Master of Clinical Mental Health and Psychotherapy (MCMHP)
Overview
The Master of Clinical Mental Health and Psychotherapy (MCMHP) at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine programme is a postgraduate programme available full time (1.5 years). It prepares students to work as reflective and competent mental health counsellors in clinical and community settings.
Students develop a strong grounding in mental health conditions, counselling and psychotherapy, and learn to integrate theory with practice through supervised placements. The programme also builds skills in case and care coordination, interprofessional collaboration, service planning and programme evaluation, preparing graduates to take on leadership roles in the mental health sector.
Supported by training in research methods, graduates will be equipped to deliver person-centred care, contribute to evidence-informed practice, and support the design and improvement of mental health services in Singapore and the region.
- The MCMHP's curriculum aligns with the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023, preparing graduates to meet current service needs.
- Modules taught by subject matter experts from Singapore and overseas, with strong clinical and research experience.
- Three curriculum pillars in psychiatry, counselling and psychotherapy, and public health that provide interdisciplinary, skills based academic training.
- Supervised clinical placements at partner sites sourced and coordinated by the programme, including hospitals, GP clinics, social service agencies and private practices.
Intake: August
Duration:
1.5 Years (Full-time)
Application Start Date:
1 December 2025
Application Deadline:
8 March 2026
Application Interview:
6 – 24 April 2026
Outcome of Applications:
May 2026
Ideal candidates for the programme
- Have a strong interest in working with people experiencing mental health difficulties
- Have some experience working with clients with mental health difficulties in health, social service or community settings
- Are motivated to develop clinical counselling skills
Graduates can pursue careers in roles such as:
- Mental health counsellors
- Mental health specialists within their primary profession
Programme Faculty
Dr Pearlene Ng
Programme Director
Master of Clinical Mental Health and Psychotherapy (MCMHP)
Dr Rathi Mahendran
Deputy Programme Director
Master of Clinical Mental Health and Psychotherapy (MCMHP)
A/Prof Kenneth Ban
Education Lead
Master of Clinical Mental Health and Psychotherapy (MCMHP)
Dr Pearlene Ng
Programme Director
Master of Clinical Mental Health
and Psychotherapy (MCMHP)
Dr Rathi Mahendran
Deputy Programme Director
Master of Clinical Mental Health and
Psychotherapy (MCMHP)
A/Prof Kenneth Ban
Education Lead
Master of Clinical Mental Health
and Psychotherapy (MCMHP)
The MMCMHP is available as a 1.5 years (full-time) degree programme.
Graduation Requirements
Total Units Required: 50 Units
To graduate, students have to:
Complete 15 Core Courses (42 units in total)
Item #2
Item #3
Complete 15 Core Courses (42 Units in total)
-
- CMH5101 Fundamentals in Clinical Mental Health
- CMH5102 Mental Health Conditions I
- CMH5103 Mental Health Conditions II
- CMH5104 Management of Mental Health Conditions I
- CMH5105 Management of Mental Health Conditions II
- CMH5202 Service Planning & Programme Development
- CMH5204 Applied Research Methods in Mental Health and Psychotherapy
- CMH5301 Psychotherapy & Clinical Skills I
- CMH5302 Psychotherapy & Clinical Skills II
- CMH5303 Psychotherapy & Clinical Skills III
- CMH5304 Counselling I: CBT and General Counselling
- CMH5305 Counselling II: Systemic & Family Therapy
- CMH5306 Clinical Skills Workshops
- CMH5401 Clinical Placement I
- CMH5402 Clinical Placement II
+ Choose and Complete 1 Elective Course (8 Units)
CMH5203 Capstone Project
OR
CMH5205 Clinical Practice Seminar in Psychotherapy
Proposed Study Plan
Please refer HERE for the proposed study plan for full-time and part-time students.
Study Period
- Full-time students are expected to complete the programme within 18 months. The maximum candidature period is 36 months; excluding Leave of Absence (LOA).
Important:
The University does not engage external agencies for student recruitment. Applicants should apply directly to the University and not through any agents. Applications submitted through agents will not receive any added advantage and the University reserves the right to reject such application without explanation.
Only online applications are accepted.
Before submitting your application:
- Download and read the Applicant Guide to the Graduate Admission System (GDA)
- Review the Checklist for Applicants. Please upload the relevant supporting documents according to the checklist when submitting the online application.
Referee
Applicants are required to provide two professional referee reports on their character and professional competency. The referees can be their academic mentors, current employers or previous employers.
