Information about accessing our services

St Patrick’s Mental Health Services (SPMHS) aims to provide as much information as we can to make it as easy as possible for you to avail of our mental health services.

We offer a number of care pathways, including inpatient care, our Homecare Service, day service programmes, and community-based care in our Dean Clinics. We are an independent, not-for profit organisation, and we do not receive government funding.

Talking to your GP is the best first step to accessing our mental healthcare and treatment.

Our services can be covered in three key ways:

  1. Private health insurance
  2. Self-funding
  3. Referral from the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Below, we share more information on these three options.

When you are referred for mental healthcare, we understand that this can be a confusing time with new medical terminology and many decisions to make. Our aim is to provide you with information and help you make these decisions.

If you have any questions about accessing our services, our Referrals and Assessments Service team can help. You can call the Referrals and Assessments Service on 01 249 3635.

Information about health insurance cover

Information about health insurance cover

We are covered by all health insurance companies in Ireland (Irish Life Health, Laya or VHI). Where it is appropriate, we advocate on behalf of our service users for mental healthcare benefits provided by insurance companies and other related issues in the sector. 

We understand that the health insurance market is complex. There is a wide range of policies and plans available, with each one covering different services and having its own terms and conditions. If you are considering a health insurance plan or changing your current plan, see our guide to understanding insurance plans here.

If you have been referred to our services, your health insurer will be best placed to confirm your level of cover and any specific waiting periods that may currently exist on your policy. You will need the name of the policy holder, policy number and your date of birth before you call your health insurer.

The main insurers’ helplines are below:

  • Irish Life | 01 562 5100
  • LAYA | 021 202 2000
  • VHI | 056 444 4444.

If you would like to ask any additional questions specific to insurance cover for your SPMHS referral, please call our Finance Department on 01 249 3533. Our team will be happy to assist you.

Information about self-funding

Information about self-funding

Our services can be accessed through self-funding, which means you cover the costs of your care and treatment directly.

If you are availing of this option, our Referrals and Assessment Service will discuss this with you in detail beforehand.

Information about HSE referrals

Information about HSE referrals

We accept referrals from the HSE. This means that, in some circumstances, a HSE service might refer you to care and treatment with us.

You can find out more about free mental health supports and resources from the HSE, including helplines and advocacy services provided by organisations which receive funding from the HSE, from YourMentalHealth.ie.

Your GP can refer you to HSE services. You can find out more about HSE services and how to access them here. You can also call the YourMentalHealth information line any time on 1800 111 888 for more information about your local HSE services.

Talk to our team

If you have any other questions we can help with, you can speak to an experienced mental health nurse through our Support and Information Service: find out more below.

Talk to our team

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Understanding insurance plans

Support and Information

Take your first step by making a call: speak to a mental health professional today.

01 249 3333 info@stpatricks.ie

Referral and Assessment Service

Contact us for queries regarding referrals to our service.

01 249 3635 Referrals & Admissions