Finding a Psychiatrist/Therapist

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is based on a programme of structured self-help. Behaviour Therapy began in the late 1960s and is the most researched psychological treatment for OCD. This is the therapy model that research to date has found to be the most effective in the treatment of OCD, Trichotillomania and Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapists come from a variety of professional backgrounds but are usually psychologists, nurses or psychiatrists. A directory of accedited cognitive behavioural therapists in Ireland and in the UK can be obtained from 'Find a Therapist' section on the website of the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy (BABCP). The BABCP telephone number is +44 (0) 1254 8752777.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapists do not need to be accredited by the BABCP and many do not, but it does guarantee certain minimum standards of training. It is very important that you clarify the degree of training your therapist has. Some therapists in Ireland claim to be CBT therapists based on skills acquired at short duration courses but training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy requires meeting certain minimum training standards not limited to but involving certain basic requirements containing "cognitive/behavioural elements of training of 450 hours of which 200 hours should be provided directly by recognising trainers through a recognised course or other programme of study". See BABCP Minimum Training Standards for more information. Hence, CBT training is often encapsulated in a Postgraduate Training Programme of 1-2 years or more duration from the Postgraduate Diploma to Masters Level.

Seeking Help for Minors

OCD Ireland does not work directly with minors, but carers should know that persons under 16 with any sort of mental illness qualify for free "drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of your illness" under the Long-Term Illness Scheme, regardless of their income or other circumstances.

A medical card can be granted to someone on a discretionary basis, if their "income is over the financial guidelines, but the HSE decides that the financial burden of medical or other exceptional circumstances would cause undue hardship", which it may well if someone is on certain psychiatric medications for a lengthy period of time. If one's application is rejected, petitioning local TDs for assistance may be helpful.

For more information:

HSE website on Benefits and Schemes

HSE website on Rights and Entitlements

List of Organisations That Can Help

Further information about private treatment may be obtained from the Psychological Society of Ireland and the Irish Council of Psychotherapy, or from any of the following organisations:

National Association for CBT

Contact: Kathleen Barry or Sligo Mental Health Services

Tel: 071 55120

Irish Association for CBT (branch of the BABCP)

Secretary: Andy Giffney

St Otterans Hospital

Waterford

University College Cork

(Masters in CBT programme)

Dept of Applied Psychology, UCC, Cork

Contact: Edith Quayle

Trinity College Dublin

(Pg Dip in CBT programme)

Dept of Psychiatry

Contact: Dr Brian Fitzmaurice

Trinity College Dublin

(Doctorate in Counselling Psychology programme)

Dept of Psychology

University College Dublin

MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Children & Adolescents

Contact: Dr. Yulia Zyrianova

How to Find a Psychiatrist

In order to gain access to a Psychiatrist, you should seek a referral from your local/family GP. Pychiatrists usally require a referral from a GP although in certain cases they may accept referrals from a therapist, where appropriate. Partial refunding for visits to a Consultant Psychiatrist is available under private insurance/health cover, although this is sadly not the case in this country for visits to a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist except where CBT is made available in the context of a hospital inpatient service.

When making an appointment with a psychiatrist, it's ok to inquire about the individual's qualifications as well as his/her experience with any of these disorders since the professional training may vary.

What to Look for in a Therapist

OCD Ireland has created the following guide with respect to help you choosing a therapist. It has been adapted from "How to Choose a Behaviour Therapist" by Michael Jenike, MD as well as the International OCD Foundation Guide.

It can be downloaded from here.

Med 1 Scheme

Medication and visits to the GP and/or psychiatrist are elligle for partial refunds under the Medical One Scheme. Here is where to find the Med 1 form.

Also, if you have private insurance, such as BUPA or VHI, it may be worthwhile to see what treatments are covered under their plans.