Interview
Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview, which may include a short role-play component.
- Local candidates: In-person interview
- International candidates: Online interview
Failure to attend the scheduled interview will result in the interview offer being withdrawn.
Minimum Requirements:
- Hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with at least an Honours or its equivalent (High grade Pass degree) in Psychology, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Allied Health, Social Work.
- Have 1 to 2 years of experience providing direct care to persons with mental health issues.
For International Applicants
Applicable for all international applicants EXCEPT those whose undergraduate/graduate degrees are from Singapore autonomous universities or English-medium institutions in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Applicants from other institutions may submit documentary proof that their degrees were taught entirely in English.
- IELTS score: A minimum overall band score of 7.0, with at least 7.0 in both Listening and Speaking components, or;
- TOEFL iBT score: A minimum total score of 94, with at least 24 in Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections
Note: All IELTS / TOEFL tests must have been taken not earlier than 2 years before the proposed date of admission.
- Pass any preparatory modules as indicated by the core programme staff on a case-by-case basis.
Tuition Fees:
Total Tuition Fees (for students enrolled in the Academic Year 2026/2027 only): S$69,500 (inclusive of Goods & Services Tax (GST))
The payment schedule is as follows (inclusive of 9% GST):
Full-Time Students
Part-Time Students
S$21,500.00
Year 2 Semester 2
–
–
Acceptance Fee (Including GST):
S$5,000
For more information, please visit the Office of the University Registrar website.
- Application fee for successful submission is S$54.50 (including GST)
- Tuition fees are subjected to annual review and inflation.
- Upon acceptance of offer, an acceptance fee of S$5,000.00 (including GST) will be charged on the Graduate Admission System (GDA). Acceptance fees is non-refundable, non-transferable and will be credited towards the tuition fee once the programme starts.
Scholarships provided are merit-based and highly competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to secure their own sources of funding.
Institutional staff members are encouraged to enquire with their respective organisations regarding their eligibility to access institutional scholarships or fund.
Applicants should indicate in the application form if they wish to be considered for the scholarship. Additional supporting documents may be required if the application is shortlisted.
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in the MCMHP programme
- Demonstrate a strong passion for helping those in need
- Possess strong leadership qualities, along with good character and conduct
- Be passionate about and dedicated to serving the community
- Have strong academic results and good co-curricular activity records
- Not be receiving any other scholarships or sponsorships
- Demonstrate a commitment to serve in the social service, mental healthcare or education public sectors for two years upon graduation
Click HERE for more information, including a list of available scholarships and funding options.
Graduation Requirements
Total Units Required: 50 Units
To graduate, students have to:
Complete 15 Core Courses (42 Units in total)
-
- CMH5101 Fundamentals in Clinical Mental Health
- CMH5102 Mental Health Conditions I
- CMH5103 Mental Health Conditions II
- CMH5104 Management of Mental Health Conditions I
- CMH5105 Management of Mental Health Conditions II
- CMH5202 Service Planning & Programme Development
- CMH5204 Applied Research Methods in Mental Health and Psychotherapy
- CMH5301 Psychotherapy & Clinical Skills I
- CMH5302 Psychotherapy & Clinical Skills II
- CMH5303 Psychotherapy & Clinical Skills III
- CMH5304 Counselling I: CBT and General Counselling
- CMH5305 Counselling II: Systemic & Family Therapy
- CMH5306 Clinical Skills Workshops
- CMH5401 Clinical Placement I
- CMH5402 Clinical Placement II
+ Choose and Complete 1 Elective Course (8 Units)
CMH5203 Capstone Project
OR
CMH5205 Clinical Practice Seminar in Psychotherapy
Students will undertake two blocks of clinical placements at sites sourced by the programme.
These placements may take place in hospitals, social service agencies, schools, or private clinics. Students may also propose their own placement sites, subject to programme approval.
Please refer HERE for the proposed study plan for full-time and part-time students.
- Full-time students are expected to complete the programme within 18 months. The maximum candidature period is 36 months; excluding Leave of Absence (LOA).
Important:
The University does not engage external agencies for student recruitment. Applicants should apply directly to the University and not through any agents. Applications submitted through agents will not receive any added advantage and the University reserves the right to reject such application without explanation.
Only online applications are accepted.
Before submitting your application:
- Download and read the Applicant Guide to the Graduate Admission System (GDA)
- Review the Checklist for Applicants. Please upload the relevant supporting documents according to the checklist when submitting the online application.
