Public Consultation on Guidelines to Support Young Persons’ Access to Mental Health Services

Ministry of Health

Consultation Period: 11 Nov 2026 - 8 Dec 2026

Status: Open

Importance of Early Support for Young Persons 

2.       Mental health is an integral part of health – there is no health without mental health. Good mental health impacts physical health; and vice versa. 

3.       In Singapore, about one in three young persons aged 10 to 18 years reported mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety. However, 70% of young persons with mental health symptoms did not seek professional support for their mental health needs. 

4.       The age of onset adds urgency to this challenge. Most mental health conditions emerge during childhood through early adulthood, with one in three individuals experiencing the onset of their condition before the age of 14. Childhood and early adolescence thus represent a critical period where the mental health of an individual begins to take shape. However, reaching out for support may not be easy for young persons. Failure to identify and support young persons with mental health needs increases the risk of long-term consequences, such as poor educational attainment, unemployment, chronic physical conditions and substance misuse. 

Parental Consent as a Possible Barrier to Help-Seeking 

5.       MOH received feedback that the need for parental consent is one of the reasons why young persons with mental health challenges hesitate to seek help. In Singapore, a person is legally considered an adult at 21, gaining full legal rights such as the ability to make decisions without parental consent. However, there is currently no minimum age for a young person to consent to mental health services on their own. This has led to inconsistent practices around parental consent across different settings. 

6.       Seeking parental consent is important for young persons who may lack the maturity to make informed decisions about their own mental health care. However, there are instances where obtaining parental consent may not be possible or appropriate – for example, where parents refuse to consent, or where delaying services risks causing further harm to the young person. 

Proposed Guidelines to Support Young Persons’ Access to Mental Health Services 

7.          To address this, MOH convened an interagency Expert Group to develop guidelines to provide service providers with clearer guidance. Our goal is to improve young persons’ access to mental health services, protect their welfare and privacy, and involve parents in ways that strengthen the process of recovery.

Invitation to Provide Feedback

8.       In developing the proposed guidelines, MOH has engaged young persons, parents, and service providers to understand their experiences and concerns. Their feedback has shaped the proposed guidelines, particularly in enhancing young persons’ access to timely mental health support, while recognising the important role of parents. Through this public consultation, MOH hopes to receive a wider range of views to further refine the guidelines.

9.       Please see the public consultation paper [PDF, 245.78 KB] (opens in new tab)  for further details on the proposed guidelines, including the policy objectives and considerations.

10.      While we will not be able to address or acknowledge every feedback or comment received during this public consultation, your feedback will contribute to MOH developing robust policies that support young persons’ access to mental health care.

11.      While feedback will be kept confidential, please provide your contact information to allow MOH to follow up, where applicable.

12.      The public consultation will run from 11 November 2026, 10am to 8 December 2026, 6pm. Please submit your feedback on the proposed guidelines at https://go.gov.sg/youth-mental-health-access (opens in new tab).