Key takeaway
How to find a qualified counsellor or therapist in Ireland — costs, accreditation bodies to look for, and free or low-cost options.
Counselling vs psychotherapy
In Ireland, both counsellors and psychotherapists provide talking therapy. Counsellors generally focus on specific issues and shorter-term work; psychotherapists typically undertake longer-term, deeper work. In practice, the distinction is less important than finding someone you feel comfortable with and who has appropriate qualifications.
Accreditation bodies — what to look for
Unlike medicine, counselling and psychotherapy are not statutorily regulated in Ireland (regulation is pending). However, there are two main voluntary professional bodies whose members must meet training and ethics standards:
- IACP — Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
- IAHIP — Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy
Look for practitioners who are accredited or registered with one of these bodies. Avoid anyone without professional accreditation.
How to find a therapist
- IACP therapist finder: iacp.ie — search by location and specialism
- Your GP: can provide a referral and may know good local practitioners
- Psychology Today Ireland: psychologytoday.com/ie — searchable directory
- Your employer's EAP: many employers provide free sessions via an Employee Assistance Programme
Costs
Private counselling typically costs €60–€100 per session (50 minutes). Some therapists offer sliding-scale fees for people on lower incomes — always worth asking. Sessions are usually weekly, at least initially.
Free and low-cost options
- HSE counselling — free via GP referral, but waiting lists can be long
- Turn2Me — subsidised online counselling and free peer support groups
- Pieta House — free for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm
- Student counselling — free for registered third-level students at most colleges
General guidance only. Always verify with official sources — gov.ie, citizensinformation.ie, hse.ie.