Critical Shortage of Psychologists Plagues Cork’s Primary Care, Jeopardizing Youth Mental Health

A severe shortage of psychology professionals in Cork’s South Lee primary care services is raising serious concerns about the well-being of young people. Health Service Executive (HSE) figures reveal that nearly 75% of psychology positions remain vacant as of February 2025, possibly leaving vulnerable individuals without timely access to crucial mental health support.

Vacancy Crisis Deepens in South lee

• Child Psychology Staffing: Three out of four child staff-grade psychologist roles are currently unfilled.
• Psychology Assistant Shortage: All five psychology assistant positions are vacant, even though the HSE reports that recruitment is in advanced stages for two assistants.
• overall Impact: Out of 11 funded whole-time equivalent (WTE) positions, only 2.83 are filled.This leaves a staggering 8.17 positions, or 74%, vacant.

The ripple Effect: Impact on Young People and Services

The substantial staffing shortfall is causing alarm, with potential ramifications for young people requiring mental health services. Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire expressed concerns that delays in accessing care could lead to young individuals “dropping out of school or turning 18 while waiting for an appointment,” rendering them ineligible for specific services.

addressing the Wait List: A Broader Initiative

Mari O’Donovan, interim head of primary care for HSE South West, clarified the role of the Wait List Initiative (WLI) staff. “With regards to the WLI posts, please note that these are not South Lee designated posts but are staffing for Cork Kerry Community Healthcare (CKCH) wide initiatives.” While not specific to South Lee, O’Donovan added, “The South Lee waitlist does benefit when staff are in place as these initiatives intervene with longest waiting/ those waiting over 52 weeks.” Despite this initiative, 4.5 out of seven WLI posts remain vacant.

Recruitment Efforts Underway, But Challenges Persist

The HSE acknowledges the crisis and states that recruitment efforts are ongoing, but the impact of the vacancies is already felt.Ms. O’Donovan said, “we are actively recruiting to fill long-standing psychology vacancies across all areas of Cork and Kerry and a number of posts are at various stages of recruitment, some with commencement dates between January to March 2025.” However, the high vacancy rates suggest systemic issues that hinder the recruitment and retention of psychology professionals.

Expert Weighs In: A System Under Strain

Ó Laoghaire emphasized the unsustainable nature of the current situation,stating,”The situation in primary care for children and young people is clearly unsustainable.” He further elaborated on the potential consequences of the understaffing: “Three of four staff missing is undoubtedly going to be reflected in very long waiting times, and I would imagine many children are ageing out before they are seen.”

Primary care plays a crucial role in early intervention,addressing issues like anxiety,suicidal ideation,behavioural difficulties,ADHD,and ASD queries. Ó Laoghaire notes, “Primary care carries an awful lot of responsibility in making sure young people in our community are looked after in terms of anxiety, suicidal ideation, low mood, behavioural difficulties, ADHD, and ASD queries. But these figures show that the chance of early intervention is very, very low.”

Call to Action: Prioritizing Youth Mental Health

Ó Laoghaire calls for immediate action. He believes that “A major effort needs to go into recruitment, as if you don’t have a functional primary care service, people’s needs end up escalating to a point where they need Camhs.” He warns that prolonged waiting times can lead to severe consequences for young people: “These young people might need assistance in education,psychological support to cope with the pressures of school,and if they are waiting too long,they might end up dropping out or practising school avoidance,which can cause massive issues for thier future.”

What You Can Do

• Contact Your Representatives: Voice your concerns about the lack of mental health resources for young people in Cork.
• support Mental health Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that provide mental health services to youth.
• Advocate for Change: Promote mental health awareness and advocate for increased funding and resources for primary care psychology services.

The mental health of Cork’s youth is at stake. It is crucial that the ministers for health and mental health address this issue with urgency and implement strategies to ensure that young people receive timely and effective mental health support. Act now to protect the well-being of future generations.