Safe Space — Online Access to Mental Healthcare

Singapore-based mental wellness startup, Safe Space, in partnership with the Health Promotion Board (HPB) and the Tote Board, will provide mental health assistance for Singapore, especially for all frontline health workers.

Launched in March 2019, this startup connects you with certified mental healthcare professionals (who go through a stringent interview and vetting process) via online and offline counselling therapy using a digital platform.

As “circuit breaker” measures to combat COVID-19 mean that the majority of the country has to stay at home, individuals and families can be left in a state of stress and uncertainty. Experts have projected that mental illness will be the “next wave” of the pandemic, as seen with the rise in domestic violence cases here.

“Mental health concerns affect people across every industry, yet most people don’t have access to convenient, affordable mental health care when they need it” – Antoinette Renee Patterson, CEO and Co-founder of Safe Space

“Safe Space provides an option for people who are not ready for face-to-face counselling to take a small step towards it through the online platform. I applaud the team for making the option available,” – Rose, a clinical counsellor and supervisor at Restoring Peace Counselling and Consultancy.

Safe Space offers pro bono services for frontline health workers

For frontline health workers who have been and continue working tirelessly through this period, Safe Space is offering pro bono services for them. By connecting certified therapists with health workers, the startup aims to do their part in the fight against the pandemic.

To ensure you are able to get the help you need, you can check out a working video call counselling prototype on their website. The video call allows you to have easy access to mental healthcare services through secure online interactions and is more effective than online chat or phone counselling. The current app is going through further development and HIPAA certification.

Therapists and health workers who wish to be involved in this initiative can drop a message at contact@safespace.sg.

Special thanks to Safe Space™ for the information. Featured image by Safe Space.