Pick a Therapist
If you’re unsure which therapist is best for you, drop us a message at the contact button at the bottom of this page.
By making an online booking, you consent to receiving emails and WhatsApp messages from Chengal Centre Sdn Bhd. We will only send messages relating to your appointment, and never any spam marketing messages.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in Psychiatry, and is able to assess issues from both a mental and physical perspective, conduct therapy, and provide medical certificates (MCs) and diagnoses.
Founder & Head Psychiatrist: Dr. Johan Ariff
(He/Him)
M.D. (VolgSMU), M.P.M (UM)
MMC No. 60241, NSR No. 142101

Experience: Serving psychiatric clients since 2013 in multiple centres: Hospital Sungai Buloh, Hospital Tuaran, Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Hospital Keningau, The Red Clinic
Languages: English, Malay
Dr Johan has worked in the field of psychiatry for more than ten years, both in major hospitals and psychiatric institutions.
He is an advocate of talk therapy, and is a frequent speaker at mental health awareness events.
He has a special interest in LGBT+ mental health. His paper, Coping Strategies and Mental Disorders among the LGBT+ Community in Malaysia, is a landmark study on this topic and he continues to involve himself in research in the area.
Dr Johan can converse and do therapy in English and Bahasa Malaysia. He says he still remembers a handful of Russian from his undergrad days, but we can’t verify if he’s just making noises.
Published papers:
- Ho, S. H., Shamsudin, A. H., Liow, J. W., Juhari, J. A., Ling, S. A., & Tan, K. (2024, May). Mental Healthcare Needs and Experiences of LGBT+ Individuals in Malaysia: Utility, Enablers, and Barriers. In Healthcare (Vol. 12, No. 10, p. 998). MDPI
- Juhari, J. A., Gill, J. S., & Francis, B. (2022) Coping Strategies and Mental Disorders among the LGBT+ Community in Malaysia. Healthcare 10 (10), 1885
- Sulaiman, A.H., Sabki, Z.A., Jaafa, M.J., Francis, B., Razali, K.A., Rizal, J.A., Mokhtar, N.H., Juhari, J.A., Zainal, S., & Ng, C. G. (2020) Development of a remote psychological first aid protocol for healthcare workers following the COVID-19 pandemic in a university teaching hospital, Malaysia. Healthcare 8 (3), 228
- Shanmugam, H., Juhari J.A., Nair, P., Ken, C.S., & Guan, N. C. (2020) Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health in Malaysia: a Single Thread of Hope. Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 29(1)
Individual
For initial assessment, follow-up consultations,
and therapy if needed (60 mins)
In-person: Tuesday – Sunday
Remote: Tuesday – Sunday
RM 300
Psychiatrist: Dr. Afrah Mohd Yasin
(She/Her)
MBBS (Monash), MRCPsych (UK)
MMC No: 59978, NSR No: 143759

Experience: Extensive experience in mental health since 2018: Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang Kota Kinabalu, and currently Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz.
Languages: English, Malay
Dr. Afrah specializes in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including mood and anxiety disorders, psychotic illnesses, old age–related mental health problems, developmental conditions such as ADHD and autism, as well as personality disorders. Her approach combines thoughtful medication management with evidence-based psychotherapies.
With an integrative psychotherapy style, Dr. Afrah draws on training in several therapeutic modalities, including Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), schema-informed therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and the Gottman Method for couples therapy. She tailors these approaches to the unique needs of each patient, fostering growth and resilience.
Passionate about women’s mental health, childhood trauma, and relational difficulties, Dr. Afrah is dedicated to providing compassionate and holistic care. She is fluent in both English and Malay, offering a supportive and accessible environment for her patients.
Individual
For initial assessment, follow-up consultations, and therapy (60 mins)
In-person: Friday & Sunday
Remote: Tuesday – Thursday
RM 300
Couples
For initial consultations
(90 mins)
For follow-up consultations
(60 mins)
In-person: Friday & Sunday
Initial: RM400
Follow-up: RM 300
Psychiatrist: Dr. Choong Wen Mei
(She/Her)
MRCPsych (UK), M.D. (IDN)
MMC No. 68143, NSR No. 141641

Experience: Dr. Choong Wen Mei is a family psychiatrist with over 9 years of experience in the field of psychiatry and is a certified provider of the PEERS Social skills program. She is currently completing her subspecialty training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Languages: English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Hokkien.
Dr. Choong Wen Mei is deeply passionate about supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children, adolescents, and young adults. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and evidence-based, with a strong emphasis on understanding each young person within the context of their family, school, and social environment.
Dr. Choong has extensive experience working with a wide range of challenges affecting young people, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, behavioural difficulties, school refusal, trauma, family conflict, and early signs of psychosis. In addition to individual care, Dr. Choong has a strong interest in family therapy, and works closely with parents and caregivers to support long-term, meaningful change within the family system.
While her main focus is on children and young people, Dr. Choong also provides psychiatric care for adults and older adults, helping them manage concerns such as mood and anxiety disorders, stress, and memory-related conditions. She offers confidential, flexible teleconsultation services, making mental health care more accessible and convenient for individuals and families.
Individual & Families (Remote)
For initial consultations, it is recommended for adolescents
(10yrs and above) to have 90mins and
adults to have 60mins
Monday – Saturday
(At the moment, Dr Choong is not accepting
any new clients. Existing clients may reach out
via WhatsApp to book a session)
Clinical Psychologist
A clinical psychologist holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology, and is able to assess issues from a mental perspective, produce a diagnosis, and conduct talk therapy.
Seth Wong
(He/Him)
MClinPsych (HELP)
MAHPC (CP) 00674

