The HSE National Counselling Service (NCS) is a professional, confidential counselling and psychotherapy service available free of charge in all regions of the country. 

Established in September 2000, the HSE NCS employs over 70 Counsellor/Therapists who are highly qualified and experienced in working with developmental trauma. People can refer themselves directly by calling a freephone number.  Healthcare professionals can also refer clients. 

Directors of counselling with a wealth of experience and knowledge of working with trauma in the public and private sectors globally, manage the NCS on a daily basis.  They work together to ensure that there is consistency of service nationally in terms of professional and ethical standards and equity of service for residents within the State. 

Since the inception of the NCS, its primary clients have been adults who experienced abuse whilst in the care of the state as children.  The mission of the NCS is “to listen to, value and understand those who have been abused in childhood, in particular those abused in institutional care.  The National Counselling Service aims to assist clients to live more satisfying lives, and in learning from their experiences, strives to prevent further abuse in Ireland”

For more details information, including how to make an appointment, visit the HSE National Counselling Service website here.

Click here for a list of National Counselling Service Branches