Finding support · Singapore
Family Service Centre or FAM counselling in Singapore?
The names sound similar. The right first call depends on whether you need help with a family relationship, several problems at once, or your own support.
Start with the Family Service Centre (FSC) serving your address if you’re dealing with several problems at once, such as family conflict, housing worries and a drop in income. If you mainly want counselling about a family relationship, look at the Strengthening Families Programme (FAM). Its centres offer free counselling to eligible people. MSF explains what each service does.
You can contact an FSC yourself. For FAM counselling, check the eligibility and appointment steps on Family Assist first.
Compare the first step for each route
| Route | When to try it | Cost and first step |
|---|---|---|
| Family Service Centre (FSC) | Social and emotional support, including when family, housing or money problems are tied together. A social work practitioner can help you work through the situation and connect you with other services. | MSF says core services are generally free. Some programmes charge a commitment fee. Call, email or visit the FSC serving your area. MSF’s FSC fee guidance |
| Strengthening Families Programme (FAM) | Family relationship concerns, such as recurring conflict, parenting strain or difficulties around separation. You can attend alone. | FAM centres offer free counselling for eligible people. Start with Family Assist’s registration route for in-person or video appointments. |
| Counsilio individual online counselling | You live in Singapore and want to talk through how family pressure is affecting you and what choices you have. | Long-term sessions start at S$80 and last 50–60 minutes. The team talks with you about what you need, your preferences and budget, then helps find a suitable counsellor and explains the proposed arrangements. How guided matching works |
Find the Family Service Centre that covers your address
Enter your home postal code in the Family Service Centres section of the MSF directory. Look for the centres serving that postal code. If you’re unsure where to go, MSF lists 1800 222 0000 for help locating an FSC. See MSF’s advice on contacting an FSC.
Start with what you need help with this week. For example, you might say, “My hours were cut, we’re behind on rent, and we keep arguing at home. Who should I speak to first?” You can ask when someone can talk with you before making a trip. As one example of how intake works, Care Corner says a social work practitioner follows up to understand the situation and recommend support. If a particular programme has a fee you can’t afford, MSF says you can ask FSC staff about a waiver.
Check eligibility and register for family counselling
Family Assist’s registration page lists Singapore citizens, permanent residents and non-residents with a Singaporean parent, spouse or child. The service terms say you must be physically in Singapore for the session, including video appointments. The online form asks for an email address and Singpass. If you don’t have either, Family Assist directs you to contact a FAM centre directly.
For a family issue such as repeated arguments about care for a parent, you can start by attending on your own and discuss whether to involve anyone else later. See Family Assist’s fee and attendance FAQ.
Use the FAM centre route if that service fits. Family Assist’s agency list showed the separate private-agency pilot as fully booked on 9 November 2026. If you’re deciding among other paid and lower-cost individual options, see the Singapore counselling cost guide.
If you’re afraid someone at home may hurt you
Use Family Assist’s safety guidance or call the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline at 1800 777 0000. If you’re in immediate danger, call 999 for police assistance. For a medical emergency, call 995.
Explore individual online counselling
You dont have to do this alone
If you’re in Singapore and would like support for your own experience, tell us briefly what’s been difficult and what would make sessions manageable. Counsilio takes responsibility for counsellor quality and matching. WhatsApp opens an enquiry. Your appointment is arranged separately.
Explore CounsilioCommon questions
Do I need a referral to contact a Family Service Centre?
MSF says you can contact the centre yourself by phone, email or in person. An initial conversation helps the centre understand what support fits.
Can I start if my family doesn’t want to come?
Family Assist says you can attend FAM counselling on your own if you prefer. If you want individual support around a recurring request or family pressure, see our counselling for family boundaries page and guide to a first counselling session.