FAQs

What is a psychologist?

Psychologists help to ensure the health and well-being of all people: individuals, families, children and society as a whole. They focus on relationship between mind, behaviour and well-being. Psychologists are doctorally-trained professionals who offer a wide variety of services to the public as well as conduct research, perform assessments and evaluate and treat a full range of emotional and psychological challenges.

What is a registered consulting psychologist?

Imagine Health’s registered consulting psychologists are professionals who work with clients in a therapeutic context and who are also registered and accredited by their national governing body (such as the Psychological Society of Ireland).

What’s the difference between a consulting psychologist and a psychotherapist/counsellor?

Consulting psychologists deal mainly with mental health problems, perform assessments and often use psychotherapeutic techniques. Psychotherapists/counsellors always use some form of talk therapy and rely on the relationship between the therapist and the client as central to their treatment.

What is the difference between a consulting psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Consulting psychologists are experts in psychological assessments and psychotherapy but do not prescribe medication. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are registered physicians who mainly rely on the medical model and psychotropic medications when addressing mental health problems. Psychiatrists often employ psychotherapeutic approaches as well.

What is an Occupational Therapist?

Occupational therapists assess and develop a person’s level of function through the medium of therapeutic activity. They believe that health and well-being are determined by the ability to do what you want or need to do. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages across a variety of settings including mental health, physical health, schools and throughout the community. Occupational therapists receive specialised training in clinical sciences, psychology, activity analysis and therapeutic interventions so that they can assess and improve the functional capacity of their clients.

What does attending a mental healthcare professional involve?

Coming to see one of Imagine Health’s mental healthcare professionals involves an initial 30-45 minute session in a one-to-one setting (or group setting if preferred). These sessions involve discussions with the health professional about anything you wish to talk about. Each member of Imagine Health’s team can offer empathic support, advice and a programme/intervention to help if needed.

If I have a mental health problem or anyone I know has one, how can Imagine Health help?

Imagine Health’s mental healthcare professionals can help in a variety of different ways. Our psychologists and multi-discipline team are accessible and available to offer a wide range of assessments for diagnoses of mental health disorders. They also offer therapies/interventions to support such problems.

What about confidentiality?

We recognise that the information you provide may be sensitive and we respect you and children’s confidentiality. Information relating to you or children remains completely confidential as it would with your doctor. This means we store it securely and we will not share any information where there is any legal prevention on doing so. All information provided is strictly confidential unless:

1) The Client authorises release of information, with his/her signature, to specific services.

2) The Client presents a physical danger to self.

3) The Client presents a danger to others.

4) Child/elder abuse/neglect are suspected.

In the latter two cases, we are required by law to inform potential victims and legal authorities so that protective measures can be taken .

Can I go to one of Imagine Health’s mental healthcare team directly to receive treatment?

Firstly contact Imagine Health on (01) 6629100 or info@imaginehealth.ie and we will arrange an appointment for you with one of Imagine Health’s mental health care professionals.

How quickly can I see a professional?

You can have a session with a professional within just a week of making the initial contact with Imagine Health. This is an important aspect of our accessible service as an early intervention can result in improved mental health well-being.

How many sessions with a mental healthcare professional could I need?

Some clients participate in just one session, others can be seen for ten sessions and other therapeutic relationships can even last for a more extensive period of time. The amount of sessions will depend on the nature of the case.

What will it cost me?

We offer a 15min free consultation to all new clients to give them the opportunity to meet with the psychologist.

An initial consultation and sessions with one of Imagine Health’s mental healthcare professionals costs betweeb €90 and €150 per session.


Clinical, educational and forensic assessments can cost between €550 and €1,600. Please contact Imagine Health directly for any queries as pricing can be flexible.

How do I pay?

You can pay in person at the clinic (depending on the location), or you will be invoiced fortnightly from our central office. Payment can be made by cash, cheque or postal order or you can pay online using our bank details attached to your invoice.

PayPal payment facility coming soon.

What about my private health insurance?

Each health insurance company provides different cover for attending psychologists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and other health professionals. The amount of the excess deducted will depend on the cover held by the member. For example, VHI Health Steps Silver covers €25 per Clinical Psychologist visit, up to a maximum of 7 visits. Please contact your private health insurance to understand your entitlements.

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