The Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot is a major Ireland education and child wellbeing initiative designed to give younger pupils faster access to early mental health support. Published on gov.ie by the Department of Education and Youth, the update confirms the pilot’s continued rollout for primary schools in selected counties and its expansion into high-disadvantage urban schools in Dublin.
Originally launched in June 2023, the programme was introduced as an early intervention support for children with mild to moderate mental health needs. It applies across primary schools in Cavan, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan and Tipperary, with a further extension announced on 23 October 2024 to 61 urban DEIS primary schools in Tallaght, Clondalkin, Finglas, Ballymun and Darndale.
The Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot on gov.ie: What the scheme provides
The Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot gives participating schools access to blocks of counselling sessions for individual pupils. The aim is to address issues early, reduce the risk of difficulties escalating, and limit the need for onward referrals where suitable.
This service is described as a supplement rather than a replacement for existing public supports. It does not take the place of HSE Primary Care Psychology, CAMHS, or the ongoing work of the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). Instead, it operates as an interim response while demand for counselling support in primary education remains high.
- Supports children with mild to moderate mental health needs
- Operates in selected counties and urban DEIS schools
- Requires parental or legal guardian consent
- Uses approved, experienced counsellors
- Works alongside NEPS and wider Health supports
How schools, families and counsellors are involved
Under the pilot, NEPS psychologists help schools identify pupils who may benefit from counselling. If a participating school is waiting for an assigned psychologist or the psychologist is temporarily unavailable, NEPS will arrange cover where needed for this purpose.
The Department has also set up panels of pre-approved counsellors for the 2026–2027 period. These professionals are drawn from recognised accrediting bodies including PSI, IAHIP, IACP, IAPTP, ACAP and the Irish Council for Psychotherapy. That structure is intended to maintain quality, consistency and child-centred practice across the programme.
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Key documents available through gov.ie
The publication includes practical information for all parties involved. Schools, parents and counsellors can access guidance and forms such as:
- Guidelines for schools in the pilot
- County and Dublin counsellor panels for 2026–2027
- Consent and referral forms
- Information sheets for children and parents
- Complaints procedure
- Session record and payment request forms
- Application and induction material for counsellors
Why the Dublin DEIS expansion matters
The extension into 61 DEIS schools is especially significant for communities facing persistent disadvantage. According to the Department of the Taoiseach and Education policy priorities across Ireland, early supports in school settings are increasingly seen as vital to improving outcomes in learning, attendance and emotional wellbeing.
The selected Dublin schools include 56 DEIS Urban Band 1 schools and 5 DEIS Urban Band 2 schools across Dublin Southwest and North Dublin City. By targeting areas with some of the highest levels of disadvantage in the State, the Department is aligning Education supports with wider Social Protection, Children/Disability/Equality and Health goals.
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Frequently asked questions about the Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot
Is this a replacement for HSE or CAMHS services?
No. The Department states clearly that the pilot is not a substitute for HSE Primary Care Psychology or CAMHS services.
Who can access the service?
Children in participating schools may be referred, subject to parental or legal guardian consent and school-based identification processes supported by NEPS.
How do counsellors join the panel?
Applications are invited on a rolling basis from accredited professionals who meet the required qualifications and standards.
The Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot marks an important step for gov.ie, the Department of Education and Youth, and families seeking timely support for children. As Ireland continues to strengthen school-based wellbeing services, this pilot could help shape future Education and public service policy nationwide.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
