Lengthy wait for thousands to be seen by National Counselling Service

Over 5,200 people across the country are waiting to be seen by the HSE's National Counselling Service. 

169 patients in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon are on the list for over a year. 

According to freedom of information figures, 700 people in Ireland have been waiting to see a psychologist for over six months. 

Brendan Kelly, a professor of psychiatry in Trinity College, says it's very worrying. 

"It is a very big concern, especially at the present time when levels of stress and anxiety are so high owing to Covid-19.

"The counselling services provided by the state are a vital part of mental health care in this country."