Make Mental Health Services Free and Accessible for Everyone in Ireland

The Issue

We, the undersigned, call on the Irish Government and the Health Service Executive to make essential mental health services free and accessible to all people in Ireland.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Yet today, many people across Ireland are unable to access support due to high costs, long waiting lists, and limited availability of services. Private therapy can cost €60–€100 per session, placing it out of reach for those who need it most.

Public mental health services are under-resourced, with many individuals waiting months or even years for support. Early intervention is critical, but delays can lead to worsening conditions, increased hospitalisations, and greater long-term costs for both individuals and the State.

We believe that:
- Mental health care is a basic human right  
- Cost should never be a barrier to accessing support  
- Early intervention saves lives and reduces long-term public spending  

We are calling for:
1. Free access to counselling and psychotherapy services for all residents  
2. Increased funding and staffing within public mental health services  
3. Reduced waiting times through expanded community-based care  
4. Equal prioritisation of mental and physical health within the healthcare system  

Ireland has made progress, but more must be done to ensure that everyone can access the care they need, when they need it.

We urge the Government to take immediate action to make mental health services free, accessible, and adequately funded for all.

 

5

The Issue

We, the undersigned, call on the Irish Government and the Health Service Executive to make essential mental health services free and accessible to all people in Ireland.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Yet today, many people across Ireland are unable to access support due to high costs, long waiting lists, and limited availability of services. Private therapy can cost €60–€100 per session, placing it out of reach for those who need it most.

Public mental health services are under-resourced, with many individuals waiting months or even years for support. Early intervention is critical, but delays can lead to worsening conditions, increased hospitalisations, and greater long-term costs for both individuals and the State.

We believe that:
- Mental health care is a basic human right  
- Cost should never be a barrier to accessing support  
- Early intervention saves lives and reduces long-term public spending  

We are calling for:
1. Free access to counselling and psychotherapy services for all residents  
2. Increased funding and staffing within public mental health services  
3. Reduced waiting times through expanded community-based care  
4. Equal prioritisation of mental and physical health within the healthcare system  

Ireland has made progress, but more must be done to ensure that everyone can access the care they need, when they need it.

We urge the Government to take immediate action to make mental health services free, accessible, and adequately funded for all.

 

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Petition created on 30 March 2026