How to Access Therapy in Ireland: A Clear Guide to Free, Low-Cost and Private Options

Written By Emma Byrne

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming.

If you want to start therapy more than likely you are not in the best headspace, the last thing you want is to comb through Google looking for the perfect therapist in your price range. A quick Google search for “therapy Dublin” or “counsellor near me” brings up hundreds of results, different types of therapists, and confusing information about cost and waiting lists.

This guide breaks everything down simply. Whether you’re looking for free counselling, low-cost therapy, or private sessions, here’s how to find the support that’s right for you in Ireland.

First think about what is important before you search

  • Price?

  • Location?

  • Style of working?

It can really narrow down your search result options and feel less overwhelming. Let’s look at pricing first.

⭐ Free Counselling in Ireland (HSE & Partner Services)

In the Republic of Ireland, one of the main ways to access free counselling is through the National Counselling Service (NCS). If you have a medical card, you are automatically eligible, but even without one you may still qualify depending on your needs.

Although the website mentions GP referrals, the NCS also accepts self-referrals, which many people don’t realise.

Important tip:
When emailing any service for a referral, don’t include personal or sensitive details. A staff member will follow up securely.

Once referred, you’ll be offered an assessment to see if the service is the right fit. Waiting times vary by location, but it can be a helpful starting point.

Useful HSE pages:

⭐ Low-Cost Counselling Options in Ireland

There are many centres offering affordable or low-cost therapy, often requiring a small amount of documentation such as:

  • proof of low income,

  • payslips,

  • welfare payment receipt, or

  • student verification.

Some provide a sliding scale, and many offer therapy through student therapists, who are closely supervised and up-to-date in their training.

Searching terms like “low cost therapy Dublin” or “affordable counselling Ireland” will bring up a wide range of services so try focus on location preference if possible. Some may have waiting list so don’t be afraid of contacting a few of them, copy and paste is your friend!

MyMind

I currently work with MyMind, a service partly funded by the HSE. They offer:

  • Sessions at €30,

  • A programme providing 6 free sessions for men with a GP referral,

  • A wide network of therapists and locations.

Their admin process takes a little time, but once set up, it’s very accessible.

Other Centres Offering Low-Cost Sessions

These are centres I also work from that offer reduced-rate options when working with student therapists:

  • Insight Matters, Capel Street, Dublin 1

  • Marino Counselling, Fairview, Dublin 3

👉 Don’t be afraid to work with a student therapist.
They receive close supervision, ongoing support, and are never placed with clients before they’re ready. You can always ask about their approach, training, or what to expect — and just like with any therapist, it’s okay to change if the fit isn’t right.

⭐ Accessing Therapy Privately in Ireland

If cost is less of a concern, you can focus on:

  • The type of therapy that suits you

  • A convenient location

  • Specific training or specialisms

Google searches can be overwhelming, so one of the safest ways to find a qualified practitioner is through the accrediting bodies.

These organisations ensure that therapists have:

  • recognised qualifications,

  • required clinical hours,

  • ongoing supervision, and

  • continuous professional development (CPD).

Major Accrediting Bodies in Ireland

I have a separate blog post on this with a full list, most will have a directory with the therapists registered to them that you can search and may be a safer way of finding a private therapist. CORU is eventually going to be the overall umbrella directory you can search for all accredited therapists in Ireland, you may hear a lot of therapists grumbling about CORU, it is never going to be about the regulation process (badly needed) but their standards of training and working are currently problematic. More on that another day!

Why Accreditation Matters

I am accredited with the IACP, which required:

  • verified qualifications,

  • supervised clinical hours,

  • a supervisor’s report,

  • CPD evidence.

I also attend supervision every 20 client hours to ensure safe and ethical practice — something all therapists should be doing. Never hesitate to ask a therapist about their accreditation and supervision.

⭐ Final Thoughts: You Deserve Support

Accessing therapy can feel confusing, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Whether you start with a free service, low-cost counselling, or private therapy, the most important thing is that you feel safe, supported, and heard.

Take your time, trust your instincts, and remember that you are allowed to ask questions.
The right therapist is out there — and you deserve support that fits your needs.

Emma Byrne
Next

Accrediting Bodies in Ireland (And Why They Matter When Choosing a Therapist)