Despite these efforts, mental health care in Singapore continues to face significant challenges. National surveys such as the Singapore Mental Health Studies (SMHS), conducted in 2010 and 2016, revealed that only 21.9% of respondents with mental health disorders sought treatment ( Teo et al., 2021 ). This low treatment-seeking rate highlights several barriers that prevent individuals from accessing care: Mental health services, particularly specialized treatments, can be expensive. Many individuals, especially those from lower-income groups, may find it difficult to afford therapy or counselling sessions ( Hudson et al., 2021 ; Saddichha et al., 2014 ).

Mental health stigma remains a pervasive issue in Singapore. Many individuals fear being judged or discriminated against if they seek help for mental health issues, leading to reluctance to access services ( Yeo et al., 2015 ). There is often a lack of awareness about the types of mental health services available, how to access them, and what to expect from treatment. This can deter individuals from seeking help, even when they recognize that they need it ( Adelman & Taylor, 2006 ). Traditional talk therapy, such as psychotherapy, remains the most common form of mental health treatment in Singapore ( Shafie et al., 2020 ). However, these methods may not be suitable for everyone. For example, individuals who struggle to express themselves verbally or who feel uncomfortable discussing their emotions may benefit from alternative therapies, such as art therapy ( Riley, 2001 ). Unfortunately, the SMHS studies did not explore the use of such alternative methods, leaving a gap in understanding their potential benefits ( Mittal et al., 2022 ).

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative processes, such as drawing, painting, and sculpting, to help individuals express their emotions, explore their thoughts, and work through psychological challenges ( Hu et al., 2021 ). It is particularly effective for individuals who find it difficult to articulate their feelings verbally, making it a valuable alternative to traditional talk therapy. In Singapore, however, art therapy remains underutilized and poorly understood ( Mittal et al., 2022 ) While the Art Therapists’ Association Singapore (ATAS) was established in 2008 to promote the profession, there are still only two higher education institutions in the country that offer graduate programs in art therapy ( Art Therapists’ Association Singapore, 2024 ). Additionally, local research on art therapy is limited, with most studies focusing on aging and dementia care. This lack of awareness and research has resulted in a gap in understanding how art therapy can be effectively integrated into Singapore’s mental health care system ( Mirabella, 2015 ).

This study aims to address this gap by investigating the public’s perception of art therapy in Singapore, with a focus on its efficacy as a counselling method. Specifically, the research seeks to: 1. Understand Public Attitudes: By surveying Singapore residents, the study aims to uncover how the public perceives art therapy, including their understanding of its purpose, benefits, and limitations. 2. Identify Misconceptions: The study will explore common misconceptions about art therapy, such as the belief that it is only for children or requires artistic skill ( Kim, 2010 ). By addressing these misconceptions, the research hopes to increase public acceptance of art therapy as a valid form of treatment. 3. Assess Barriers to Access: The study will examine the factors that prevent individuals from seeking art therapy, such as cost, lack of insurance coverage, and limited availability of qualified art therapists. 4. Inform Policymakers and Stakeholders: By providing insights into the public’s perception of art therapy, the research aims to inform policymakers, employers, and insurance companies about the potential benefits of art therapy. This could lead to greater investment in art therapy programs, subsidies for treatment, and the inclusion of art therapy in employee wellness packages ( Riley, 2001 ).

