Understanding Our Psychology Professionals

Who Does What & Why Fees Differ

What are Therapists | Type of Psychology Professionals | Why Fees Differ | Choosing the Right Professional | Our Standards

Choosing the right professional can feel confusing. Terms like psychologist, therapist, and counsellor are often used interchangeably, sometimes even by medical or legal professionals. Yet they refer to professionals with different qualifications, training pathways, and areas of expertise.

We hope that this page helps you understand who does what, why therapy fees vary, and how we ensure that every one of our clinicians meets the highest standards of professional training and ethics.

The Term "Therapist": What It Means (and Doesn't)

In everyday language, “therapist” is a broad, umbrella term used to describe anyone who provides therapy — from psychologists and counsellors to physiotherapists, art therapists, and even coaches.

However, the term does not, by itself, indicate qualification or registration. Unlike medicine or dentistry, psychology in Singapore is not yet a nationally regulated profession, so anyone can technically call themselves a “therapist.”

We believe that therapy should always be provided by clinicians who are properly trained, qualified, and accountable to recognised professional bodies. That’s why all our psychologists and counsellors meet rigorous educational, ethical, and clinical standards in their respective fields.

Comparison of Mental Health Professionals

Our team includes Clinical and Counselling Psychologists, Counsellors, an Art Psychotherapist, and Associate Psychologists. We also work closely with Psychiatrists when medical input is needed. Here’s how these professionals differ in their roles, qualifications, and scope of practice.

Professional	Who They Are	Qualifications	What They Do	What They Cannot Do
Clinical Psychologist	trained mental health professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat complex emotional and psychological conditions.	Master’s or Doctoral degree (Psy.D / Ph.D) in Clinical Psychology; years of supervised hospital and clinical training.	Conduct assessments, provide therapy for clinical disorders, and use evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and Schema Therapy.	Cannot prescribe medication.
Counselling Psychologist	Supports individuals with life transitions, stress, emotional challenges, and relationships; focuses on wellbeing and growth.	Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology with training in psychotherapeutic modalities such as CBT, EFT, and Person-Centred Therapy.	Provides therapy for emotional regulation, stress management, and interpersonal issues; promotes resilience and adjustment.	Typically does not conduct formal diagnostic testing; cannot prescribe medication.
Counsellor	Provides short- to medium-term emotional support and guidance for individuals, couples, and families.	Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling or Counselling Psychology; registered with professional counselling bodies.	Offers talk therapy, emotional support, and coping skills development in a safe and supportive space.	Cannot diagnose, perform psychological testing, or prescribe medication.
Art Psychotherapist	Uses creative expression (art-making) as a therapeutic process to help clients explore feelings and experiences that may be difficult to express verbally.	Master’s degree in Art Therapy or Art Psychotherapy; trained in both psychotherapy and visual arts.	Conducts art-based therapy sessions for children, adolescents, and adults to support emotional processing, trauma recovery, and self-expression.	Cannot conduct diagnostic testing or prescribe medication.
Associate Psychologist	Works under the supervision of senior psychologists as part of their professional development and training pathway.	Bachelor’s degree (Honours) in Psychology; may be completing or pursuing postgraduate supervised practice.	Provides therapy and psychoeducation under supervision; supports accessible and affordable care while maintaining quality oversight.	Cannot independently diagnose or prescribe medication.
Psychiatrist (our external partners)	Medical doctor specialising in mental health diagnosis and medication management; often part of a broader care team.	Medical degree (MBBS) with postgraduate specialisation in Psychiatry.	Diagnoses mental health conditions, prescribes medication (e.g., antidepressants, mood stabilisers), and may provide psychotherapy.	Typically does not provide ongoing talk therapy at the same frequency as psychologists or counsellors.

Why Therapy Fees Differ

Fees vary based on qualification, clinical experience, and professional responsibility.

For instance, a Clinical Psychologist with advanced postgraduate training and extensive hospital experience will charge differently from an Associate Psychologist beginning supervised practice.

Fees also reflect the hidden hours behind every session. This includes case formulation, documentation, coordination with other healthcare professionals, and ongoing supervision.

Most importantly, our focus is on treatment effectiveness and ethical practice, not on cost per minute.

Our Standards

Regardless of title, every of our clinician:

Has undergone formal, accredited training in their field
Engages in ongoing professional supervision
Follows strict ethical guidelines and confidentiality standards
Is committed to delivering evidence-based, client-centred care

Choosing the Right Professional for You

If you’re unsure whom to see, consider:

Do I need a diagnosis or assessment? → Clinical Psychologist
Am I seeking support for life transitions or relationship issues? → Clinical Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist or Counsellor
Would I prefer a more affordable option under supervision? → Associate Psychologist

Our client care team can help you match with the right clinician for your needs and budget.

Choosing therapy is a personal and often courageous step. We believe that understanding who you’ll be working with together with the professional integrity behind their training, makes that step a little easier.

If you’d like help deciding which clinician is right for you, reach out to us:

📞 +65 8202 3385 | 📧 appointments@apsy.sg

Make an appointment