Referee
- Local candidates: In-person interview
- International candidates: Online interview
Minimum Requirements:
- Hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with at least an Honours or its equivalent (High grade Pass degree) in Psychology, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Allied Health, Social Work.
- Have 1 to 2 years of experience providing direct care to persons with mental health issues.
Note: Due to the rigorous nature of the Master’s programme, students with relevant experience will be given priority in the selection process. Applicants without relevant experience are strongly encouraged to gain 1–2 years of experience working with clients with mental health conditions before applying for the MCMHP.
For International Applicants
Applicable for all international applicants EXCEPT those whose undergraduate/graduate degrees are from Singapore autonomous universities or English-medium institutions in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Applicants from other institutions may submit documentary proof that their degrees were taught entirely in English.
- IELTS score: A minimum overall band score of 7.0, with at least 7.0 in both Listening and Speaking components, or;
- TOEFL iBT score: A minimum total score of 94, with at least 24 in Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections
Note: All IELTS / TOEFL tests must have been taken not earlier than 2 years before the proposed date of admission.
- Pass any preparatory modules as indicated by the core programme staff on a case-by-case basis.
Tuition Fees:
Total Tuition Fees (for students enrolled in the Academic Year 2026/2027 only): S$69,500 (inclusive of Goods & Services Tax (GST))
The payment schedule is as follows (inclusive of 9% GST):
Year 1 Semester 1
Full-Time Students
Part-Time Students
Year 1 Semester 2
Full-Time Students
Part-Time Students
Year 2 Semester 1
Full-Time Students
Part-Time Students
Year 2 Semester 2
Full-Time Students
Part Time Students
Acceptance Fee (Including GST):
S$5,000
Additional Fee:
Miscellaneous student fees help meet costs incurred by the University in providing services to the student community that are either not covered or only partially covered by the tuition fees. These services include healthcare for students; facilitating student cultural, social and recreational programmes; and maintaining the shuttle bus service, IT network and other essential campus infrastructure and services.
For more information, please visit the Office of the University Registrar website.
Note:
- Application fee for successful submission is S$54.50 (including GST).
- Tuition fees are subjected to annual review and inflation.
- Upon acceptance of offer, an acceptance fee of S$5,000.00 (including GST) will be charged on the Graduate Admission System (GDA). Acceptance fees is non-refundable, non-transferable and will be credited towards the tuition fee once the programme starts.
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in the MCMHP programme
- Demonstrate a strong passion for helping those in need
- Possess strong leadership qualities, along with good character and conduct
- Be passionate about and dedicated to serving the community
- Have strong academic results and good co-curricular activity records
- Not be receiving any other scholarships or sponsorships
- Demonstrate a commitment to serve in the social service, mental healthcare or education public sectors for two years upon graduation
Click HERE for more information, including a list of available scholarships and funding options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need relevant experience to apply for the MCMHP?
What is the selection process like?
-
- All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the minimum admission requirements are met.
- Shortlisted applicants based in Singapore will be invited for an interview in person, while shortlisted overseas applicants will attend an interview online.
- Applicants will then be informed of the outcome by an offer or rejection letter or email.
Can I do the MCMHP programme part-time?
Is the course eligible for SkillsFuture Credit?
Do students have to find their own clinical placement sites?
Are there any additional fees payable for supervision for placement?
Are there any scholarships that I can apply for?
For information on scholarship option, please refer to our scholarship document here.
What roles does the MCMHP programme prepare me for?
Will graduates be considered as Psychologists?
What are the assessment requirements to pass the Masters?
Students need to pass all the courses in the programme. Assessment methods include a variety of approaches such as written examinations, assignments, clinical placement evaluations and case study reports.
In addition, students will need a minimum GPA of 3.0. Learn more here.
Voices That Inspire
The MCMHP programme has enlightened us, especially in how it brings experts in the field directly into our learning. This not only enriches our training but also helps us build valuable professional connections for life after graduation. Coming from diverse backgrounds, our cohort learned and built from one another’s perspectives and strengths. Most importantly, the community we formed has been the greatest gift and one that will last a lifetime."
Kennis Chen
Being in the Master of Clinical Mental Health and Psychotherapy programme has been an enriching experience for me. I’ve been able to understand and learn so much about various mental health conditions from experienced practitioners, as well as hone my counselling skills in systemic modalities under my supervisor’s guidance during internship."
Wong Ying Li