Yes, you can choose to consult just a TCM physician or our Psychologist. On the appointment booking form, simply follow the booking process for either clinician rather than selecting the option for both.  

However, please be aware that we would still highly recommend combining both clinicians for faster symptom relief and the most effective overall results. 

More complex insomnia that involve psychological and behavioural components (e.g. sleep anxiety, poor sleep habits) may not be fully resolved from TCM treatments alone and can especially benefit from psychotherapy to help make the necessary changes.

Because our psychologist and TCM physicians are based at separate clinics, this may not be possible. We can try to arrange the sessions on the same day but they will be at different locations.

To book an appointment, complete the Appointment booking form at the end of this page. Our team will get in touch with you to schedule your appointment with our psychologist and/or a TCM physician at your preferred clinic location.

As our psychologist and TCM physicians are based in different clinics, your psychotherapy and TCM sessions will be conducted in separate visits. 

TCM Sessions

Each standard session consists of a consultation with our TCM physician and an acupuncture treatment (can be substituted with Chinese Herbal Medicine prescription) . Additional treatments or herbal prescriptions may be recommended. (Duration: 45 – 60 mins).

TCM sessions can be conducted at PULSE TCM clinics islandwide.

Psychotherapy Sessions

The psychotherapy sessions (Duration: 60 mins) are conducted at PULSE Allied Health clinic at Camden Medical Centre (by Orchard Blvd MRT), where our psychologist is based. 

The number of sessions needed would vary person-to-person as it depends on many factors;  from the severity of the presenting condition to external factors that can also affect the condition (e.g. lifestyle, stress level, etc). 

Below is a general guide. Note that some people may need less or more.

TCM

• 5-10 sessions
• Once weekly (twice for serious conditions)

Psychologist

• 4-8 sessions
• Once weekly, fornightly at later stages

In general, patients with simple, mild conditions would require less frequent and fewer sessions. Those with more complex conditions with additional contributing factors (e.g. a highly stressful job or lifestyle, psychological factors) will require more frequent visits and a longer duration of treatment.

TCM physicians and psychologists commonly see patients with comorbid conditions. They would be able to tailor the treatment accordingly. Our psychologist can also additionally help non-mental health issues such as relationship and self-esteem issues.

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, and most patients do not find acupuncture to be painful. Many actually find the process calming or it is common to fall asleep during treatment.

However, if you still do not wish to undergo acupuncture simply inform your physician. He or she will use other TCM treatments instead such as Chinese Herbal Medication; which is just as effective; or cupping therapy and moxibustion

Acupuncture and CHM have often been used in conjunction with prescription sleeping pills and psychiatric medications (antidepressants, anxiolytics). For CHM, it is recommended to be taken two hours apart from other medications. However, do also check first with your prescribing physician on this. 

Please note that our programme is more suitable for mild to moderate levels of depression, and may not be suitable for such crisis situations.  Where more urgent intervention is needed, please call the Institute Mental Health Helpline at 6389 2222 to get more information.