Finding support · Singapore
Counselling in Singapore if you’re Deaf or hard of hearing
Where to ask for support, how to arrange communication for a session, and what to check before you pay for an interpreter.
If you need counselling and aren’t sure where to start, contact the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf). Its Community Services team offers counselling, casework and referrals for eligible registered clients. If you already have a counsellor in mind, agree on how you’ll communicate before you book. You might need someone who signs, an interpreter, captions or time to write things down.
Find a place to start or plan for an appointment.
Ask SADeaf about support and referrals
SADeaf’s Community Services team describes free counselling, casework and referrals for registered clients. The service page lists Singapore citizens and permanent residents with certified hearing loss as eligible to register. Use SADeaf’s registration page to see how to join. If you’d rather write than call, its general contact page lists email and an office-hours WhatsApp number. These are ways to ask for help getting started. They aren’t counselling sessions by message.
Start with what would help you communicate. For example: “I’d like to talk to someone about what’s been happening at home. I use Singapore Sign Language. Is there a way to have that conversation in SgSL?” SADeaf lists counselling and referrals, but its public page doesn’t say which communication arrangements are available for a particular appointment.
Agree on how you’ll communicate before you book
If you sign, say which sign language you use. Check whether the counsellor can work in that language or can involve a professional interpreter. It helps to agree who will arrange the interpreter, who will be in the session and what the full appointment will cost. The Singapore Medical Association’s communication guide, informed by local Deaf and hard-of-hearing feedback, explains why the care team should find out how you prefer to communicate before you arrive.
SADeaf’s sign language interpreting service has a separate request form, fees and terms. SADeaf advises sending a one-off request at least seven days ahead. Confirm the counselling provider can include the interpreter before booking either. The free Community Services offer for registered clients doesn’t mean interpretation is free. If you’re visiting Singapore, SADeaf’s contact page lists paid interpretation as a separate option.
If you follow speech better when you can see the speaker or read captions, say what makes a difference: “I can do video if I can see your face clearly and read captions. Can we check both before we start?” If a caption gets a word wrong, you can pause and ask for it to be clarified. If you want a whole session by text, see the guide to text and phone counselling for the difference between support chat, booking messages and an appointment by text.
If you need support while you wait
National mindline 1771 offers round-the-clock mental health support by WhatsApp and webchat. For a medical emergency, see the SCDF emergency SMS instructions for people who are Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment.
Individual online counselling
You dont have to do this alone
If ordinary online sessions work for you and you live in Singapore, Counsilio can talk through what you’re looking for, your preferences and budget, then help find a suitable counsellor. See how guided matching works. Long-term sessions start at S$80 and last 50–60 minutes. WhatsApp starts an enquiry; an appointment is arranged separately.
Explore CounsilioCommon questions
Do I have to use sign language to ask for support?
No. You can tell the service how you prefer to communicate. Some people sign, some prefer speech with captions or a clear view of the speaker, and some prefer to write. SADeaf publishes a general email and WhatsApp route if you’d rather send your first enquiry in writing.
What if we can’t use the communication plan on the day?
You can say you’re missing parts of the conversation and ask to pause. If you can’t take part comfortably, ask about a different format or a later appointment. If you’re arranging support for the first time, see what a first counselling session can involve and the counselling cost guide.
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