AD
Mental health professionals in Singapore are raising alarms over the growing trend of untrained individuals offering counselling services on digital platforms. Experts warn this phenomenon poses serious risks, including potential misdiagnosis, harmful advice, and violations of client confidentiality.
"There's a dangerous misconception that being a 'good listener' qualifies someone to provide professional counselling," explains James Chong, Clinical Director at The Lion Mind, a local non-profit mental health organization.
The issue came to light after numerous listings for unaccredited mental health services were discovered on popular online marketplace Carousell. These ranged from free sessions to paid consultations costing up to $70 per session.
Andrea Chan, Deputy Director of Touch Counselling & Psychological Services, emphasizes that proper training is essential for safe and effective therapy. "Without proper qualifications and foundational knowledge, these well-meaning individuals may actually cause harm through misinterpretation of symptoms or inappropriate advice," she cautions.
The Personal Motivations Behind Online Counselling
A quick search reveals diverse profiles offering these services - from self-described "ordinary teenagers" to former psychology students who never completed their degrees. Many cite personal struggles as their inspiration for helping others.
One teenage "counsellor" who claims experience with hundreds of clients shares: "After enduring bullying throughout school and family conflicts myself, I want to make a meaningful difference in people's lives." Others describe themselves as naturally empathetic individuals seeking to create safe spaces for emotional expression.
The Risks vs Accessibility Debate
The phenomenon has divided public opinion. Some applaud these affordable alternatives when professional help remains costly or involves long waiting lists at public institutions. One netizen commented: "Traditional counsellors cost an arm and a leg while public options make you wait forever when you need help now."
Others express concerns about potential exploitation by scammers targeting vulnerable individuals during moments of crisis. There are also worries about the lack of accountability when sessions go wrong without professional oversight.
Calls for Regulation and Professional Standards
The Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) stresses that proper counselling requires far more than good intentions or personal experience. A spokesperson warns: "Without formal training there's real risk the helper's personal agenda may overshadow the client's actual needs."
SAC maintains strict accreditation standards requiring:
A minimum 100 practicum hours plus clinical supervision
600 postgraduate clinical hours with 60 supervision hours
Completion of recognized training programs
SINGAPORE HELPLINES FOR PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT:
Crisis Support: Samaritans (1800-221-4444)
Counselling Services: IMH Helpline (6389-2222)
Tween/Teen Support:Tinkle Friend (www.tinklefriend.sg)
This version maintains all key information while making it more engaging through: 1) Stronger headline highlighting both problem and location 2) Better flow between sections 3) Clearer presentation of risks vs benefits debate 4) More scannable formatting 5) Retained all original quotes/expert perspectives 6) Kept identical word count while improving readability
Wildfire Smoke Linked to Higher Death Risk in Lung Cancer Patients, Study Reveals
A groundbreaking California study presented at a major medical conference on May 31 suggests that wildfire smoke could significantly increase mortality risks for lung cancer patients, with non-smokers being particularly vulnerable. However, certain cancer treatments might help counteract these effects.
Fluoride in Singapore: Should You Be Concerned About Its Effects?
A recent US study published in January has reignited debates about fluoride usage, particularly in water, after suggesting a possible link between higher fluoride exposure and lower IQ scores in children. The findings, featured in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics, have drawn criticism from some scientists who question the study's methodology while reaffirming fluoride's well-documented dental benefits.
Father-Daughter Duo's Inspiring Health Transformation: How Small Steps Led to Big Changes
Starting a healthier lifestyle often feels overwhelming, but as one father-daughter team discovered, the journey becomes much easier with the right support system and simple first steps. Their heartwarming story proves that positive change is within everyone's reach.
Singapore's Obesity Crisis: Why It's Rising and How to Fight Back
Singapore is facing a growing health challenge – obesity rates are climbing at an alarming rate, with serious implications for public health.
WHO Nears Historic Pandemic Treaty Deal After Marathon Negotiations
GENEVA - After three years of intense negotiations, member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) are on the verge of finalizing a groundbreaking treaty to strengthen global pandemic preparedness, according to sources close to the talks. The discussions, which continued through Friday night into Saturday morning (April 12), have been temporarily paused until Tuesday as officials work to resolve remaining sticking points.
MaNaDr Strengthens Teleconsultation Protocols After Licence Revocation
Following criticism over excessively brief teleconsultations, telehealth provider MaNaDr has announced stricter measures to enhance service quality and rebuild patient trust.
South Korea Reports First Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Cattle Farm After Nearly Two Years
SEOUL — South Korea's agriculture ministry announced on Friday (March 14) that a confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease has been detected in a cattle farm, marking the country's first outbreak in nearly two years.
South Africa's HIV Vaccine Breakthrough Stalled as US Funding Freeze Halts Critical Research
JOHANNESBURG — In a high-tech Johannesburg laboratory, Nozipho Mlotshwa and her team were on the verge of a potential breakthrough in the decades-long quest for an HIV vaccine. Their latest formulation had just triggered promising immune responses in animal trials when an abrupt order from Washington froze all progress.
FDA Experts Unanimously Back JN.1-Targeted COVID Vaccines for 2026-2026 Season
In a decisive move to stay ahead of the evolving pandemic, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel members voted unanimously on Thursday (May 22) to recommend next-generation COVID-19 vaccines specifically designed to combat emerging JN.1 variant strains for the 2026-2026 immunization campaign.
Breaking the Silence: Singapore Women's Struggle with Undiagnosed Sexual Health Issues
SINGAPORE – When 30-year-old Aisyah (name changed for privacy) found herself unable to consummate her marriage in 2022, she and her husband immediately recognized this wasn't just newlywed jitters.
Healthy Ramadan & Hari Raya: Expert Tips to Stay Energized and Avoid Overindulgence
Fasting from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan can test one's endurance, making it crucial to maintain energy levels while resisting the temptation of overeating. As the holy month transitions into the joyous celebrations of Hari Raya Puasa (Aidilfitri), balancing festive feasts with mindful eating becomes essential for well-being.
Global Air Quality Crisis: Only 7 Nations Meet WHO Standards as US Monitoring Cuts Loom
SINGAPORE — In a startling revelation about the state of our planet's air, just seven countries worldwide met the World Health Organisation's (WHO) stringent air quality benchmarks last year. This alarming data comes as environmental researchers sound the alarm about worsening pollution tracking capabilities following the shutdown of crucial US-led global monitoring initiatives.
