Consult Specialised Therapists in Malaysia
ThoughtFull World provides both online and in-person therapy in Malaysia.
- Local Malaysian Therapists
- Certified Mental Health Professionals (At least Master’s Degree)
- Completed academic and practicum hours
- Diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
- Online & In-person therapy options
- Unlimited mental health chat app access
Meet Our Online Therapists in Malaysia
We only select qualified Malaysian Therapists who meet our strict requirements. All our therapists in Malaysia are not just trained volunteers. All our therapists are certified mental health therapists who have completed the required academic (at least a master’s degree) and practicum hours to obtain their relevant certifications. Before choosing a ThoughtFull Professional, you can wish to read their full profile by clicking on “Read More”.
Ammar Saifullah Kamalie
Counsellor
Asha Raj
Counsellor
Boey Ying
Counsellor
Brenda Shalini Kesavamani
Counsellor
E. Laine Loh
Counsellor
Elizabeth Gerard
Counsellor
Fatin Nurafiqah
Clinical Psychologist
Goh Xin Qi
Clinical Psychologist
Hanisa Najib
Clinical Psychologist
Isabel Joeshua
Counsellor
Jackie Yong
Counsellor
John Pinto
Counsellor
Jolynn Francis
Counsellor
Kamilia Khatib
Clinical Psychologist
Kee Joey
Clinical Psychologist
Khasturi Benniah
Counsellor
Kelly Phang
Clinical Psychologist
Kindaichi Lee
Counsellor
Lee Car-Men
Counsellor
Leong Fong Chu
Counsellor
Martin Tung
Clinical Psychologist
Masyitah Minhad
Clinical Psychologist
Ng Li Hsia
Counsellor
Nur Kamarina Tajuddin
Counsellor
Nuur Syuhadah Mad Tarmizi
Counsellor
Radhika Mohit
Counsellor
Rajeshwary A/P R. Chandran Kandan
Counsellor
Ranila Sirisinghe
Counsellor
Rebecca Chang
Counsellor
Sandi James
Clinical Psychologist
Siew Wei
Counsellor
Sobana Dewi Damodaran
Counsellor
Suzy Wright
Counsellor
Venuga Devi
Counsellor
Wong Hui Yean
Counsellor
Yip Wai Luen
Counsellor
Yong Xin Phua
Clinical Psychologist
About Our Therapists: ThoughtFull Professionals
How to Find Your Ideal Professional Therapist?
ThoughtFull Professionals (TFPs) are certified and experienced mental health therapists (counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists) who can support you across a range of issues including anxiety, depression, work-related stress, relationships, trauma, grief, and more.
Finding a therapist who is a good fit can help you feel comfortable and develop the confidence to deal with mental health matters.
- Figure out your therapy goals
- Choose your therapy type
- Think about your preferred medium (online, offline or chat app)
- Look at credentials
- Consider geography and language
- Ask them questions to assess their compatibility
How We Select Our Therapists at ThoughtFull
All ThoughtFull Professionals are required a comprehensive application and onboarding process. This includes thorough due diligence on their identity, certification, licensure, and other qualifications before they are accepted onto our platform.
We ensure that all Professionals at ThoughtFull are certified mental health professionals (counsellors, psychologists, or psychiatrists) who have completed the required academic and practicum hours to obtain their relevant certifications and credentials.
All ThoughtFull Professionals have been carefully vetted and trained to use ThoughtFullChat to ensure the quality of services provided. Where feasible, we also show the licensing information for each provider to make it easy for anyone to do their due diligence.
Each of our online mental health therapists brings specific areas of expertise and experience. We ensure that each therapist is deeply committed to providing our clients with effective therapy.
Our Approaches To Therapy
A journey of self-discovery can be both a daunting and yet exciting journey. ThoughtFull Therapists are committed to supporting clients across behavioural and emotional responses to gain a positive outlook on life.
PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL
Safeguarding your data and privacy is of utmost importance to us and ThoughtFullChat goes to great lengths to protect client data and privacy.
ThoughtFullChat's mobile app requires two-factor authentication to provide extra security for customer and professional accounts. ThoughtFullChat's Users also have the option to be identified only by their Nickname on the App for an added layer of confidentiality.
