If you have concerns about cost of treatment, the best way is to seek treatment at the polyclinic and from there get referred to a restructured hospital for further attention.
If you are suicidal, the attending doctor can help you get an early appointment. There are social workers at the restructured hospital and they will look into your financial situation and apply for the assistance that you need.
You can also seek treatment from a family physician who can diagnose your condition and then start you on an antidepressant.
If you choose to seek treatment from a private psychiatrist in Singapore, then you can call up the clinic and talk to the clinic staff who can advise you on the consultation charges. For a person who has a first episode of major depression, he/she would most likely need to take an antidepressant for about 6 to 9 months.
The cost of the medication largely depends on the type of antidepressant that is chosen. In some cases, the cost of the medicine can be as low as $30 a month.
Some patients while awaiting their appointment at the restructured hospital may seek treatment from a private psychiatrist in the interim period. If that is the case, do let your private psychiatrist know about your intention to be treated at the restructured hospital, so that he can start you on an antidepressant that is readily available at the restructured hospital.
