ABSTRACT
Background
Poor help-seeking behaviour has been linked to low mental health literacy, a multifaceted construct that encompasses knowledge of mental health, attitudes towards mental disorders and understanding of mental health services and practitioners. Singapore provides a unique context as mental health practitioners can operate without mandatory registration due to the absence of a formal regulatory framework. This regulatory posture may contribute to public misconceptions of the roles of mental health professionals and the services individuals can expect when seeking help. To examine whether these misconceptions exist and how they influence help-seeking behaviour in Singapore, this study aims to explore young adults’ perceptions and understandings of psychotherapy and its practitioners.
Methods
Semi-structured online interviews were conducted via Zoom with 34 undergraduate students aged 20–24. Data were analysed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) five-phase process.
Results
Four themes were developed: (a) limited awareness of psychotherapy’s process, (b) role confusion (subthemes: unclear practising requirements, assumed regulations), (c) stratification of care and (d) shifting perceptions.
Conclusion
Findings highlight significant gaps in knowledge of the psychotherapy process and practitioners’ roles, underscoring the importance of MHL initiatives in Singapore to improve public understanding and guide informed help-seeking. Individual practitioners can also contribute to greater clarity about their services through transparent, detailed marketing strategies.