All messages between clients and their mental health professionals are secured and encrypted with banking-grade 256-bit encryption. Our databases are encrypted, rendering any data meaningless in the highly unlikely event that it gets stolen. All data connections between mobile apps, websites, and servers are encrypted with SSL and follow best practices.
CONVENIENT
At ThoughtFull World Malaysia, we understand that convenience is key to effective mental health therapy. That’s why we offer a variety of therapy options tailored to fit into your busy life seamlessly. Whether you prefer online asynchronous text, online video sessions, or face-to-face meetings, we have you covered.
Our goal is to provide you with the flexibility to choose the method that works best for you, ensuring that accessing mental health support is as easy and stress-free as possible. With ThoughtFull World, you can engage in therapy at your own pace, in your own space, and on your own schedule. We believe in making therapy in Malaysia affordable and accessible to anyone.
PERSONALISED
Mental Health and Wellness encompasses a range of fields and can be broadly viewed from a Bio+Psycho+Social aspect. Therefore, some professionals (Psychiatrists) focus more on the biochemical part (balancing brain chemicals and medication), while others (Psychologists and Counselors) focus on the psychosocial part (psychotherapy, social support, and rehabilitation).
While it is beneficial for every user to understand the BioPsychoSocial aspects of mental wellness, it’s important to note that some aspects will be more relevant to some users than others.
Areas of Mental Health Expertise and Support
Our Mental Health Professionals at ThoughtFull World offer support for mental health issues such as:
- Low self-esteem
- Managing emotions
- Trauma and stress
- Generalised anxiety
- Depression
- Work-related stress
- Relationship issues
- LGBTQ+ issues and exploration
- Body image issues
- Identity and self-discovery
- Grief and loss
- Career and life transitions
Common interventions our Therapists may use include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Solution-focused therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Narrative Therapy
- Schema Therapy
Increasing Importance of Therapists in Malaysia
Mental illness has long been a taboo subject in Malaysian society, largely due to generational differences and insufficient awareness. Many older individuals may view it as a sign of weakness, lacking a proper understanding of mental illness.
However, the landscape is gradually changing. With the rise of mental health awareness campaigns and education, more Malaysians are beginning to recognise the importance of mental well-being.
Therapists play a vital role in this changing environment. They provide essential support and guidance to individuals struggling with mental health issues, helping them to navigate their challenges and improve their quality of life.
Mental Health Statistics in Malaysia
Mental health statistics among youths
- The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2022 showed that one in four teenagers had experienced depression, one in eight had suicidal thoughts, and one in ten had attempted suicide.
- Twice as many girls (36.1 percent) reported feeling depressed compared to boys (17.7 percent).
- In a 2022 mental health and wellness survey by Rakuten Insights, 59 percent of respondents (aged 16 - 24 years) indicated that they experienced a higher level of stress or anxiety in the past 12 months.
Top reasons why individuals are not seeking professional help for mental health issues
- Statista outlines insights from a survey of respondents who have experienced mental health issues.
- The top reasons why respondents did not seek professional help include: being unsure about where to get help (56 percent), having concerns about cost (50 percent), having concerns about being embarrassed/ social stigma (38 percent) and having concerns about the time commitment (25 percent).
Understanding Mental Health Therapy in Malaysia
What is Therapy?
Therapy—also called psychotherapy or talk therapy—refers to the process where an individual undergoes sessions with a therapist to talk through issues or problems they are facing. Over time, therapy can help the individual identify and change negative thoughts and behavioural patterns, and develop tools to better manage their mental health.
Therapy can be an effective treatment for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD or eating disorders. It can also help you address problems you may be currently facing—such as workplace challenges or relationship problems—or to make sense of past experiences and trauma.
Keep in mind that you don’t always need to have a specific issue to go to therapy. It also serves as a safe space for you to process your thoughts and emotions, and explore other areas of your life.
If you’re looking to make positive changes in your life, a therapist can help you with aspects like developing wellness goals, reframing your thinking, or creating more structure and stability in your daily routines.
