectly diagnosed neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism or intellectual disability.
In these situations, there is no system in place to verify credentials or hold unqualified individuals accountable for any harm caused. Regulation could help address this gap, ensuring that mental health professionals meet minimum standards and undergo ongoing professional development.
Another significant concern is the lack of safeguards around confidentiality. Toh shared an example where a psychologist breached client confidentiality by discussing personal details about a client at a social gathering, potentially causing emotional and financial harm.
Carousell Listings Raise Alarm
In recent months, mental health professionals have expressed concerns over unqualified individuals offering counseling services on Carousell, with some charging as little as $1 or as much as $70 per session. These untrained individuals, some of whom are psychology undergraduates or self-proclaimed “ordinary teenagers,” are using life experience rather than formal training to offer services, often without clear credentials.
The Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) has flagged at least 16 such listings on Carousell, urging the platform to implement safeguards to protect consumers. SAC president Andy Lam emphasized that Carousell users, who come from a wide demographic, may not always be aware of the potential risks of engaging unqualified counselors.
Carousell, in response to queries from The Straits Times, said it is in discussions with SAC to explore ways to better moderate such listings. However, as of late February, 15 of the 16 flagged listings were still active.
The Risks of Untrained Counselling
Experts warn that unqualified counseling can cause more harm than good. Dr. Jonathan Kuek, an adjunct lecturer at James Cook University, explained that providing mental health support requires more than life experience or empathy—it involves formal training in therapeutic techniques and ethics. He noted that most mental health professionals help clients find their own solutions, rather than simply offering advice.
Lam stressed the importance of ethical awareness and professional discipline in ensuring that counseling sessions are conducted within established guidelines. He pointed out that professional training includes rigorous academic study and clinical supervision, elements that are missing in the unregulated sector.
Ms. Wong Wun Chee, an assistant senior counselor at Care Corner Counseling Centre, said that untrained individuals may fail to recognize signs of serious issues like family violence or misinterpret behavioral problems in children. These mistakes can have long-term emotional and psychological consequences for clients.
A Growing Call for Regulation
The unregulated nature of the mental health sector in Singapore remains a pressing issue. SAC has long called for official oversight, highlighting that it is necessary for enhancing the quality and safety of mental healthcare in the country. Despite this, there has been no formal response from government ministries.
With the government placing increasing emphasis on mental health and well-being, Lam stressed the need for qualified professionals to provide the support people need. He warned that the absence of regulation poses significant risks to clients, particularly those seeking help for serious mental health issues.
Dr. Kuek echoed this sentiment, urging the government to implement regulation. He pointed out that, just as individuals would not seek medical treatment from an unlicensed doctor, they should not rely on unqualified mental health professionals.
How to Identify a Qualified Counsellor
For those seeking counseling services, Lam advised checking whether the practitioner holds postgraduate qualifications from nationally recognized institutions and whether they provide clear information about their areas of expertise and experience. He also recommended verifying whether the counselor is registered with SAC and cautioned against practitioners who promise quick fixes or have vague credentials.
As the call for regulation intensifies, the future of mental health services in Singapore may hinge on ensuring that only qualified professionals are entrusted with the well-being of those in need.
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