A growing number of untrained individuals are offering counseling services on Carousell, an online marketplace, raising serious concerns among mental health professionals.

Among them are a former psychology undergraduate and a self-described "ordinary teenager" who provide services based solely on personal experiences. While some offer their services for free, others charge between $1 and $70 per session.

Mental health experts warn that such unregulated counseling could do more harm than good, as professional therapy requires extensive training, ethical awareness, and clinical supervision.

The Singapore Association for Counseling (SAC) has voiced concerns about the increasing presence of unqualified counseling services online, emphasizing that improper mental health support could lead to unintended psychological harm.

Singapore’s counseling sector remains unregulated, unlike psychiatry, which falls under the Singapore Medical Council’s oversight. This regulatory gap has enabled a rise in individual advertising therapy services through social media and online platforms.

SAC recently reviewed 16 counseling-related listings on Carousell and found that many lacked transparency regarding qualifications, with some falsely presenting themselves as legitimate mental health professionals. The association has since reached out to Carousell to discuss potential safeguards to protect consumers, including requiring mandatory fields for professional qualifications in counseling-related listings.

Andy Lam, president of SAC, highlighted the importance of such measures, noting that Carousell users come from diverse backgrounds, and many may struggle to distinguish between trained professionals and unqualified individuals. He stressed that without proper regulation, individuals seeking help may unknowingly place themselves at risk.

Carousell acknowledged the issue but stated that it is unaware of specific local regulations governing counseling services. A spokesperson for the platform confirmed that discussions with SAC are underway to explore better moderation methods. Despite SAC’s concerns, 15 of the 16 flagged listings remained active as of February 25.

What the listing says

Many of the listings emphasized the sellers’ empathetic nature and ability to offer a listening ear rather than any formal qualifications. While some admitted they were not professionals, others failed to provide details about their credentials.

When contacted under the guise of a potential client, several individuals offered services in areas such as relationship, marriage, and child counseling, despite lacking the necessary professional training.

Dr. Jonathan Kuek, an adjunct lecturer at James Cook University, cautioned against the assumption that life experience and empathy alone qualify someone to provide mental health support.

He explained that effective counseling involves more than just listening or giving advice, as trained professionals guide individuals toward solutions rather than imposing personal opinions.

The Perils of unqualified counseling

Ms. Wong Wun Chee, an assistant senior counselor at Care Corner Counseling Centre, warned that unqualified counseling could have serious consequences. She explained that in marriage counseling, an untrained individual might fail to recognize signs of domestic violence, validate toxic relationship dynamics, or give advice that exacerbates conflicts.

In child counseling, an unqualified counselor could misinterpret behavioral issues, fail to create a safe environment, or unintentionally breach confidentiality, potentially causing long-term emotional harm.

Among the listings on Carousell was one from a master’s student offering free counseling sessions to fulfill practicum hours, a requirement for recognized counseling programs.

However, SAC clarified that trainees are not permitted to find clients through online marketplaces, as practicum sites must be monitored by trainers and arranged through accredited institutions. The student removed the listing upon learning about the restriction.

Choosing the right counselor for yourself

SAC advises those seeking counseling to verify that practitioners hold postgraduate qualifications, have documented experience, and are registered with recognized professional bodies.

It also warns against individuals who make exaggerated claims or promise quick fixes, such as guaranteeing trauma recovery in a single session.

For years, SAC has advocated for the formal regulation of the counseling profession, but there has been no official response from government ministries.

As Singapore increasingly prioritizes mental health and well-being, experts stress that regulation is necessary to ensure that individuals receive safe and effective care.

Dr. Kuek questioned why anyone would seek mental health support from an unqualified counselor, comparing it to visiting an unlicensed doctor.

Until regulation is in place, experts say the risk of engaging untrained counselors remains a serious concern.