Types of Therapy in Malaysia
When you seek therapy in Malaysia, you will often come across 5 common types of therapy. Understanding the differences can help decision-making when finding the right therapist.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Therapists help clients recognise these hidden patterns by exploring past experiences. This understanding can often lead to profound personal growth and improved self-awareness.
Sessions involve open conversations between both the therapist and the client. Through these dialogues & sessions, the client can gain insights into their unconscious thoughts and develop healthier coping mechanisms over time.
Psychodynamic therapy can:
- Help clients better understand the dynamics of their relationships
- Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Improve their self-awareness
- Help manage personality disorders
Behavioural Therapy
Behavioural therapy aims to identify and replace negative behaviours with positive ones. ‘Negative’ actions refer to habits that cause harm or discomfort to oneself. Behavioural Therapists believe that all and any learned behaviour can be unlearned over time with the right guidance and tools.
Therapists may employ techniques such as positive reinforcement, to assist the client. Through unconditional positive regard, clients can be trained to reduce or overcome negative behaviours.
By gaining a better understanding of the relationship between environment, behaviour, and consequences, a person can modify their reactions over time.
Behavioural therapy can help address:
- Social anxiety
- Addictions
- Self-harm
- Panic attacks
- Self-hatred
Related to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Act), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Cognitive Therapy
In cognitive therapy, therapists and clients often work together to develop skills that identify and counteract unhelpful thoughts and beliefs.
This technique aims to shift the fixed behaviours associated with them, with an emphasis predominantly on the present. At its core, Cognitive Therapy adopts a pragmatic, solution-focused approach.
Furthermore, Cognitive Therapy emphasises skill acquisition. Therapists help clients learn and apply these techniques independently, resulting in sustained benefits long after therapy ends.
Humanistic Therapy
This theory posits that individuals already possess the necessary resources to overcome their difficulties. They simply require professional guidance to identify and access these tools.
For this intervention, therapists in Malaysia focus on the present moment and the current problems a person may be experiencing.
Postmodern Therapy
Postmodern Therapy is rooted in the idea that reality is not fixed but is shaped by our personal and shared experiences.
In this form of therapy, each person’s story is unique and valid and influenced by many factors. Postmodern Therapy helps people rewrite their stories, challenge societal narratives and allow for exploration and growth.
Therapy Services in Malaysia
At ThoughtFull, our therapists can offer different types of therapy services. We help you manage and overcome issues in the different aspects of your life.
Examples of Therapy Services
- Depression Therapy
- Counsellors in Malaysia
- Anxiety Therapy
- Couples Therapy
- Marriage Therapy
- Psychological Services
- Anger Management
- Grief Therapy
- Psychotherapy Services
- Family Therapy
Types of Therapy Services in Malaysia
Online
ThoughtFull World
ThoughtFull is a digital mental health company in Asia that provides seamless end-to-end mental healthcare for individuals and businesses.
Individuals can access mental health support through our digital platform, ThoughtFullChat. The platform offers a wide range of services—including text and audio messaging, mental health coaching, self-care resources (support common mental health concerns) and progress tracking tools—to meet the needs of our users, no matter where you are in your mental health journey.
Or speak with a mental health professional through our online video therapy service. Our team of mental health professionals are fully certified and specialises in diverse areas, including relationship issues, abuse issues, career and academics, financial wellness and more.
- Sessions: Online Chat, Online Video and Offline options
- Rates: RM150 - 250 per session. Package rates are also available.
- Hours: This may vary depending on the availability of your therapist. You may check for available timings when you book an appointment.
- Contact: +603-2935-9339
- Address: MBE Suite 328, LG13A, 1 Mont Kiara Mall, 1 Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
In-Person Offline
Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA)
MMHA is a non-profit organisation founded by faculty members from the medical faculty of the University Malaya. They offer a wide range of services and support, including therapy support, peer support services, mental health education, corporate training, and more.
- Sessions: In-person
- Rates: RM50 - 120 per session
- Operating hours:
- Kuala Lumpur (Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm)
- Petaling Jaya, Selangor
- Contact:
- +603-27806803 / +6017-6133039 (Kuala Lumpur)
- +603-7772 2899 / +6011-3338 8567 (Petaling Jaya, Selangor)
- Address: MMHA operates at two locations: Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association (MIASA)
MIASA is an NGO that serves to promote the importance of mental health, and provide support to the community. Services that the organisation provides include mental health assessment and consultation, individual and group counselling, peer support services, psychological services and more.
