A lack of psychologists is putting lives at risk

MEDICAL experts have warned that a serious shortage of psychologists could lead to a repeat of incidents like the Monageer tragedy where Adrian Dunne murdered his wife and two children before taking his own life.

The “vast majority” of mental health teams across Ireland are failing to employ the minimum number of psychologists and social workers trained to prevent at-risk individuals from taking their lives, they say.

According to the Alliance of Mental Health Professionals group — which includes leading psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists — countless at-risk patients across the country are unable to access vital medical help because of a system-wide shortage of specialists for multi-disciplinary teams.

The group has warned more than 60% of community mental health teams do not employ the minimum number of psychologists, while 30%-40% do not have the required number of social workers — who are seen as key to preventing personal tragedies like that in Monageer.

Group spokeswoman Dr Siobhan Barry, consultant psychiatrist and clinical director at the Cluan Mhuire Service in Dublin, said the situation is similar with occupational therapists, with just half the teams meeting required employment levels despite many recently qualified specialists being unemployed.

As a result of the shortfalls, Dr Barry claimed that people with “complex” mental health concerns are being severely let down by the system — with people close to them potentially being put at risk.

“Mental health treatment and care does not rely on high-tech equipment or facilities. More than any other speciality, mental health service provision is reliant on human beings, the professionals who deliver the service as part of a multidisciplinary team.

“Regrettably, despite the rhetoric, only 40% of community mental health teams have the minimal complement of psychologists; 30%-40% of teams don’t have the recommended one social worker per team and more than 50% of mental health service teams don’t have access to an occupational therapist.

“People whose daily living abilities have been compromised do not have the expertise, help and support they need,” she added.

The HSE was unable to comment yesterday.

These claims come after an independent study published earlier this week found that three out of five people with mental health issues wait over a year before seeking help.