78 percent rise in number of people waiting on psychology services since 2020

The waiting list for psychology services has increased by 78 percent since 2020, according to newly published figures.

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health, Mark Ward TD criticised the Government’s inaction on the matter.

Overall, 18,622 people are waiting on primary care psychology services as of April 2023, representing a 78 percent increase from when Government took over in 2020.

The figure at the time was 10,466.

“Waiting list for mental health services are only going one way under this Government and that is up,” Deputy Ward said.

“When this Government took office, 10,466 people were waiting for a first-time primary care psychology appointment.

“15,698 of those waiting are young people below the age of 18.

“This is up from 8893 in 2020, a 77 percent increase during the lifetime of this Government.

“What is shocking is the nearly 6,000 young people waiting longer than a year mental health supports.

“Having one child waiting over a year for vital mental health services is not good enough but having 6000 is a systemic failure by this Government.

“Primary care psychology provides services for people who are experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties or mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

“We have seen the number of young people waiting on specialist CAMHS appointments rising almost every month with close to 4,500 waiting.”

Deputy Ward also criticised Minister Mary Butler who blamed the waiting list figures on “an increase in referrals”.

However, Deputy Ward says Minister Butler “fails to recognise it is the absolute failure to resource our primary services that is leading to the pressures on CAMHS.

“If young people get the care they need at primary care level than they are less likely to need the more acute services of CAMHS.

“Young people are being let down at every stage of mental health care and being left behind by Government.

“Behind every waiting list figure is a young person with hopes and dreams and they are being denied their right to reach their full potential.

“What we need now is a change of Government. We need Sinn Féin Ministers for Health and Mental Health that will prioritise early intervention in mental health and delivering services in a timely manner.”