- Sessions: In-person and online
- Rates: RM100 - 400. Free for B40 Group.
- Operating hours:
- (Selangor) Monday to Friday (9.30am - 6.30pm), Saturday (9.30am to 1.30pm)
- (Terengganu) Sunday to Thursday (9.30am - 6.30pm), Friday (9.30am - 12.30pm)
- Contact:
- 03 - 7932 1409 (Selangor)
- 09 - 6674409 (Terengganu)
- Address: MIASA operates at two locations: Petaling Jaya, Selangor and Kuala Terengganu.
MINDAKAMI
MINDAKAMI is an initiative that aims to raise mental health awareness and provide accessible services to the community. They provide individual therapy, group therapy, couple therapy and career assessment services, in addition to running various online projects on mental health issues.
- Sessions: In-person and online
- Rates: RM60 - 240 per session. Package rates are also available.
- Operating hours: Monday - Sunday (10am - 10pm)
- Contact: +6011 5636 1366
- Address: Unicorn Hub, 27M, Jalan SS21/56B, Damansara Utama, 47400, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Thrive Well
Thrive Well is a social enterprise that aims to expand trauma-informed mental health services to the community. The organisation offers various mental health services, including mental health screening, individual therapy, couple therapy, family therapy and career guidance. You may schedule a session via a registration form on their website.
- Sessions: In-person and online
- Rates: RM150 - 450 per session
- Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday (9am to 6pm)
- Contact: +6018-900 3247
- Address: Thrive Well, Unit 5-11, Wisma BU8, 11 Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Focus on the Family
Focus on the Family is a not-for-profit organisation that collaborates with government agencies to support families through preventive programmes and crisis measures. The organisation provides counselling services to individuals, couples and families dealing with mental health issues, bereavement, behavioural challenges and more.
- Sessions: In-person and online
- Rates: The sessions are available for free. Individuals may opt to donate a recommended contribution of RM70 per session.
- Operating hours: Monday - Friday (10am – 4pm)
- Contact: +6 03 3310 0792
- Address: 6-2 Jalan Bersatu 13/4, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
HumanKind
HumanKind is a social enterprise offering a range of services, such as mental health screening, individual therapy, art therapy, youth counselling and couples counselling.
- Sessions: In-person and online
- Rates: RM50 - 220 per session. Package rates are also available.
- Operating hours: Monday to Sunday (9am - 9pm)
- Contact: (+60 1) 2-235 5463
- Address: Human Kind operates from four locations. The addresses are available here.
Religious Counselling (Muslim, Christian and Buddhist and Associations)
Buddhist Gem Fellowship
The Buddhist Gem Fellowship operates a phone counselling service to provide support to individuals, families and groups. Individuals may also call the helpline for mental health information and referrals.
- Helpline: +6011-5994 4384 / +6011-2528 9610
- Operating hours: Monday to Friday (2pm – 4pm & 7.30pm – 9.30pm)
Mitra Line (Than Hsiang Temple)
The Than Hsiang Foundation was set up to promote Buddhist education and welfare. The Than Hsiang Temple—one of the temples under the foundation—operates a helpline and email counselling service for individuals.
- Helpline: 011-36018303 / 010-8217681
- Email: mitraklcounselling@gmail.com
- Operating hours: Monday - Friday, Sunday (8pm - 10pm)
Eirini Counseling Services
Eirini Counseling Services is a platform under Every Nation Church Malaysia offering counselling sessions, as well as psychological assessments (for individuals below the age of 18 years).
- Sessions: In-person
- Rates: Suggested contributions range from RM80 - 250
- Operating hours: Counselling sessions are scheduled on Fridays (and on the occasional Saturdays)
- Contact: +60 12 3926539
- Address: 4, Jalan Rajawali 1a, Bandar Puchong Jaya
National Association of Christian Counsellors (NACC Malaysia)
NACC is an association of Christian counsellors which aims to promote and equip the community in Christian counselling. In addition to maintaining a register of Christian counsellors, the organisation also operates Emmanuel Online Chat, a free service that provides mental health support.
