Ireland’s gov.ie counselling in primary schools pilot is providing early mental health support for children with mild to moderate needs. The Department of Education and Youth programme gives selected schools access to qualified counsellors while maintaining links with existing national education and health services.
Gov.ie counselling in primary schools pilot: what it provides
Launched in June 2023, the pilot initially covered primary schools in Cavan, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan and Tipperary. It was designed as an interim support for pupils who may benefit from counselling before difficulties become more serious or require onward referral.
The service is intended to supplement—not replace—HSE Primary Care Psychology, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), or the work of psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
Expansion to disadvantaged urban schools
In October 2024, the Department announced an extension to 61 urban DEIS primary schools in Tallaght, Clondalkin, Finglas, Ballymun and Darndale. The participating schools include 56 DEIS Urban Band 1 schools and five DEIS Urban Band 2 schools across clusters in Dublin Southwest and North Dublin City.
The expansion focuses on communities experiencing some of the highest levels of disadvantage in the State, helping schools offer timely support where demand is particularly high.
How the school counselling service works
Participating schools receive blocks of counselling sessions for individual children. Access is based on school identification, NEPS support and consent from a parent or legal guardian.
- Schools identify pupils who may benefit from early intervention.
- NEPS psychologists support the identification and referral process.
- Parental or legal guardian consent is required.
- Approved counsellors provide sessions during the pilot period.
- Schools can use guidance, referral, complaints and session-record forms supplied by the Department.
If a school is waiting for a NEPS psychologist, or its assigned psychologist is unavailable, NEPS can make another psychologist available when required.
Qualified counsellors and information for families
The Department has established panels of experienced counsellors for the participating counties and Dublin clusters. Counsellors must be accredited through recognised professional organisations, including the Psychological Society of Ireland, IACP, IAHIP, IAPTP, ACAP or eligible bodies within the Irish Council for Psychotherapy.
Families and schools can access child-friendly information, social stories, consent documents and the complaints procedure through the official gov.ie publication. Queries about the pilot can be sent to CounsellingPilot@education.gov.ie.
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What parents should know
The pilot is an early-intervention service delivered through selected schools. It is not a replacement for specialist healthcare, emergency support or established HSE mental health pathways. Parents should discuss questions about eligibility, consent and referrals directly with their child’s school.
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Key takeaway
The gov.ie counselling in primary schools pilot provides a structured route to early support for children in participating schools, with NEPS involvement, parental consent and professionally accredited counsellors. Families should contact their school for guidance and use the Department of Education and Youth’s official documents for the latest information.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
