There are lots of organisations for children and young people that focus on mental health. They provide information and services to help you manage your thoughts and feelings.
The organisations listed on this page are funded by the HSE. You can access most of the services listed here without a referral.
If you are a parent or carer, you can suggest some of these to your child, or get advice for yourself.
For more information on mental health services, you can:
- talk to a GP
- freephone our information line anytime on 1800 111 888
- get information and support by answering 3 questions at navigator - spunout.ie
Organisations for bereaved children and young people
Organisations that provide mental health supports and services for adults
Talk to someone day or night
You can contact these organisations and talk to someone at any time. You do not need a referral from a GP for these services.
Childline
Ireland's 24-hour listening service for young people up to age 18. Childline is a service from the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC).
Pieta
Free support for people who self harm, are thinking about suicide or people bereaved by suicide.
Text About It
Free 24-hour chat service. It provides everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through a mental health or emotional crisis.
General mental health support
These organisations provide support for a range of mental health difficulties.
You do not need a referral from a GP for most of these services.
Barnardos
Barnardos helps vulnerable children affected by adverse childhood experiences. Its services are for children, families and communities.
Jigsaw
Mental health advice and support for young people age 12 to 25, and for parents or concerned adults.
MyMind
A non-profit organisation that provides counselling services online and in person.
This includes:
- 6 free therapy sessions for men - your GP can give you a code to access these
- low cost and affordable therapy - you do not need a referral
- private therapy - you do not need a referral
spunout
Youth information website created by young people, for young people. It has articles and information on many topics, including mental health.
You can get information and support for what you’re going through by answering 3 questions at navigator - spunout.ie
Turn2Me
Free online talk therapy for adults and online support groups for young people age 12 to 17 and adults.
More specific help
These organisations provide support for specific groups or mental health difficulties.
You do not need a referral from a GP for these services.
ADHD Ireland
Support and information for young people and adults with ADHD, their carers and their families.
BeLonG To Youth Services
Support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) young people in Ireland, their parents and carers, and other professionals.
Bodywhys
Services for adults and young people with eating disorders, and their families.
CARI
Therapy for children and young people who have been affected by child sexual abuse. CARI also provides information, support and counselling to non-abusing parents, carers and siblings.