If you have been diagnosed with health anxiety or suspect that you may have it, this page is to show you how and where to get help in Ireland. The first port of call on your pathway is to meet with your GP. A pathway is simply a series of steps that you undertake to get the treatment that will help you get better.
Start with Your GP
Your GP is usually the first point of contact in Ireland — and for health anxiety, that’s not a formality. It’s often the foundation of your recovery. If you’re not sure how to talk to your doctor about health anxiety, this article will help.
What your GP does (and why it matters)
A good GP appointment can hold two things in mind:
- Medical evaluation
History, exam, and any tests that are clinically indicated. - Pattern recognition
If symptoms keep returning, reassurance doesn’t “stick,” and anxiety is driving checking, Googling, or frequent appointments, your GP may raise health anxiety as a possible framework.
That second track matters because it changes the plan from “more reassurance” to treatment.
What your GP can refer you to (common pathways)
Depending on your situation, your GP may suggest or refer to:
- HSE Primary Care Psychology (mild–moderate difficulties; assessment and therapy may be offered, but waits can be long). The HSE notes you can be referred by a GP/health professional, and in some areas you can also self-refer; they also flag that waiting times can sometimes be more than a year, depending on demand.
- Counselling in Primary Care (CIPC) if you have a medical card (short-term counselling for mild–moderate issues, accessed via GP referral).
- Community Mental Health Team / Psychiatry if symptoms are severe, complex, or there’s significant risk, or if medication needs specialist input.
Therapy Options in Ireland
There isn’t one “right” therapy route. The right one is the one you can actually access, afford, and stick with.
Here are the main options people use in Ireland — with the trade-offs laid out clearly.
1) HSE supports (where available)
Primary Care Psychology
As above: GP referral or sometimes self-referral, depending on area.
CIPC (if you have a medical card)
This is short-term counselling accessed via GP referral for medical card holders.
SilverCloud (guided digital CBT via the HSE)
SilverCloud is part of the HSE’s mental health supports and is based on CBT. It’s a guided digital programme (often described as online CBT).
For some people with health anxiety, this can be a really good “first rung on the ladder” — especially if waiting lists are long.
2) Free/low-cost online counselling supports
Turn2Me
Turn2Me provides online counselling and support groups for adults (18+).
This can be a helpful option if you need support quickly while you’re waiting for other services.
3) Private therapy (in-person or online)
Private therapy is often the most direct route if you want:
- choice of therapist
- appointment availability
- continuity
- a structured treatment plan specifically for health anxiety
This article will help you find the right therapist for health anxiety in Ireland.
Here are reputable places to verify a therapist/psychologist:
- IACP (directory to find an accredited therapist)
- IAHIP (directory to find an accredited psychotherapist)
- PSI (directory for Chartered psychologists recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland)
What to look for in therapy for health anxiety
You want someone who can help you work with:
- reassurance-seeking cycles (appointments, Googling, checking)
- body scanning and hypervigilance
- catastrophic interpretation (“this means X”)
- intolerance of uncertainty (the engine underneath health anxiety)
- a plan for follow-ups that reduces panic-driven healthcare use
That’s the work that creates lasting relief.
If you would like my help with health anxiety
Medication and Psychiatry
Some people manage health anxiety well with therapy alone. Others do best with therapy + medication, especially if anxiety is constant, sleep is wrecked, panic is frequent, or the nervous system feels stuck on “high alert.”
How medication is accessed in Ireland
- Medication for anxiety (including SSRIs) is commonly started and monitored by a GP, and sometimes by a psychiatrist depending on complexity.
- Psychiatry is usually involved when symptoms are more severe/complex, there’s significant risk, or medication needs specialist oversight.
Support Groups & Charities
This is one of the most underused supports for health anxiety: talking to humans who get it without using friends/partners as your only reassurance system.
Here are reputable Irish supports to include:
Aware
Aware provides a Support Line for people seeking support and information about anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They list availability 7 days a week, 10am–10pm, with phone numbers on their site.
Anxiety Ireland
Anxiety Ireland provides information and supports, and lists contact details via their site.
Taking the First Step
If health anxiety has you trapped in “I’ll wait until I’m sure,” I’ll say this plainly:
You don’t need certainty to start. You need a pathway.
Here’s the most sensible first step sequence:
- Book a GP appointment (bring notes; ask for a plan)
- Ask about referral options (Primary Care Psychology / CIPC if eligible)
- Start therapy (public, private, or online) and begin reducing reassurance behaviours
- Use support lines if you’re struggling in the meantime