Private Psychology & Psychiatry services at our Dublin and Galway Clinics
If you are struggling with your mental health, you may need to be referred to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
A psychologist is a mental health professional who specialises in the study of the human mind and behaviour. They use talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), or psychotherapy, to help patients manage their mental health conditions. They do not prescribe medication.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health. They can diagnose and treat mental health conditions and are able to prescribe medication. They may also use talk therapy in conjunction with medication to help manage mental health conditions.
It is important to note that both psychologists and psychiatrists are trained professionals who can provide effective treatment for mental health conditions. The type of professional you see will depend on your individual needs and the nature of your mental health condition.
Your GP will be able to advise you on which type of professional is most suitable for you. With the right care and support, it is possible to manage and overcome mental health conditions and improve your overall well-being.
Psychology & Psychiatry at Blackrock Health
Blackrock Health hospitals offer access to consultant psychologists and psychiatrists. They provide treatment for mental health conditions, primarily on an outpatient basis. Hermitage Clinic also provides some limited inpatient mental health services for adults.
Some of our services are only available in select locations. Please check with your preferred location to confirm that the service you seek is offered there.
Please note, we do not accept emergency referrals for this specialty at Blackrock Health hospitals.
Who we treat
Our teams provide outpatient services to patients referred by their GP. We also provide support to patients receiving medical and surgical inpatient care in our three hospitals.
Psychologists typically work with individuals who have:
Behavioural problems
Developmental issues
Mental health disorders
Psychological distress
Psychiatrists typically work with individuals who have
Severe mental illness.
medication management
Complex cases
Types of psychology
Clinical psychology
Clinical psychology is concerned with the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders and psychological distress. Clinical psychologists often work in mental health clinics, hospitals, private practices, or other healthcare settings. They provide therapy, counselling, and interventions to individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Counselling psychology
Counselling psychology focuses on helping individuals deal with everyday life challenges, such as stress, relationship issues, career decisions, and personal growth. Counsellors work with clients to develop coping strategies, improve communication skills, and enhance overall well-being. They may work in schools, colleges, community centers, or private practices.
Developmental psychology
Developmental psychology explores how people grow, develop, and change over the lifespan, from infancy to old age. Developmental psychologists study various aspects of development, including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, and examine factors that influence growth and maturation.
Educational psychology
Educational psychology examines the psychological processes involved in learning, teaching, and educational settings. Educational psychologists study factors that affect student learning and academic achievement, such as motivation, memory, intelligence, and classroom environments. They may work in schools, colleges, educational institutions, or government agencies.
Social psychology
Social psychology explores how individuals think, feel, and behave in social situations and how social influences shape behavior. Social psychologists study topics such as conformity, obedience, prejudice, group dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and attitudes. They may conduct research in academic settings or apply their findings in various practical contexts.
What to expect
We have a limited team of psychiatrists who provide adult psychiatric services on an outpatient basis.
Once we have received your referral, a member of our team will arrange for you to have a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist. They'll spend some time with you to gain an understanding of your illness.
We do not accept emergency referrals.
You may be prescribed additional therapies or medication based on your diagnosis.
Types of mental health issues:
Addictive behaviours
Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Borderline personality disorder
Depression
Eating disorders – Anorexia Nervosa and Bulima Nervosa.
Personality disorders
Schizophrenia.
Symptoms of mental health issues:
Changes in eating habits.
Excessive feeling of fear.
Extreme mood swings.
Feeling sad
Guilty feelings.
Paranoia.
Severe tiredness.
Suicidal thoughts.
Risk factors:
A childhood history of abuse or neglect.
A family history of mental illness.
Brain damage.
Stressful life situations.
The death of a loved one.
The overuse of alcohol.
The use of recreational drugs.
FAQ's
At Blackrock Health private hospitals in Dublin and Galway, we understand that a visit to our psychiatric clinic can be a stressful experience.
To help ease your concerns and provide clear information, we have complied a list of frequently asked questions specific to our psychology & psychiatry services. Our goal is to care for our patients and to make your visit as smooth and reassuring as possible.
What is psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. It seeks to understand how people think, feel, and behave in various situations and contexts.
What do psychologists do?
Psychologists conduct research, diagnose and treat mental health disorders, provide therapy and counselling, conduct assessments and evaluations, develop interventions and treatment plans, and work in various settings such as clinics, hospitals, schools, universities, and private practices.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychologists have a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology and specialize in providing therapy, counselling, and psychological assessments. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D. or D.O.) who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health disorders, including prescribing medications.
What types of therapy do psychologists offer?
Psychologists may offer various types of therapy, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, interpersonal therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and family therapy, among others.
When should I see a psychologist?
You may consider seeing a psychologist if you are experiencing mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship issues, grief, or difficulties coping with life changes. Psychologists can provide support, guidance, and evidence-based interventions to help you improve your mental well-being.
What is psychiatry?
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in assessing and managing mental health conditions using a combination of psychotherapy, medications, and other treatment modalities.
What do psychiatrists do?
Psychiatrists conduct psychiatric evaluations, diagnose mental health disorders, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, provide therapy and counselling, monitor treatment progress, and collaborate with other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care.
What types of mental health disorders do psychiatrists treat?
Psychiatrists treat a wide range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, substance use disorders, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), among others.
What is the difference between psychotherapy and medication management in psychiatry?
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, involves working with a therapist to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviours and develop coping strategies and solutions to improve mental health. Medication management involves prescribing and managing medications to alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders.
When should I see a psychiatrist?
You may consider seeing a psychiatrist if you are experiencing severe or persistent mental health symptoms that interfere with your daily functioning, relationships, or quality of life. Psychiatrists can assess your symptoms, provide an accurate diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your individual needs.
How do I get this?
You will need a referral letter from your GP or consultant before you make an appointment.
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance cover check page, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.
