Kerry psychology wait list initiative trebles number of families accessing supports

An innovative HSE South West approach to providing psychology service has allowed for a three-fold increase in the number of families supported through a partnership approach.

In July 2025, HSE South West launched an initiative to address waiting times for psychology through partnerships with external providers, who are now providing individual, group-based, parenting, and psychoeducational interventions.

Dr Sophia Kalafati, Principal Psychology Manager for HSE Kerry said:

“This partnership approach has allowed us to work collaboratively with community and voluntary agencies. We are grateful to our partners in Listowel Family Resource Centre, South West Counselling, Killorglin Family Resource Centre, and Kerry Family Resource and Counselling Centre. Working in partnership with these local organisations has allowed us to better deliver on the Sláintecare principles of delivering the Right Care, in the Right Place, at the Right Time. We look forward to continued work with these and other partners.”

The number of families supported through the initiative has increased from 80 in 2025 to 391 so far this year, representing a 338.8% increase.

Dr Kalafati added:

“This work is allowing us to address waiting times for children and adolescents and is also allowing us to better meet the increase in demand for services. The number of referrals to HSE psychology services in Kerry has increased by 27% in 2026. Despite this increase in referrals, the overall psychology waiting list continues to reduce. We know that there are still too many people waiting for longer than is optimal, but this initiative will allow us to continue to reduce both the numbers waiting, and the length of time they spend waiting – despite growing demand.”