Specialties & Services

Medical Specialties

Psychiatry

The Department of Psychiatry at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital provides comprehensive assessment and management of mental health conditions. Our multidisciplinary team comprises of psychiatrists and case managers who work closely with patients and their families to deliver holistic, person-centred psychiatric care.

We focus on the diagnosis, medical management, and longitudinal care of psychiatric and neuropsychiatric conditions, particularly in patients with complex medical needs. Our services emphasise evidence-based treatment, continuity of care, and collaboration with other specialties to support patients’ mental, emotional, and cognitive well-being.

Our department only accepts patients aged 18 years and above.

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
    It is a form of talk therapy that aims to help individuals manage their mental health conditions and improve their overall well-being. It involves a collaborative relationship between your mental health professional and a patient, where the patient can discuss their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a safe and supportive environment. Through psychotherapy, patients can gain insight into their challenges, develop coping skills and strategies, and work towards their goals.​
  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.

    For external referrals for rTMS by Psychiatrists from Public and Private Healthcare institutions, and Private Psychiatry Clinics, please email to [email protected] and a referral form will be sent to you.

  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.

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

For enquiries, please email [email protected]

Wheel of Wellness (WOW)

Wheel of Wellness (WOW) workbook provides a visual representation of eight life domains – Family & Loved Ones, Community Engagement, Learning & Self-Development, Physical Self-care, Recreation & Hobbies, Social Network, Spirituality, and Work – and the role each of them plays in fulfilling your life. Neglect of any domain may cause you to go off balance. Try the step-by-step instructions and discover the ‘WOM’ factor in your life!

A psychiatrist has a medical degree and can prescribe medication for psychiatric conditions, such as anti-depressants and anti-psychotics. Some, but not all, psychiatrists offer “talk therapy” to their patients.

A clinical psychologist typically has a degree in psychology and at least two years of postgraduate training in clinical psychology. Generally, clinical psychologists receive more training in “talk therapy” and as such, specialise in this area.

You may be referred to see a psychiatrist for medication needs, or to a clinical psychologist for “talk therapy”.

You may be referred by:

  • Your primary care doctor
  • Your lawyer who may refer you for an assessment as your mental health condition can impact legal decisions, such as the ability to make a will
  • Contacting our contact centre (self-referral)

Treatment
1st SessionSubsequent Sessions
Psychiatry45 minutes15 minutes
Psychotherapy60 minutes45 minutes
Family Counselling60 minutes60 minutes

Not all mental health conditions require long-term treatment. For example, anti-depressants can be discontinued 6-9 months after one episode of uncomplicated depressive illness. Most patients benefit from 8-12 sessions of psychotherapy, which may last 6-9 months for one episode of illness.

You may make an appointment to see a doctor for a consultation and medication top up.

The Ministry of Health website lists these four conditions under CDMP:

  • Schizophrenia
  • Major depression
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Dementia

For the latest updates, please refer to the Ministry of Health website.

Your medical information will not be released without your prior consent, unless it is required by law.

Our Team

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To enquire on Public Education:
[email protected]

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Admiralty Medical Centre
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