NACC
- Contact: +60179860860
- Address: G-10-3A, Block G, Setia Walk, Persiaran Wawasan, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47160 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan
- Operating hours: Monday & Wednesday (9.30am - 4.30pm), Friday (10am - 4pm)
Emmanuel Online Chat
- Sessions: Sessions are conducted remotely via phone or video call
- Rates: A RM20 registration fee applies. Individuals may opt to donate a fee of RM50 per session.
Al Khaadem
Al Khaadem is an Islamic NGO based in Malaysia. Their mental health programme, Mind, Heart and Soul integrates professional practice with spiritual solutions. There are various levels in the programme, which comprises talks, an online self-evaluation test, counselling sessions and activities at the organisation.
- Sessions: Online (level 1) and in-person
- Rates: RM60 - RM900
- Operating hours: Monday - Friday (9am - 5pm)
- Contact: +603 7726 4146 / +603 7724 1590
- Address: Lot 1034 Jalan Cempaka, Sungai Kayu Ara, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Mental Health Helplines and Free Mental Health Checks
ThoughtFull World
At ThoughtFull World, we offer free online assessments to provide support for both individuals and employers.
- Individual: DASS Mental Wellness Assessment
- Organisations: ThoughtFull Organisational Assessment
Befrienders
Befrienders is a not-for-profit organisation providing emotional support to individuals who are dealing with difficult emotions, or having suicidal thoughts via a free helpline. The organisation also offers in-person appointments, and conducts outreach programmes on mental health.
- Helpline: 603-76272929
- Operating hours: 24/7
Buddy Bear
Operated by the team from HumanKind, Buddy Bear is a helpline for children and youths in Malaysia. It is accessible to individuals aged six to 18 years old, and available via phone or Facebook Messenger.
- Helpline: 1800 18 2327
- Operating hours: Monday - Sunday, 6pm - 12am
LifeLine Association Malaysia
LifeLine is an NGO that aims to support individuals affected by social and psychological issues. In addition to operating a helpline, the organisation also provides services such as counselling, play therapy, psychoeducation and more.
- Helpline: 03 - 4265 7995
- Operating hours: Monday - Friday (9.30am - 10.30pm), Saturday (2.30pm - 5.30pm)
MIASA Crisis Helpline
MIASA provides a free crisis helpline that provides support to individuals coping with mental health or emotional issues. Individuals can access the service by calling the helpline, or sending a text via WhatsApp.
- Helpline: 1-800-180-066
- WhatsApp: 03-97656088
- Operating hours: 24/7
Pertubuhan Kebajikan Sneham Malaysia (SNEHAM Malaysia)
SNEHAM is a non-profit organisation that aims to promote mental wellbeing and create public awareness on suicide prevention.
- Helpline: 1800 225 757
- Operating hours: 4pm - 8pm daily
Women's Aid Organisation (WAO)
WAO is an NGO that provides free shelter, counselling, and crisis support to women and children who experience abuse. A team of trained volunteers help to operate the support helpline (also available via text on WhatsApp), which provides advice and support to callers.
- Hotline: 03 3000 8858
- WhatsApp: 018 988 8058
- Operating hours: 9am - 5pm daily (hotline), 24/7 (WhatsApp)
Mentari Malaysia
Mentari is a program developed by the Ministry of Health Malaysia to expand its specialist psychiatric services into the community. Their website offers several self-screening tests to help individuals assess their mental health status.
MINDAKAMI
MINDAKAMI offers various self-screening tests on its website, to help individuals assess their symptoms for ADHD, OCD and more.
Online Therapy vs In-Person Therapy Options
There are advantages to both online and in-person therapy, and what is considered the right fit will vary from one individual to another.
Below, we’ll dive into the details of how online and in-person therapy sessions are conducted. We’ll also outline key factors you need to consider when choosing your ideal therapy medium.
This section will help you weigh your choices and prepare you to understand which modality to go with practically. At ThoughtFull World, we provide both therapy modalities.
Our online Therapists in Singapore who provide therapy via Chat Therapy and Online Video Therapy will conduct the sessions via our ThoughtFull World mobile app.
