Allowing youths to get help early could also prevent emerging mental health problems from becoming more serious, he said. 

“Many youths experience a lot of anxiety. We do not want it to be developed into a clinical issue, like clinical depression or generalised anxiety disorder,” he said. 

“The key is we need to mitigate it, especially on the onset of those mental health challenges. So professional counselling, thought therapy, psychotherapy, can be very helpful.” 

“AN EXTRA PAIR OF LISTENING EARS” 

Counselling psychologist Geraldine Tan, director of The Therapy Room, has similarly had to turn away clients under 18 who refused to obtain parental consent.  

She said she has noticed a shift in how young people view counselling, including youths approaching her on behalf of friends. 

“They say, ‘I think my friend needs it. Can they come to you?’ This is a very heartening change from before, when it was taboo and they feel that the resources are out of reach,” she said. 

Young clients approach her with concerns ranging from family and friendship problems to academic stress and existential crises. 

Dr Tan said 14 is the age typically suggested by mental health professionals for youths to be able to seek counselling independently.

“At 14, there’s a little bit more maturation. They’ve moved to a different developmental age group. There’s a lot of hormonal changes,” she said. “A lot of changes in their friendships, their understanding of things. So that’s quite a turbulent time for them.” 

But she hopes the upcoming guidelines will not impose age restrictions, so children of any age can approach mental health professionals for help. 

“I would say that anybody can walk into the doctor’s office, right? So why can’t anybody walk into a mental health (facility) or to a psychologist, who’s your emotional doctor?” She asked. 

CONSENT ONLY PART OF THE ISSUE 

For many young people, however, getting through the counselling room door is only the first step. What happens to the information they disclose can be just as important. 

Ms Roseanne Yeong began seeing her school counsellor at 13, mainly about problems she was experiencing at home. 

But her sense that counselling was a safe and confidential space was later damaged when the counsellor spoke to her parents about what she had disclosed without first informing her. 

“When I found out that the counsellor had contacted my parents and did not let me know beforehand, it really shattered that trust I had in the counsellor,” she said. 

Afterwards, she became more selective about what she discussed. 

“After I knew what were certain things that would get me reported to my parents, I tended to not touch on those topics anymore because I was not ready to share that part of myself with my parents, especially because we were not on great terms,” she recalled. 

Ms Yeong, who is now a psychologist working with people with intellectual disabilities, said allowing children greater access to mental health services would be a positive step, but decisions over parental involvement should be made case by case. 

Parents or another family member may need to be informed if a child is at risk of suicide, self-harm or harming others, for example.

“Let’s say a child is actively dealing with suicidal ideation, then in that case, it would be good for a family member to know,” she said, as that person could keep a closer watch on the child. 

But the considerations would be different if, for instance, the child was experiencing abuse at home, she said. 

She suggested such decisions could be reviewed by a professional such as a case manager. 

TOWARDS CLEARER CONSENT GUIDELINES 

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said last week that there needs to be a balanced approach that acts in a young person’s best interests while safeguarding their well-being. 

“The right system is one that lets a young person enter through a safe door, and then involve the family appropriately as the care journey progresses,” he said. 

The Singapore Medical Council is revising its ethical guidelines to provide doctors with clearer guidance on parental consent. The Ministry of Health is also developing guidelines on parental consent for various service providers. Public views will be sought in the coming weeks.  

Mr Ong encouraged young people who are struggling to continue to seek help. 

“It is important to know that asking for help is an act of responsibility, and not a disappointment to your family. You do not need to work everything out by yourself. Start by speaking to someone you trust and are most comfortable with,” he said. 

He also urged parents to give their children time and space if they are not immediately ready to confide in them. 

“When they do speak, you can’t judge too early. When it comes to mental health, patience is often the most important support we can give them,” he said.