Experience: Centre for Psychological and Counselling Services (CPCS) in HELP University, Serene Psychological Services
Languages: English
As a child, Seth used to obsessively watch Monsters Inc. every day, his earliest memory of immersing himself in a good story. Since then, he has always loved listening to stories, dissecting them, and making sense of them. Perhaps this is why he is drawn to psychology, to listen to people’s stories and to help make sense of them. He believes that by making sense of the reasons for our thoughts, feelings, and actions we become empowered to change narratives in our lives.
He likes to play video games, watch movies, bind books, and make kombucha in his free time. He wants you to know his kombucha is excellent, but we haven’t dared to try it.
Individual (In-Person/Remote)
In-person: Tuesday – Sunday
Remote: Monday – Sunday
Initial: RM 220 / 90 mins
Follow-up: RM 220 / 60 mins
Ryan Wong Kar Wai
(He/Him)
MClinPsych (Taylor’s)
MAHPC (CP) 00552

Experience: Provided therapy and psychological support in settings such as LEV8 HIV and Substance-Use Recovery Center, IHARD Family, Community Health Care Clinic, HEART Psychological Services and student counselling at SMK Taman Medan.
Languages: English, Malay, Cantonese and conversational abilities in Mandarin and Thai
Ryan has experience practicing across multiple clinical settings, including private practices and NGOs. He has worked with diverse populations, including adolescents, adults, students, HIV patients, and individuals from LGBTQ+ community. He believes in allowing clients to express themselves respectfully in a safe and non-judgmental space regardless of identity and orientation. Ryan adopts Dialectical Behaviour Therapy as his main approach while integrating with Compassion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to provide personalized care.
His areas of interest include insomnia, anxiety, stress, impulsive behaviors, adult ADHD, sexual disorders, and sexuality-related concerns. With a strong emphasis on both clinical effectiveness and compassionate understanding, Ryan is particularly passionate about supporting clients in navigating emotional difficulties, intimacy-related challenges, and issues related to identity, sleep and well-being.
Individual (In-Person/Remote)
In-person: Tuesday – Sunday
Remote: Tuesday – Sunday
Initial: RM 220 / 90 mins
Follow-up: RM 220 / 60 mins
Counsellor
A counselor holds a degree in counseling, and focuses on supportive, short- to medium-term guidance for everyday mental health issues and improving practical coping skills.
Dr. Lynda Ling Sai Ang
(She/Her)
Ph.D. Couns. Ed. (Waikato, NZ), M.Edu. (Guid. Couns.) (UPM)
Registered & Licensed Counsellor (Malaysia, KB01625, PA01219)
HRD Trainer (ID: 13896)

Experience: Over 15 years in counseling, education and training
Languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, Cantonese
Dr. Lynda is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate, and inclusive space for individuals, couples, and families navigating life’s challenges. Her practice focuses on supporting those facing identity-related concerns, mental health struggles, and significant life transitions, offering an approach that is empathetic, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive.
Her doctoral research focused on counselling individuals with suicidal ideation in the Malaysian context, and she remains actively involved in research and advocacy in suicide prevention, crisis care, and palliative support. She integrates trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and person-centred approaches to care.
Her work is grounded in relational approaches, cultural sensitivity, and a deep respect for each individual’s lived experience and dignity. Her areas of interest include:
- Career coaching and profiling
- Career/Life-transitions, Outplacement support
- Personal development and coping skills
- Grief, loss and trauma-related concerns
- Relationship challenges
- Suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviours
- LGBTQ+ affirmative counselling
Couples/Groups
In-person: Tuesday,
Thursday & Sunday
RM 350 / 90 mins
Individual and Career Counselling
In-person: Tuesday,
Thursday & Sunday
Initial: RM 300 / 60 – 90 mins
Follow-up: RM 260 / 60 mins
Career Counselling: RM 350 / 90 mins
Mohammad Shahril bin Zaini
(He/Him)
M.Phil (Policy) (UTM), BSc. Hons (Guid. Couns.) (MSU)
Registered & Licensed Counsellor (Malaysia, KB08403, PA07994)
HRD Trainer (ID: 22422)

