Concern at waiting times for counselling services

There are 199 people on waiting lists for counselling in Co Meath, including adults to have experienced childhood abuse.

Figures obtained by Aontú leader Deputy Peadar Tóibín show that 26 people are waiting for ongoing counselling through CIPA, the service for people who experienced childhood abuse. Seven of them have been waiting between three and six months and a further eight have been waiting more than six months.

There are 172 people waiting for an initial counselling assessment with CIPA (Counselling in Primary Care) and 37 of these have been waiting between three and six months and 63 of them have been waiting in excess of six months for assessment.

A portion of these have been waiting by their own choice, having been offered telehealth counselling (over the phone or zoom), but have opted to wait for in person counselling. However, many of those waiting are not waiting by choice.

Deputy Tóibín TD said; "There can be no doubt that Covid-19 represents a serious threat to people's health and lives, and that some level of restrictions are necessary, but at the same time we must accept that leaving people waiting more than six months for counselling also represents a danger.

A HSE spokesperson said the national counselling service in Meath had reconfigured the service to provide telephone and video counselling but Covid-19 continues to impact on the availability of face to face appointments. Clients are offered counselling by phone, video or face to face counselling, but waiting times are longer for clients who opt to wait until a face to face appointment is available.

The psychological impact of Covid-19 on people’s mental health is being felt and the NCS has expanded in response to needs identified including providing bereavement counselling.