The demographic profile of participants in this study reflects a diverse and representative sample of Singapore residents. By analysing the data by age, gender, education level, and income bracket, the study provides valuable insights into how different demographic groups perceive art therapy ( Tan et al., 2021 ). These insights can inform targeted strategies to increase awareness, accessibility, and acceptance of art therapy as a valuable mental health intervention in Singapore ( Riley, 2001 ). The findings reveal several important trends in public perception of art therapy in Singapore. Many participants underestimated the qualifications required for art therapists, with 29% expecting only a diploma-level education. This is in contrast with the requirement to possess a Masters in Art Therapy in Singapore in order to practice ( Art Therapists’ Association Singapore, 2024 ). The demographic profile of the participants highlights the diversity of the sample in terms of age, gender, education level, and income. ( Pike, 2013 ). The overrepresentation of females and highly educated individuals may reflect broader trends in mental health research participation. Additionally, the inclusion of participants from various income brackets ensures that the study captures perspectives from different socioeconomic groups, which is critical for understanding barriers to accessing art therapy, such as cost and affordability. ( Park & Hong, 2010 ; Watts et al., 2017 ). The results reveal that while participants value face-to-face art therapy sessions, cost and stigma remain significant barriers to accessing treatment. The majority of participants preferred in-person therapy, reflecting a desire for direct interaction with therapists. ( Schouten et al., 2014 ). However, the varying levels of willingness to pay suggest that affordability is a key concern, particularly for lower-income individuals. Additionally, the high level of concern about stigma underscores the need for public education campaigns to reduce mental health stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviour. ( Santiago et al., 2012 ). The results highlight participants’ expectations for high professional standards among art therapists, with a strong preference for therapists holding at least a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, participants’ expectations for session frequency varied, with a significant proportion favouring weekly sessions ( Campbell et al., 2016 ). The anticipated therapeutic outcomes focused primarily on emotional well-being, suggesting that participants view art therapy as a holistic approach to mental health rather than a targeted treatment for specific conditions. These findings underscore the importance of managing client expectations and providing clear information about the goals and structure of art therapy. This suggests a need for greater awareness of the rigorous training and certification required for art therapists ( Zubala et al., 2023 ). The high cost of art therapy and concerns about stigma were identified as major barriers to accessing treatment. This aligns with findings from the Singapore Mental Health Studies (SMHS), which also highlighted cost and stigma as key obstacles to seeking mental health care. Despite the increased use of online platforms during the Covid-19 pandemic, 70% of participants preferred face-to-face art therapy sessions. This suggests that traditional in-person therapy remains the preferred mode of treatment for many individuals ( Kato Nabirye, 2025 ; Liu et al., 2021 ; Riley, 2001 ). While most participants recognized art therapy as a valid form of counselling, misconceptions about its suitability for children and the need for artistic skill persist. Addressing these misconceptions through public education campaigns could help increase acceptance of art therapy ( Hu et al., 2021 ; Xu et al., 2021 ). The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the public’s perception of art therapy in Singapore. While there is a general recognition of art therapy as a valid form of counselling, misconceptions and barriers to access remain significant challenges. Addressing these issues through public education, subsidies, and policy changes could help increase the accessibility and acceptance of art therapy as a valuable mental health treatment option ( Chan et al., 2017 ; Šuľová, 2019 ).

While the study provides valuable insights into public perception of art therapy, there are some limitations to consider: The use of convenience and voluntary response sampling may have resulted in a sample that is not fully representative of the general population. For example, individuals with a pre-existing interest in art therapy may have been more likely to participate. The survey relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases such as social desirability bias (participants providing responses they believe are socially acceptable). As a cross-sectional study, the research provides a snapshot of public perception at a single point in time. Longitudinal studies would be needed to track changes in perception over time.

This study is significant for several reasons.

Addressing Mental Health Gaps: By exploring alternative therapies like art therapy, the research could help address the treatment gap identified in the SMHS studies. This is particularly important for individuals who may not benefit from traditional talk therapy ( Riley, 2001 ).

Promoting Holistic Mental Health Care: Art therapy offers a holistic approach to mental health care, addressing emotional, psychological, and even physical well-being through creative expression. By promoting art therapy, Singapore can move towards a more inclusive and diverse mental health care system ( Kato Nabirye, 2025 ; Wang & Abdullah, 2024 ; Wood, 1998 ).

Influencing Policy and Practice: The findings of this study could influence policymakers to allocate more resources to art therapy, such as funding for training programs, subsidies for treatment, and public awareness campaigns. Employers and insurance companies could also be encouraged to include art therapy in their wellness programs and coverage plans ( Mittal et al., 2022 ).

Enhancing Public Awareness: By shedding light on the benefits and accessibility of art therapy, the study could help reduce stigma and increase public awareness of this valuable form of treatment ( Han, 2023 ).

The methodology employed in this study was designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the public’s perception of art therapy in Singapore. By using a quantitative cross-sectional survey, the research was able to capture a wide range of attitudes, awareness levels, and expectations related to art therapy ( Tan et al., 2021 ). While there are some limitations to the study, the findings provide valuable insights into the public’s perception of art therapy that can inform future research, policy, and practice in the field of mental health care in Singapore ( Han, 2023 ; Tan et al., 2021 ). While there is a general recognition of art therapy as a valid form of counselling, misconceptions and barriers to access remain significant challenges. Addressing these issues through public education, subsidies, and policy changes could help increase the accessibility and acceptance of art therapy as a valuable mental health treatment option ( Kaimal et al., 2019 ). In conclusion, while mental health awareness in Singapore has grown significantly, there is still much work to be done to address the barriers to treatment and explore alternative therapies like art therapy ( Peh et al., 2021 ). This study aims to fill a critical gap in understanding the public’s perception of art therapy and its potential as a counselling method. By doing so, it hopes to contribute to a more inclusive, accessible, and effective mental health care system in Singapore.