Experience: Registered Counsellor since 2019 in multiple settings, including Hospital Permai, public health clinics and queer NGOs.
Languages: English, Malay
Areas of Interest: Addictions, crisis intervention, motivation, lifestyle changes
He doesn’t look it now, but Shahril used to be morbidly obese weighing over 120kg. His experience transforming his mind and body fuels his commitment to inspiring and supporting others in their own journeys toward a values-driven healthy lifestyle.
He recently earned a Master of Philosophy (Policy Studies) with research in compulsive pornography behaviour in adolescents, and he has worked with clients with issues ranging from suicide prevention and crisis intervention, to grief, anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationship problems and substance use.
Through his practice of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), he emphasises learning and identifying clients’ values before embarking on the journey together towards their goals, and building resilience by nurturing psychological flexibility.
In Shahril’s free time, you can either find him at the gym wondering when he will get six-pack abs, or cafe-hopping for pastries and desserts. Otherwise, he would just be in front of his laptop catching up on anime and TV shows.
Individual (In-Person/Remote)
Tuesday – Sunday
RM 150
Couples Therapy (In-person)
For initial consultations
(90 mins)
For follow-up consultations
(75 mins)
In-person: Tuesday – Sunday
Initial: RM 260
Follow-up: RM 220
Evelyn Chai
(She/Her)
M.Prof Couns (UM), M.Sc. Mgmt Psych (Nottingham)
Registered and Licensed Counsellor (Malaysia, KB13259, PA12914)
HRD Trainer (ID: 6321)

Experience: Supported individuals in a variety of contexts, including schools, colleges, NGOs, and working adults, with more than 10 years of prior experience as an educator, trainer, and business owner
Languages: English, Mandarin, Malay
Evelyn is a counsellor passionate about being present and diving deep into her clients’ experiences, supporting them as they navigate life’s complexities and move towards wellbeing and growth. She is interested in how past experiences shape present realities, and how clients can work towards acceptance, healing, and personal betterment.
Her areas of interest include:
- Self-awareness and meaning-making
- Personal strengths and identity
- Family dynamics
- Developmental and relational trauma
- Loss, grief, suicidal and existential concerns
- Career selection, development and transitions
- Adult neurodivergence support
She draws on psychodynamic and collaborative approaches, working alongside clients to explore their unique stories and strengths.
Outside of counselling, Evelyn enjoys spending time in parks or cafés surrounded by nature, reading, singing, and playing role-playing games. She is multi-passionate and loves learning new things, whether it’s through movies, dramas, documentaries, or new hobbies she can immerse herself in.
Individual (In-Person/Remote)
Tuesday – Sunday
(Existing clients will have a separate
rate till Dec 2026, please reach out to us on
WhatsApp for further details.)
Initial consult: RM 180 / 90 minutes
Follow-up: RM 180 / 60 minutes
Follow-up: RM 250 / 90minutes
Career Counselling (In-Person/Remote)
RM 250 / 90 minutes
Art Therapist
An art therapist is trained to use the creative process to help clients process their feelings that they are not able to articulate verbally.
Kimberley Boudville
(She/Her)

Training: Accredited Professional Certification in Art Therapy, First Class Hons Bachelor of Fine Art Practice (Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, SG)
Languages: English
Kim is an art therapist, award-winning visual artist and children’s picture book author whose practice centers around the emotional landscapes of grief, memory, and the passage of time.
Her artistic and literary work is deeply grounded in storytelling as she believes that art and stories are powerful tools for healing. Her published children’s books touch on themes of courage, hope, and emotional resilience, and are often used as gentle conversation starters between adults and children navigating complex feelings.
She is passionate about creating safe, imaginative spaces for people to explore their inner world. Whether through illustrations, installations, or quiet conversations sparked by a picture book, she invites reflection, empathy, and healing.
Individual (In-person)
In-person: Tuesday – Friday
RM 150
Life Coach
A life coach is a professional who helps individuals clarify goals, overcome obstacles, and build strategies to achieve personal or professional growth.
Dr. S. Shashitharan
(He/Him)

Languages: English, Malay, Tamil
Dr. Shashie began his journey as a dentist, but life’s unexpected turns led him down a very different path. After losing his only child to suicide and later his legs to complications from diabetes, Dr. Shashie faced unimaginable grief and pain.
But instead of giving up, he transformed his suffering into purpose. Today, as a life coach, he draws from his lived experiences to guide others through their darkest moments.
As a member of the OKU community, Dr. Shashie is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, especially among vulnerable groups often overlooked. His story is not just about loss, but about the courage to keep going, and to help others do the same.
His personal motto: Dum vita est, spes est – while there is life, there is hope.
In-Person/Remote
In-person: Tuesday – Sunday
Remote: Tuesday – Sunday
RM 180
Trainees
A trainee counsellor or psychologist is a supervised mental health professional in training, developing skills through practical experience, education, and guidance to support individuals’ emotional, psychological, and behavioural well-being.
Admin Team
Co-Founder: Barry Ooi
(He/Him)
M.S. Economics (Tufts)

Barry is an entrepreneur, data scientist, and business consultant. His interest in mental health stems from a loved one’s decade-long struggle with depression, anxiety and personality disorders.
Customer Support: Taupok

Skills: Successfully caught 2 (TWO) birds while living in a high-rise. Prevents people from working by sleeping on the keyboard.
Languages: English, Hokkien
Published papers (destroyed):
- Cardboard boxes
- Cat climbing trees
Taupok is an oyen. He was rescued in 2018, and we think he’s about 9 years old now. He does not do much, but he does his best.
Contact us
Email or WhatsApp us for any inquries


