There are lots of mental health support services out there to support you through difficult times. You can access free or low-cost face-to-face services, text or phone services or online support services. More information below.
Online counselling
MyMind
Online and in person counselling services, including options for free appointments and sessions. Email: hq@mymind.org website: www.mymind.org
SilverCloud Health Online CBT
Online Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is available to help manage mental health and wellbeing. The HSE and SilverCloud Health provide internet-based CBT for people over the age of 18 in programmes that run for up to 8 weeks. You need a referral from one of the following to access the service: your GP, Primary Care Psychology, the National Counselling Service, Jigsaw.
Turn2Me
Free online counselling and online support groups for young people aged 12 to 17 and adults. www.turn2me.ie
Phone or Text 24/7 support services
Samaritans
Samaritans services are available 24 hours a day, for confidential, non-judgmental support. Freephone 116 123, any time. Email: jo@samaritans.ie www.samaritans.ie
Text 50808
A free, 24/7 service, providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through mental health or emotional crisis. Free-text HELLO to 50808 to chat with a trained volunteer, any time. www.text50808.ie
Local Support Services
Donegal Bereavement Service and National Counselling Service
The Bereavement Service is available for adults over 18 years who present with traumatic or complex bereavement (typically noted six months post-bereavement). Referrals can be made to: Donegal Bereavement Service, 69 Ballyraine Road, Letterkenny. Tel: 074 91 67250. The service is currently available in Letterkenny, Ballyshannon and Carndonagh.
Adult Psychology Services
A Psychology service is provided in Dungloe, Letterkenny, Inishowen and Donegal Town for Adults who present with emotional difficulties or mental health issues that fall below the threshold for Donegal Mental Health Services. Referrals to: Senior Clinical Psychologist, Adult Psychology Service, County Clinic, St. Conal’s Campus, Letterkenny. Tel: 074 91 04641.
Child Psychology Service
This is available in Buncrana, Letterkenny, Dungloe and Donegal Town for children and young people up to 18 years who present with emotional and behavioural difficulties.Referrals to: Senior Clinical Psychologist, Child Psychology Service, County Clinic, St. Conal’s Campus, Letterkenny. Tel: 074 91 04641.
National Counselling Service
The HSE National Counselling Service is available free of charge across the country. Counselling is available in person, by phone or by online video. Contact your GP.
Donegal Women’s Centre
Has a team of trained Listeners who can offer phone support or in-person listening appointments to women aged 17+. Our generic counselling service is available to both women and men over the age of 17. The Centre is open Monday to Thursday 9 am – 5 pm and Friday 9-4 pm. Self-referrals or via any professional. Contact 074 9124985 or donegalwomenscentre@gmail.com
The Pastoral Centre Counselling Service
is available to support children and adolescents from 5 years and up. We also offer a service to adults seeking support. These services are available throughout the county at 7 different locations. Referrals: The Pastoral Centre, Letterkenny. F92 HP66 Tel: 07491 21853.
Dunfanaghy Community & Family Resource Centre
is a community organisation, committed to providing individuals and families with a range of activities and resources aimed at supporting and nurturing family and community life. Services include Social Prescribing, counselling, and admin support. Contact: 0749136548 or dunfresource@gmail.com
Solas Falcarragh
Solas is a walking mental health day programme to support recovery. www.solasdonegal.org Contact 074 9165058
Donegal Wellness Cafes
A safe space to meet like-minded people and have a chat over a cup of tea. Local cafes in Dunfanaghy every two weeks, Falcarragh every week and in Letterkenny every week. More info on: www.facebook.com/donegalwellnesscafes
HSE Social Prescribing
Social prescribing is a free, Health Service Executive (HSE) service which helps to link you with social supports and social activities within your community. You or a family member or friend, acting on your behalf, can access social prescribing by phoning your local coordinator or your doctor can refer you. The local social prescriber is based in Dunfanaghy Family Resource Centre. Tel: (074) 9123757
Pieta
Pieta house is a voluntary service based in Letterkenny. It targets teenagers and adults who have been self-harming or who have been feeling suicidal. You can contact at any hour of the day by phoning Freecall 1800 247 247. Or if you can simply text HELP to 51444. Or contact the Letterkenny office directly on 074 9126594
Young People
Jigsaw
Mental health advice and support – online and in person – for young people aged 12 to 25 years old, and for parents or concerned adults. Telephone: 074 97 26920 Email: donegal@jigsaw.ie website: www.jigsaw.ie
Get free, text-based support with a clinician online through 1:1 webchats if you’re between 12-25 years old.
https://jigsaw.ie/talk-online/live-chat/
Foróige Youth Workers are available across the county to provide support, guidance and a listening ear to young people. Our service can be provided individually or on a group basis at a time and location convenient to young people. Contact Susan McLoughlin 086 6064291 or susan.mcloughlin@foroige.ie for more information.
Donegal Youth Service (DYS), are offering One to One listening ear sessions with young people. Sessions can be delivered in a place and time suitable to the young person. Trauma informed Mental Health Resilience sessions are also available to groups. Contact Frankie Mc Greevey at 0749129630
Donegal Parent and Family Support Services (DPFSS). Pathways Parent Support Service offer a Call Back Service to families that are struggling and are looking for information, support, or signposting – 10am – 1pm Tues, Wed, and Thurs Contact 074 9131245. Springboard Family Support Project offering an in-home Family Support Service to families and children – Contact 074 9173918
