How to find ADHD Diagnosis Support as an Expat in Singapore.

Estimated Reading Time: 5–7 minutes

Author: Rebecca Loan

Date: July 2025

Whether you're exploring an ADHD diagnosis for yourself, your child, or a partner, I hope this blog helps you to untangle the process and feel less overwhelmed.

Moving to a new country brings all kinds of changes — new routines, new systems, and often, a deep sense of starting again.

For many Expats navigating ADHD in Singapore, this can raise many new questions and concerns.

Expat ADHD : Understanding the Local System.

In Singapore, the route to getting an ADHD diagnosis or accessing therapy isn’t always straightforward — and if you’re used to a UK-style GP-to-NHS referral process, you may quickly feel lost amongst the number of options available.

Here’s the pathway that Expats have found works best in Singapore:

1. Start with a GP — ideally one familiar with mental health referrals.

2. See a Clinical Psychologist — for diagnostic testing and reports.

3. Follow up with a Psychiatrist — for formal diagnosis and/or medication.

   
   
   
   
   
   

Navigating ADHD: What to be aware of.

• Private system, not public: You choose and book your own providers — Usually privately (unless PR or Citizen)

  
  

• Different professional titles: “Counsellor” and “Psychotherapist” aren’t regulated the same way in Singapore.

  
  

• Insurance cover is varied: Some plans only cover psychiatrists. Counselling may not be reimbursed unless framed as “psychological support.”

  
  

• Fewer joined-up services: You may need to self-advocate to ensure the right professionals are communicating.

  
  

• Emphasis on Medication: This is often the first option offered to all adults or children with an ADHD diagnosis - if this isn't your wish then other options can appear limited. (They're not - there are some great holistic ADHD specialists here but not known by many Psychiatrists - I have tried to list as many as I can on my support page)

  
  
  
  

For you: An ADHD Diagnosis Checklist to Get Started

✅ Talk to your GP and explain your concerns

✅ Ask your insurer which mental health services they cover

✅ Look for psychologists who offer ADHD assessments

✅Choose psychiatrists experienced in adult ADHD (or child/adolescent if needed)

✅ Find Qualified counsellors or therapists who understand ADHD and expat life

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Expat Tip: Skipping the GP referral step can sometimes cause delays or insurance issues down the line.

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You Don’t Just Need an ADHD Diagnosis — You Need to Feel Understood.

Many of the expats I have spoken to say they don’t just want information — they want someone who gets the emotional side of this journey affecting past and present experiences.

• The guilt of feeling behind

• The shame of not fitting in

• The invisible mental load of trying to hold it all together abroad

• The frustration of systems that feel unfamiliar or unsupportive

  
  

As a UK-trained psychotherapist, and someone who has helped my husband, clients and friends through this process here in Singapore, I know how important it is to have support that feels reliable and also non judgemental about choices on how to manage symptoms.

"Between overthinking it, feeling overwhelmed and then procrastinating - I've put off getting support much longer than I planned". It wasn't until my daughter was diagnosed that I realised I had to do something too.

Expat Mum

It's Okay. ADHD Support is out there.

Whether you're early in your ADHD journey or deep in it, you don’t need to navigate it alone and it doesn't have to look the same for everyone.

Over the 4 years I have lived here I have spoken to so many adults, mums, dads, partners from all walks of life trying to find solutions to everyday ADHD problems - such as poor sleep, lack of focus, low memory, anxiety and difficulties staying on track - to name a few.

So currently while many of my Expat clients are away on summer holidays and I have a little free time - I’m carrying out my second Summer ADHD Research Project.

Last year my focus was learning more about the complex issues that Women with ADHD face in business, this year I'm talking to Expats about their ADHD experience navigating a diagnosis and treatment here.

Listening to your experiences will help ensure my much needed Guide to ADHD in Singapore for Expats is filled with valuable advice and tips by people who are or have been through it.

The guide—will be a free resource filled with local insights, step-by-step guidance, and tools that can make your path feel clearer- helping you work out what's right for you and your family.

I'm here to help with ADHD Support.

Finding ADHD support in Singapore can take a little work — but it’s absolutely doable!

With good people around you, knowing the right questions to ask, and a bit of local knowledge, you can get the answers you need.

I'm always here to help you start on that path - whether its a question you want to ask about ADHD Support, counselling, getting an ADHD diagnosis or something else ...I will do my best to help.

P.s If I don't know - then I have a great network of ADHD professionals to connect you with who will !

Rebecca x

👉 Get the guide - with recommendations and worksheets.

👉 Have a chat with me about support.

👉 Been through it ? Share your experience with me.