Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
345. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide on update on the Programme for Government commitment to develop and increase access to talk therapies and improve access to specialist expertise, when it is required, in line with Sharing the Vision - a Mental Health Policy for Everyone., across each of the CHO areas since the establishment of the current Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33319/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccess to counselling supports and talk therapies is a key priority under Sharing the Vision, our national mental health policy. Under the oversight of HSE Primary Care, as of end Q1 2023, a Talk Therapies working group has finalised a synopsis for a position paper on a layered care service delivery model, incorporating subject matter expertise from primary and specialist mental health services, as well as from the community and voluntary sector. In parallel, this working group is in the process of completing a mapping of current talk therapy offerings alongside a review of recent evaluation reports into existing talk therapy services. The position paper will be informed by meaningful engagement with service users, family members and carers, as well as with service providers and talk therapy staff, and all other relevant stakeholders.
The Mental Health in Primary Care Specialist Group was stood up in June 2022, tasked with delivering a thematic set of policy recommendation relating to the development of mental health supports in primary care settings, including talk therapies, as well as with promoting a shared care between primary and specialist mental health services. The Specialist Group meets approximately every 4-6 weeks and has stood up two working groups focusing on enhanced access to talk therapies and shared care respectively, in order to ensure timely delivery of these critical policy recommendations. Work is progressing to finalise a shared care implementation plan and to scope a structured approach to meeting the physical health needs in primary care of those with severe and enduring mental illness, which will be informed by lived experience, as well as the experiences of staff, services and other key stakeholders.
The Counselling in Primary Care service was launched in 2013 and is available to adults with medical cards who are experiencing mild to moderate psychological and emotional difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, panic reactions, relationship problems, loss issues and stress.
In addition, more than €80m a year is provided by my Department to Section 38 and Section 39 agencies to provide mental health services to those who require them on behalf of the HSE.
As part of this question relates to services, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
