More than 2,000 men have availed of Ireland’s free counselling initiative for men since its launch in September 2025, demonstrating a strong and growing willingness among men to seek support for their mental health.
The programme, introduced to improve access to mental health services and reduce stigma around help-seeking, has seen significant engagement during its first six months. Men can access counselling through referrals from their GP or by contacting a dedicated counselling phone line. Since the initiative began, more than 13,000 counselling sessions have been delivered through the HSE’s Counselling in Primary Care service and the mental health organisation MyMind.
Minister of State for Mental Health, Mary Butler, welcomed the milestone and praised those who have taken the step to seek support. She described the response as a positive sign that men are becoming more open to addressing their mental wellbeing and accessing professional help when needed.
The Minister acknowledged that, traditionally, women are more likely than men to engage with counselling services. However, she highlighted the stark reality that approximately 80 per cent of people who die by suicide in Ireland are men. Addressing this imbalance and encouraging men to seek support earlier has been a key motivation behind the introduction of the free counselling programme.
According to Minister Butler, suicide prevention remains a major priority for the Government and is a central objective of Ireland’s recently launched national suicide reduction strategy. The initiative aims not only to provide practical support but also to challenge long-standing stigma surrounding mental health and help-seeking among men.
She emphasised that making services more visible, accessible and responsive to men’s needs is essential. The programme has been designed to remove barriers to support and ensure that men can access counselling quickly and without financial cost. During Men’s Health Week, the Minister encouraged any man experiencing emotional difficulties, stress or mental health challenges to contact their GP or seek information through dedicated mental health resources.
Minister Butler also stressed that men often have distinct experiences, preferences and needs when it comes to mental health support. Recognising these differences is important when developing effective services. The strong uptake of the initiative suggests that when supports are tailored, accessible and free of charge, many men are willing to take the important step of seeking help and prioritising their mental wellbeing.
