Sir, – As we approach Budget 2023, it is widely known that the waiting lists for mental health services in this country have far surpassed what they should be.
Presently, hundreds of children are waiting more than one year to be seen by mental health services. This is a huge concern which needs drastic change implemented immediately.
Concerns over children’s mental health have increased since the pandemic. A nationally representative survey commissioned by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) earlier this year found that 94 per cent of people think it is important for children to have access to counselling and psychotherapy if they are struggling with their mental health.
There is an urgent need for the Government to address this. What the IACP is proposing in the upcoming Budget 2023 would ensure equal treatment in terms of tax relief for counselling and psychotherapy and VAT measures for mental health professionals. In addition, and in order to address the growing need for counselling and psychotherapy services for children and young people, it is proposed that funding be provided to establish access to counselling and psychotherapy through schools.
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This initiative would be a critical step towards giving our children and young people access to the help they need when they need it.
The IACP is calling on the Government to increase investment in counselling and psychotherapy with the ultimate aim of establishing universal access to counselling and psychotherapy for all in need.
Mental health must be a top priority for Budget 2023. – Yours, etc,
LISA MOLLOY,
Chief Executive Officer,
Irish Association
for Counselling
and Psychotherapy ,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.