Unaccredited Counsellors on Carousell Raise Concerns Among Mental Health Experts

“Mental health professionals have raised alarms over an increasing number of unlicensed individuals offering counselling services online, warning of risks such as misdiagnosis, ineffective guidance, and breaches of confidentiality.

The issue has surfaced as various users on the online marketplace Carousell advertise counselling sessions, some charging up to $70 per session, while others offer their services for free. James Chong, Clinical Director at The Lion Mind, emphasised that simply being a “good listener” does not equate to having the necessary qualifications to provide professional mental health support.

Andrea Chan, Deputy Director of Touch Counselling & Psychological Services, noted that individuals seeking counselling are often in a fragile state and require professional guidance. Engaging with untrained counsellors, she warned, could lead to incorrect advice, misinterpretation of symptoms, and a worsening of mental health conditions.

Motivations Behind Online Counsellors
A search on Carousell revealed listings from users identifying themselves as an “”ordinary teenager”” or a former “”Psychology undergraduate.”” Some of these individuals cited personal experiences—such as bullying or family issues—as their motivation to offer counselling. Others described themselves as empathetic individuals who wanted to provide a safe space for those struggling emotionally.

However, when asked about their lack of formal training, a teenage “”counsellor”” admitted feeling unprepared when dealing with older clients and acknowledged concerns about possibly offering misleading advice.

Public Response and Potential Risks
The presence of unqualified counsellors on Carousell has sparked debate online. Some users praised them for offering affordable alternatives amid expensive private counselling services and long waiting times in the public health sector. Others, however, voiced concerns about untrained individuals handling sensitive mental health issues and the risk of scammers preying on vulnerable individuals.

Carousell, in response to media queries, stated that it is consulting with the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) regarding such listings. While the platform adheres to local regulations, it noted that there are currently no specific laws governing counselling services.

The Importance of Professional Accreditation
A spokesperson from SAC warned that counselling should not be based solely on personal experience, as untrained individuals might impose their own biases on clients. SAC enforces strict training requirements, including a minimum of 600 postgraduate clinical hours and 60 hours of supervised practice, to ensure counsellors meet professional standards.

Chong echoed this sentiment, highlighting that “”true counselling demands cognitive complexity”” and extensive professional training. He urged individuals seeking support to verify a counsellor’s credentials through recognised organisations such as SAC.

Since the Carousell “”counsellors”” are unlikely to be SAC members, they cannot be held accountable for ethical misconduct, the spokesperson added.”