Almost 1,500 children waiting for psychology services in Mid-West
HSE figures show 1,480 children awaiting support, with average waits of between 2.5 and three years.
WAITING times of up to three years for children seeking psychology services in the Mid-West have been described as “very worrying”, with almost 1,500 young people currently on waiting lists.
The issue was raised by Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan at the June meeting of the Regional Health Forum Mid-West, where she sought an update on Primary Care Psychology Services across the region.
In response, the HSE confirmed that Primary Care Psychology Services in the Mid-West cater only for children under 18, with no equivalent service available for adults.
At the end of May 2026, there were 1,480 children on waiting lists across the region, with average waiting times of between 2.5 and three years from referral to intervention.
In a written reply, Maria Bridgeman, IHA Manager with HSE Mid West, said referrals continue to exceed national targets. During the first quarter of 2026, the service received 391 referrals, 13% above the national target, while 161 new clients were seen and 1,855 appointments attended.
She added that 94 children who had been waiting longer than 12 months were seen during the quarter, with efforts continuing to reduce long waiting lists. Workshops and webinars are also provided to support families while they wait for assessment or intervention.
Ms Bridgman said there are currently 18.2 approved psychologist posts, of which 14.2 are filled, and eight approved psychology assistant posts, with seven currently filled.
Speaking at the meeting, Margaret Costello, Head of Service for Primary Care Services with HSE Mid West, said four of the vacancies relate to maternity leave cover positions, which have proven difficult to fill. She added that one psychology assistant had recently moved to another role.
Ms Costello also noted that referral rates in the Mid-West are around 10% above the national average and said child psychology services often involves support for both children and parents.
Cllr O’Donovan said many families had contacted her regarding lengthy waits for services and described the figures as “very worrying”.
“Early intervention, especially with kids, is critical,” she said.
While welcoming ongoing recruitment efforts, she pointed to continuing staffing shortages and questioned why approved posts remain difficult to fill.
Ms Costello said recruitment challenges are particularly evident in temporary and specified-purpose contracts, such as maternity leave cover positions, while permanent posts are generally easier to recruit for.