HSE launches new digital strategy to enhance mental health services in Ireland

The Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health have unveiled the Sharing the Vision Digital Mental Health Strategy 2026-2030. A plan to enhance mental health services in Ireland through the power of digital technology. ​The Strategy was launched by Government Chief Whip and Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler, TD at the third annual Digital Mental Health Conference in partnership with University of Limerick today.

The strategy aims to enhance mental health for all through digital technologies that improve infrastructure and provide safe, effective, and accessible mental health information, tools, and services. ​

By leveraging cutting-edge digital tools and infrastructure, the strategy will empower service users, clinicians, and communities to access safe, effective, and personalised mental health supports anytime, anywhere. ​

It seeks to address inequalities in access and promote digital mental health solutions that are inclusive and equitable. ​

Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, said: "This Strategy sets out a clear vision: to harness and scale the use of digital technologies to provide safe, effective and accessible mental health information, tools and services. It represents a significant step forward in how we deliver mental health services in Ireland. ​By embracing digital innovation, we can expand accessibility and increase reach so that more people can access the supports they need. This is about building a more connected, responsive and inclusive mental health service.”

The strategy is the result of extensive consultation with service users, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and international experts. Key events, including national conferences and roundtable discussions, helped shape the strategy to ensure it meets the needs of all stakeholders.

Professor Shane Kilcommins, Acting President of University of Limerick, said: “UL’s research community has long been committed to generating insights that translate into meaningful societal impact. Through innovation, evidence-based practice, and deep engagement with the communities we serve, we are proud to lead in the contribution to a shared national vision of accessible, inclusive and high-quality mental health supports. I am confident that the strategy launched today will help shape a more responsive, equitable and effective mental health system for people across Ireland.”

Brian Higgins, Assistant National Director for HSE Mental Health, said: “This strategy demonstrates what can be achieved through partnership. Digital mental health is an evolving and dynamic field, and digital technologies can extend the reach of services, provide service users with choice and convenience and improve the efficiency of our services. Our commitment is to ensure Ireland remains at the forefront of innovation while delivering safe, high-quality and person-centred services.”

The HSE has invested in digital mental health for almost a decade, with accelerated development during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initiatives include My Mental Health Plan, online cognitive behavioural therapy programmes, online supports for ADHD and eating disorders, and video-enabled appointments delivered by Community Mental Health Teams.

HSE-funded community and voluntary partners — including MyMind, Turn2Me, Jigsaw and SpunOut — have expanded access to online counselling and digital supports. The recent launch of Navigator by SpunOut provides an anonymous online signposting tool connecting young people with personalised health information and services nationwide.

Earlier this month, the HSE also announced a new partnership with Togetherall to deliver a national anonymous digital peer-support service for young people aged 16 to 30.

Dr Ruth Melia, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology at University of Limerick and member of the HSE Digital Mental Health Specialist Group, said: “The recent advances in digital mental health demonstrate that digital is a key enabler of accessible and equitable mental health service provision. One example, the SpunOut Navigator app, developed in collaboration with the HSE, young people, and researchers here at UL, has been used in more than 42,000 sessions by young people since it was launched in June 2025. We at University of Limerick look forward to continued collaboration with our HSE and Government colleagues to optimise mental health outcomes for all.”