S'pore to prioritise early mental health support: Koh Poh Koon

Aim is to prevent individuals' symptoms from worsening and requiring intensive treatment

- Lee Li Ying Correspondent

Senior Minister of State for Health Koh Poh Koon said resources will be channelled towards helping people with few or even no symptoms of mental health issues to stay well.

(ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG)

Much like Healthier SG, a preventative approach is being taken by Singapore to mental health so that needs are tackled at an earlier stage before issues worsen.

In an exclusive interview with The Straits Times, Senior Minister of State for Health Koh Poh Koon said resources will be channelled towards helping people with few or even no symptoms of mental health issues to stay well.

"The value of Healthier SG is in prevention and that must start young. For mental health, that is exactly the same," said Dr Koh.

Healthier SG encourages Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged 40 and older to manage their health, prevent chronic diseases and lead healthier lifestyles. People work with their chosen primary care doctor to develop their personalised health plans.

Singapore's mental healthcare system operates on a tiered-care model with four levels, based on the severity of symptoms.

At Tier 1, healthy individuals with no to minimal mental health symptoms would benefit from mental health promotion and peer support. Tier 2 would see individuals with mild symptoms benefiting from counselling and stress management.

At Tier 3, those with moderate symptoms would need psychotherapy and medical treatment. At Tier 4, individuals with severe symptoms and major difficulties coping would require psychiatric assessment and specialised longer-term psychological interventions.