Currently, offline therapy sessions are only available in Malaysia.
In-person Therapy Sessions
With in-person therapy sessions, you’ll meet your therapist face-to-face at a designated location, such as a clinic or private office. During the session, your therapist is responsible for holding space, and creating a safe environment where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts, feelings and issues.
Your therapist will also provide support and offer therapeutic interventions. These are actions or practices that can help individuals improve their wellbeing, and may include identifying triggers, imagery training, mindfulness, gratitude intervention, and more.
In-person therapy sessions are typically conducted on a weekly basis, but may also take place more or less frequently depending on your circumstances. An individual therapy session may have a duration of 45 - 60 minutes, while group therapy sessions usually lasts about 75 - 90 minutes.
The costs of in-person therapy sessions will vary, depending on your mental health provider, the qualifications of your therapist, and the type of therapy you choose.
Based on the list we’ve provided above, the average costs for an individual therapy session lies in the range of RM50 - 250. Your actual costs may fall outside of this range, depending on whether you’re able to access free or subsidised mental health care, or seek the services of a private healthcare provider.
Online Therapy Sessions
Key Factors To Consider When Deciding
AccessibilityThe first factor you need to consider is accessibility.
Start by assessing your personal circumstances and routines, including your work schedule, responsibilities, and how comfortable you feel when you communicate with someone new. This can help you decide on the type of therapy that works best for you.
For example, in-person therapy sessions may not be readily accessible for certain individuals—such as people with physical disabilities, employees juggling a hectic work schedule, or individuals who struggle with social anxiety. In such situations, online therapy can plug the gap by providing easier access to mental health support.
Effectiveness
Various studies point to the effectiveness of online therapy in providing effective mental health care:
- A 2022 study showed that online counselling interventions can be as effective as face-to-face counselling, particularly for psychological distress.
- Another study, which compared face-to-face and online psychotherapeutic interventions, revealed no differences in effectiveness.
- A research was conducted to evaluate client satisfaction and one-month mental health outcomes for clients who underwent telepsychiatry and face-to-face psychiatric consultations. Telepsychiatry clients reported that they could present the same information as they would in an in-person session (93 percent), were satisfied with their session (96 percent), and were comfortable in their ability to talk (85 percent).
It is important to keep in mind that crisis situations should be navigated with care. As highlighted in a Forbes Health article, online therapy may not be as effective in cases where immediate intervention or physical assistance is needed.
Cost
Various factors can affect the cost of therapy, and whether it would fit into your budget. This includes your income level, whether your insurance provider covers the costs of therapy, and the type of therapy you opt for.
For instance, individual therapy sessions tend to cost more relative to group sessions.
In general, online options will be cheaper than in-person sessions. This can also vary, depending on the level of support that you require.
Benefits Of Online Therapy in Malaysia
Expanding on the factors we’ve outlined above, the benefits to choosing online therapy in Malaysia include:
- Highly Accessible: With online therapy, you’re no longer limited by geographical boundaries. This allows you to widen your search, which can help you with finding a therapist with a good fit. Additionally, having access to online therapy ensures that you can continue working with your preferred therapist or provider, even when you have to travel or relocate for work or personal reasons.
- Immediacy: The easy accessibility of online therapy means that you can quickly schedule a session, and access mental health support when you need it.
- Comfort: Online therapy sessions can be conducted at any location of your choice, as long as you have access to a reliable internet connection. Being in a familiar environment can help you feel at ease, and encourage you to share your concerns more easily. This is particularly helpful for individuals who feel uncomfortable with face-to-face interactions.
- Affordability: Mental health solutions like ThoughtFullChat can help to bridge the gap by providing access to therapy at affordable costs. Our platform offers the option of paying a monthly, three-month or six-month billing cycle, so our users can pay a lower fee depending on their subscription duration. This allows you to achieve cost savings when you commit to long-term care.
Online Therapy vs In-Person Therapy Options
There are advantages to both online and in-person therapy, and what is considered the right fit will vary from one individual to another.
Below, we’ll dive into the details of how online and in-person therapy sessions are conducted. We’ll also outline key factors you need to consider when choosing your ideal therapy medium.
