Finding support · Singapore
Counselling for seniors in Singapore: where to start
If you’re looking for someone to talk to, start with what would make it possible to go: the fee, the journey, or a hand making the first call.
If you’re 50 or older and want to talk about a change in your life, SAGE Counselling Centre and O’Joy are two places to start. SAGE lists free centre appointments for eligible Singapore citizens and permanent residents. O’Joy has a free initial assessment for new clients who are citizens or PRs; later sessions have a separate fee. If getting to a centre is difficult, SAGE offers home counselling in some circumstances, and Care Corner offers it for eligible seniors in specific neighbourhoods.
Compare the three services or see how to make the first call.
Compare senior counselling options
| Service | Who it may suit | Fee and how to start |
|---|---|---|
| SAGE Counselling Centre | Adults aged 50 and above looking for counselling about changes in later life. Home sessions may be an option if health or mobility makes travel hard. | Centre sessions are free for eligible Singapore citizens and PRs; home counselling has a fee. If you aren’t a citizen or PR, call to confirm intake and the applicable fee. Call 6354 1191 or see SAGE’s service and referral page. |
| O’Joy | Adults aged 50 and above looking for counselling about changes such as loss, loneliness or declining health. | New Singapore citizen and PR clients get a free initial assessment. Later fees depend on their circumstances. O’Joy lists S$250 per session, including the first, for clients who are neither citizens nor PRs. Call 6749 0190 for phone intake. See O’Joy’s fees and referrals. |
| Care Corner | Singapore citizens and PRs aged 55 and above in Toa Payoh, Novena, Woodlands, Marsiling, Sembawang or Yishun who live alone or have limited family support and need counselling. The unit offers centre and home sessions. | Call the unit at 6570 3919 to check eligibility, the fee and where you can be seen. See Care Corner’s older-adult counselling service. |
One detail makes a difference if you’re budgeting for more than one visit. O’Joy lists S$0–S$50 for certain assistance recipients and eligible cardholders living in HDB, and S$20–S$250 for clients in its citizen and PR tier without the listed cards. The counsellor works out the ongoing fee at the assessment. Use the counselling cost guide if you’re comparing those fees with other individual options.
Make a first call you can manage
You don’t have to know what kind of counselling you need. You can tell the service what changed and one thing that would make an appointment easier. For example: “Since I stopped working, I find the days quite long. I’d like to talk to someone, but I’d have trouble getting to the centre on my own.” Mention it early if you’d be more comfortable speaking in a particular language. The team can tell you what it can arrange.
If you’re helping a parent or another older relative, ask what they’d like help with first. They might want you to find the number and sit with them while they call. Or they may want you to ask about travel or cost and let them decide afterwards. SAGE’s service page includes a form for a family or caregiver referral. Ask before sharing someone else’s details. If you only need help finding the right service, the Seniors Helpline at 1800 555 5555 takes calls from people aged 50 and above and people asking about support for an older person.
When to start with a doctor
If you’re worried about new changes in memory or thinking that are making everyday tasks harder, start with a GP or polyclinic for an assessment. HealthHub explains that route. You can still seek emotional support alongside medical care.
Individual online counselling
You dont have to do this alone
If you’re in Singapore and would like individual online support with a change such as retirement or a move, see Counsilio’s counselling for life changes. We talk with you about your concerns, preferences and budget, then take responsibility for finding a suitable counsellor. Long-term sessions start at S$80 and last 50–60 minutes. WhatsApp starts an enquiry; the appointment is arranged separately. If you need a specialist service for older adults or a home visit, use the routes above.
Explore CounsilioCommon questions
Is counselling for seniors free in Singapore?
Some appointments are free if you meet the provider’s criteria. For example, SAGE lists free centre appointments for eligible citizens and PRs, while O’Joy’s free assessment for new citizen and PR clients is separate from the cost of ongoing sessions. The fees also depend on the format. Check the provider’s current fee for the appointment you’ll attend.
Can I bring someone to my first counselling appointment?
You can ask the service whether someone can come with you for the first visit. If you want part of the conversation in private, you can say so. See what a first counselling session can involve. If you’re the one looking for support with the strain of caring for someone, start with counselling for caregivers.
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