The National Counselling Service
The National Counselling Service (NCS) is a professional, confidential counselling and psychotherapy service available free of charge in all regions of the Health Services Executive. Established in September 2000, the NCS employs over 70 Counsellor/Therapists who are highly qualified and experienced in working with developmental trauma. Clients can refer themselves directly by calling a national freephone number 1800 235234. Healthcare Professionals can also refer clients. The core principles of the NCS are consistent with those of the most recently published Irish Healthcare Strategy (Quality & Fairness, 2002).
Ten directors of counselling who have a wealth of experience and knowledge of working with trauma in the public and private sectors globally, manage the NCS on a daily basis. They work together to ensure that there is consistency of service nationally in terms of professional and ethical standards and equity of service for residents within the State.