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Therapy in Ireland: public waiting lists vs private options
How long HSE psychology waiting lists are, what private counselling and psychology cost in Ireland, what health insurance covers, and the faster routes in.
Updated · Lon Clinic
Short answer: free HSE psychology exists, but waiting lists have been above 20,000 people for years and can run past a year in many areas. Private counselling costs about €60–€100 a session and a private psychologist about €90–€180. Health insurance and employer programmes can cover part of it.
The public route
- Your GP is the usual way in. They can refer you to HSE Primary Care Psychology or, if you have a medical card, to the Counselling in Primary Care service.
- Waiting lists are long. HSE replies to parliamentary questions in 2025 show tens of thousands of adults and children waiting for primary care psychology, many of them for more than a year. Waits differ a lot between areas.
- Community mental health teams, for more serious difficulties, are also reached through your GP.
Private options
According to the HSE:
| Type | Typical price per session |
|---|---|
| Trainee counsellor | €30–€60 |
| Counsellor or psychotherapist | €60–€100 |
| Psychologist | €90–€180 |
Prices in central Dublin tend to be higher. Some counselling centres use sliding scales or charge by donation. Ask any therapist which professional body they belong to.
What insurance covers
Irish health insurers often reimburse a fixed amount for a number of counselling or psychology sessions a year, depending on the plan. Check the amount per session, the yearly limit and which qualifications they accept. Many employers also offer a free Employee Assistance Programme with a few sessions.
Online therapy
Online therapy removes travel time and often the waiting list. Ireland shares its time zone with Portugal, so a session with a psychologist based in Lisbon happens at the same clock time. Under EU rules, telemedicine is provided in the country where the provider is established.
At Lon Clinic, the first session is €35, in English or Portuguese: online therapy in Ireland.
In a crisis
Call 112 or 999. Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7). Pieta: 1800 247 247, or text HELP to 51444. Text About It: text HELLO to 50808.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How long is the HSE waiting list for psychology?
It depends heavily on the area. Primary care psychology waiting lists have been above 20,000 people for years, and HSE replies to parliamentary questions in 2025 show waits of more than a year in many places.
How much does a private counsellor cost in Ireland?
The HSE puts a private counsellor at about €60 to €100 a session and a private psychologist at about €90 to €180.
Is there free counselling in Ireland?
Some. Your GP can refer you to the HSE Counselling in Primary Care service if you have a medical card, and some charities offer low-cost or free sessions. Waits vary.
Therapy in English with EU-licensed psychologists. First session €35, usually available this week.
This guide is general information and does not replace a consultation. If you are in danger, call 112.