HSE’s counselling support network ‘not fit for purpose’

Counselling in Primary Care (CIPC) services are only available to adults over 18 who are medical card holders and who have received a referral from either a GP or primary care team. 

Mental health advocacy groups have criticised the HSE’s counselling support network as ‘not fit for purpose’ as thousands of people wait to see public therapists.

Figures seen by the Irish Examiner reveal there are currently 4,298 people waiting to be given a counselling appointment within the primary care system.