Psychological Medicine

Some of our services include:

1. Diagnostic evaluations
   Our team of experts will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.
2. Medication management
   Our psychiatrists make sure that our patients receive the most effective and appropriate medications to manage their symptoms.
3. Psychotherapy
   Psychotherapy refers to a variety of psychological interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy that help people understand and manage their dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It aims to improve mental wellbeing, beyond just discussing problems. Therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches depending on their training, the presenting issues, and the needs of the individual receiving therapy. Click for more information on psychotherapy.
4. Family counselling
   We provide support and guidance to families experiencing challenges, such as conflict, communication breakdowns, and life transitions. Family counselling aims to improve family dynamics, promote effective communication, and develop coping skills to manage their challenges. By working together with a mental health professional, families can gain insight and support to overcome their difficulties and build stronger, healthier relationships.
5. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
   Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is generally used in cases where traditional depression treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy, have not been effective. TMS works by targeting the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for regulating mood, and stimulating it with magnetic pulses. The procedure is typically done in an outpatient setting and requires multiple sessions over few weeks. TMS is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, with few side effects, and has shown promising results in treating depression. Our team include trained TMS nurses who work under the supervision of our psychiatrists.
6. Case Management Service
   Case managers are professionals who provide support and guide you with your mental health conditions. They work closely with you to develop a treatment plan, provide counselling, coordinate care, and help you get the resources you need. They also support you and your family members, help you navigate the healthcare system, and speak up for your needs.
7. Assessments
   Our mental health services provide a range of assessments to help diagnose and manage mental health conditions, as well as assess intellectual, adaptive, neuropsychological functioning and cognitive decline associated with aging.
   Some of the assessments we provide include:
   
   • Mental capacity assessment: These are used to evaluate your ability to make decisions for yourselves, including testamentary capacity and Lasting Power of Attorney assessments
   • IQ assessment/Intellectual and adaptive functioning: used to evaluate cognitive abilities and identify strengths and weaknesses in cognitive functioning.
   • Neuropsychological and dementia assessment: evaluate cognitive function and identify cognitive decline associated with aging or neurological disorders. These assessments can help diagnose conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

We provide comprehensive assessment and treatment for the following conditions. It's important to remember that treatment for mental health conditions is highly individualised, depending on their specific needs and circumstances.

• Depressive disorder: Depression is a common mental health condition that can affect mood, energy levels, and overall quality of life. Treatment for depressive disorder may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Antidepressants are often prescribed to help regulate mood, and psychotherapy can help patients develop coping skills and strategies to manage their symptoms.
• Anxiety disorder: Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that can cause excessive worry, fear, and nervousness. Treatment for anxiety disorder may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and beta-blockers may be prescribed to help manage symptoms. Psychotherapy can also help patients learn coping skills and strategies to manage their anxiety.
• Schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders: Treatment may include antipsychotic medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Antipsychotic medication can help manage symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, and psychotherapy can help patients learn coping skills and strategies to manage their symptoms.
• Bipolar affective disorder: Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy levels, and activity levels. Treatment for bipolar affective disorder may include mood stabilisers, antipsychotic medication, and psychotherapy. Mood stabilisers can help regulate mood swings, and antipsychotic medication can help manage symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
• Adjustment disorder: Treatment for adjustment disorder may include psychotherapy, medication, or both. Psychotherapy can help patients learn coping skills to manage their symptoms, and medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms such as anxiety or depression.
• Obsessive compulsive disorder: OCD is a mental health condition that causes unwanted and intrusive thoughts, as well as repetitive behaviours or rituals. Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication, or both. Antidepressants can help manage symptoms, and psychotherapy can help patients learn coping skills and strategies to manage symptoms.
• Insomnia: Insomnia disorder is a sleep disorder characterised by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or waking up too early in the morning. It can lead to fatigue, irritability, and other health problems if left untreated. Treatment for insomnia may involve lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep hygiene and avoiding stimulants before bedtime. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder: PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. Treatment for PTSD may include psychotherapy, medication, or both. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help manage symptoms, and psychotherapy can help patients learn coping skills and strategies to manage symptoms.
• Dementia: Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in cognitive function that interferes with a person's ability to perform everyday activities. It is most commonly associated with aging but can also be caused by other factors, such as injury or disease. Treatment may include medication to manage symptoms such as memory loss and confusion. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, can also help manage symptoms. In some cases, psychotherapy may also be recommended to help patients and their families cope with the emotional impact of the condition.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Managing ADHD requires a comprehensive approach that typically begins with a formal assessment to determine the severity of the condition. Medications like stimulants and non-stimulants can be effective in managing symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can help develop coping skills and strategies to manage symptoms. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as engaging in regular exercise, following a healthy diet, and maintaining good sleep habits can also help manage symptoms of ADHD.

Click this link for a range of self-help guide booklets.

We organise mental health training and provide talks for our community partners and public.

For enquiries, please email [email protected]

For a list of our research areas and papers, please visit Clinical Research »

For a list of our undergraduate, postgraduate, residency and internship programmes, please visit healthcare professional Medical Education »

Assessment & Shared Care Team (ASCAT) KTPH, formerly known as THRIVE, comprises of a multi-disciplinary team to provide assessment, treatment, and holistic care for clients with moderate to severe mental health conditions. In addition to supporting clients and caregivers, the team also builds capability of community mental health providers through training and clinical leadership.

The Assessment & Shared Care Team is one of the programmes under the Community Mental Health Masterplan developed by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), together with the Ministry of Health (MOH).

How can ASCAT KTPH support you?

• Provide fast-track clinical care including quick stabilisation, assessment, diagnosis and treatment for person with mental health conditions
• Develop capabilities of providers including primary care physicians, for example GPs and community agencies to provide quality mental health care through training and professional support
• Develop community support initiatives and provide clinical leadership in the development of integrated community mental health network

Contact ASCAT KTPH

For any inquiries about ASCAT KTPH, please contact us at [email protected]

Wheel of Wellness (WOW)

• WOW Workbook (English)
• WOW Worksheets (English)
• WOW Workbook (Chinese)
• WOW Worksheets (Chinese)
• WOW Workbook (Malay)
• WOW Worksheets (Malay)

Mental Health Care in your neighbourhood