In-person therapy sessions
With in-person therapy sessions, you’ll meet your therapist face-to-face at a designated location, such as a clinic or private office. During the session, your therapist is responsible for holding space, and creating a safe environment where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts, feelings and issues.
Your therapist will also provide support and offer therapeutic interventions. These are actions or practices that can help individuals improve their wellbeing, and may include identifying triggers, imagery training, mindfulness, gratitude intervention, and more.
In-person therapy sessions are typically conducted on a weekly basis, but may also take place more or less frequently depending on your circumstances. An individual therapy session may have a duration of 45 - 60 minutes, while group therapy sessions usually lasts about 75 - 90 minutes.
The costs of in-person therapy sessions will vary, depending on your mental health provider, the qualifications of your therapist, and the type of therapy you choose.
Based on the list we’ve provided above, the average costs for an individual therapy session lies in the range of RM50 - 250. Your actual costs may fall outside of this range, depending on whether you’re able to access free or subsidised mental health care, or seek the services of a private healthcare provider.
Online therapy sessions
Online therapy sessions, also known as teletherapy, are held remotely. You may opt for live sessions, whereby appointments with a therapist are scheduled in advance. This is similar to an in-person session, except that it is provided over the phone, through a video call, or via text messaging.
Online sessions can also take place primarily through messaging. With this option, you may send text, voice or video messages to a therapist via a platform. Your therapist will respond within a specified timeframe, which can be within 24 hours or up to a few days—depending on his or her schedule.
Key Factors To Consider When Deciding
Accessibility
The first factor you need to consider is accessibility.
Start by assessing your personal circumstances and routines, including your work schedule, responsibilities, and how comfortable you feel when you communicate with someone new. This can help you decide on the type of therapy that works best for you.
For example, in-person therapy sessions may not be readily accessible for certain individuals—such as people with physical disabilities, employees juggling a hectic work schedule, or individuals who struggle with social anxiety. In such situations, online therapy can plug the gap by providing easier access to mental health support.
Effectiveness
Various studies point to the effectiveness of online therapy in providing effective mental health care:
- A 2022 study showed that online counselling interventions can be as effective as face-to-face counselling, particularly for psychological distress.
- Another study, which compared face-to-face and online psychotherapeutic interventions, revealed no differences in effectiveness.
- A research was conducted to evaluate client satisfaction and one-month mental health outcomes for clients who underwent telepsychiatry and face-to-face psychiatric consultations. Telepsychiatry clients reported that they could present the same information as they would in an in-person session (93 percent), were satisfied with their session (96 percent), and were comfortable in their ability to talk (85 percent).
It is important to keep in mind that crisis situations should be navigated with care. As highlighted in a Forbes Health article, online therapy may not be as effective in cases where immediate intervention or physical assistance is needed.
Cost
Various factors can affect the cost of therapy, and whether it would fit into your budget. This includes your income level, whether your insurance provider covers the costs of therapy, and the type of therapy you opt for.
For instance, individual therapy sessions tend to cost more relative to group sessions.
In general, online options will be cheaper than in-person sessions. This can also vary, depending on the level of support that you require.
Benefits Of Online Therapy in Malaysia
Expanding on the factors we’ve outlined above, the benefits to choosing online therapy in Malaysia include:
- Highly Accessible: With online therapy, you’re no longer limited by geographical boundaries. This allows you to widen your search, which can help you with finding a therapist with a good fit. Additionally, having access to online therapy ensures that you can continue working with your preferred therapist or provider, even when you have to travel or relocate for work or personal reasons.
- Immediacy: The easy accessibility of online therapy means that you can quickly schedule a session, and access mental health support when you need it.
- Comfort: Online therapy sessions can be conducted at any location of your choice, as long as you have access to a reliable internet connection. Being in a familiar environment can help you feel at ease, and encourage you to share your concerns more easily. This is particularly helpful for individuals who feel uncomfortable with face-to-face interactions.
- Affordability: Mental health solutions like ThoughtFullChat can help to bridge the gap by providing access to therapy at affordable costs. Our platform offers the option of paying a monthly, three-month or six-month billing cycle, so our users can pay a lower fee depending on their subscription duration. This allows you to achieve cost savings when you commit to long-term care.
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