Psychiatrist and CBT/REBT Therapist Shortage in Ireland 2025

Ireland is facing a severe mental health workforce crisis in 2025. The shortage of psychiatrists, CBT/REBT psychotherapists, and psychiatric nurses is not only a healthcare problem but also a challenge for the justice system, schools, and society as a whole.

According to the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, at least 350 more consultant psychiatrists are needed by 2030 to reach the safe target of 835. At present, court trials are being delayed for more than six months because psychiatric reports cannot be completed on time. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are overwhelmed, with specialists missing and children left waiting, while existing staff are burning out.

The Psychiatrist Shortage in Numbers

The psychiatrist shortage in Ireland has become a structural issue. Hospitals are overcrowded, waiting lists keep growing, and community services cannot keep pace. The justice system struggles to process cases without psychiatric input, and families are left with uncertainty and prolonged suffering.

Why CBT and REBT Psychotherapists Matter

Psychotherapy is not a luxury – it is a necessity. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) are internationally recognized, evidence-based approaches that help patients reduce symptoms, challenge irrational beliefs, and achieve long-term change.

Ireland is experiencing a chronic shortage of CBT therapists. New training programs, such as those at ATU Sligo, are a step in the right direction. Yet the demand is far greater than the supply. Without integrating psychotherapy into psychiatric care, Ireland risks prolonging waiting times and limiting patient recovery.

A Wider Workforce Crisis

The shortage does not stop with psychiatrists and psychotherapists. More than 700 psychiatric nurse posts remain unfilled, according to RTE (April 2025). Without nurses, the mental health system cannot function effectively. This demonstrates the urgent need for coordinated recruitment, international cooperation, and new models of practice.

A Practical Solution – Integration of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

One effective way to address the crisis is through integrative care. When psychiatry and psychotherapy work together, patient outcomes are significantly better. Medication can reduce acute symptoms, while CBT and REBT provide long-term tools for resilience. This reduces hospital admissions, shortens waiting lists, and improves recovery rates.

A multidisciplinary model – where psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and nurses collaborate – could transform Irish mental health services. Such an approach would also relieve the justice system, which relies heavily on psychiatric expertise.

My Perspective as a Specialist

As a Consultant Psychiatrist and REBT Psychotherapist, my work combines:

Evidence-based psychiatry for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
CBT and REBT psychotherapy for structured and effective psychological change.
Holistic care that unites medical, psychological, and lifestyle dimensions.

This integrative approach has proven effective in treating anxiety, depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and relationship difficulties. It is exactly the kind of model that could help Ireland bridge the gap between overwhelming demand and limited resources.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Ireland’s shortage of psychiatrists, CBT/REBT psychotherapists, and psychiatric nurses is urgent – but it is solvable. By investing in workforce expansion, supporting international collaboration, and adopting integrative care, the country can build a stronger and more sustainable mental health system.

I am open to collaboration with Irish hospitals, universities, and the justice system to support the development of mental health services. Together, we can close the workforce gap and provide care that meets the needs of patients, families, and society.