Singapore Expands Psychology Training to Meet Growing Mental Health Demand
Ms Melody Tan, a social worker at MINDS Fernvale Gardens School, completed a Master of Arts in Applied Psychology at Nanyang Technological University's National Institute of Education while continuing her work with intellectually disabled youth. The article highlights how specialized psychology training addresses gaps in therapeutic approaches designed for mainstream populations, particularly for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. Singapore's NIE is expanding its psychology programmes, including introducing a clinical psychology pathway from January 2027, to build the country's pool of mental health professionals as demand rises across healthcare and community settings.
Ms Melody Tan's 15-year career supporting young people with intellectual disabilities at MINDS Fernvale Gardens School led her to pursue advanced training in psychology. After encountering challenges adapting mainstream therapeutic approaches for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism, she enrolled in NIE's Master of Arts (Applied Psychology) programme in 2023 with sponsorship from the National Council of Social Service. The programme allowed her to continue working while studying, balancing academic rigor with practical application through hands-on learning and modules in trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy. Her case exemplifies broader efforts to grow Singapore's psychology professional workforce as demand for mental health support increases across healthcare, school and community sectors. NIE's MAAP currently offers specialisations in counselling psychology and educational psychology, with plans to introduce a clinical psychology pathway from January 2027 that will develop both therapeutic and diagnostic competencies. The interdisciplinary training model allows students to learn alongside peers from different psychology specialisations, preparing them to support diverse populations across educational, healthcare and community contexts.
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