FAQ's

Recognizing the need for professional help for mental health can vary depending on individual experiences and situations. However, several signs and indicators might suggest it's time to seek professional support:

1. Persistent Symptoms: If you're experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, fear, or irritability that interfere with your daily life, relationships, work, or school.

2. Physical Symptoms: Sometimes, mental health issues manifest as physical symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, frequent headaches, or unexplained aches and pains.

3. Difficulty Coping: If you find it challenging to cope with stress, emotions, or situations, and your usual coping strategies are not working or seem insufficient.

4. Impact on Functioning: When mental health concerns start affecting your ability to perform everyday tasks, concentrate, maintain relationships, or enjoy activities you once found pleasurable.

5. Isolation and Withdrawal: Persistent withdrawal from social interactions, increased isolation, or loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy can be red flags.

6. Harmful Behavior Changes: Engaging in harmful behaviors like excessive drinking, drug use, self-harm, or risky behavior may indicate a need for professional help.

7. Suicidal Thoughts or Feelings: If you're experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it's essential to seek help immediately by contacting a mental health professional, helpline, or emergency services.

8. Interference in Relationships: If your mental health concerns are causing strain on your relationships with family, friends, or colleagues.

9. Recurrent Issues: If you've experienced mental health issues in the past and notice similar signs recurring, seeking professional help might be beneficial in managing these concerns effectively.

10. Instinct or Gut Feeling: Sometimes, a gut feeling that something isn’t right or a persistent worry about your mental health can be a valid reason to seek professional guidance.

Remember, seeking help for mental health isn't a sign of weakness; it's a proactive step toward self-care and well-being. A mental health professional at Bettercare can provide assessment, support, and guidance tailored to your specific needs, helping you navigate challenges and work toward improved mental health. If you're unsure, reaching out to a mental health professional or helpline can offer clarity and guidance on your next steps.

Yes, at Bettercare we provide safe, secure and convenient online counselling across all of our services. Why not reach out to us and we can talk you through the process and available scheduling. We'd be delighted to help.

Yes, all our assessments are carried out by accredited senior psychologists accredited by The Psychological Society of Ireland and our consultant psychiatrists are registered with The Medical Council of Ireland. All reports are recognised by Dept of Education, the Dept of Social Protection, the Dept of Health, insurance providers and Irish Courts.

There are several reputable sources where you can find reliable information about mental health:

1. National Health Organizations: Websites of national health organizations like the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in the United States, NHS Choices in the UK, or the World Health Organization (WHO) often provide accurate and up-to-date information on various mental health conditions, treatments, and resources.

2. Healthcare Providers' Websites: Many hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers maintain resources and articles about mental health on their websites. These often provide information vetted by professionals in the field.

3. Mental Health Nonprofits: Organizations such as Mental Health America, the American Psychological Association (APA), Mind in the UK, or Beyond Blue in Australia offer reliable information, resources, and support for mental health concerns.

4. Government Health Departments: Government health departments and agencies often have dedicated sections on their websites providing reliable information about mental health, including treatment options and support services.

5. Educational Institutions: Universities and research institutions with psychology or psychiatry departments often have informative websites or publications that share research findings, articles, and resources related to mental health.

6. Peer-Reviewed Journals: Accessible through databases like PubMed or PsycINFO, peer-reviewed journals publish credible research articles on various mental health topics.

7. Online Libraries and Databases: Websites like MedlinePlus, PsychCentral, or Mayo Clinic offer extensive information on mental health conditions, treatments, and wellness strategies.

8. Telehealth Platforms and Apps: Some telehealth platforms and mental health apps provide educational content vetted by mental health professionals. They might offer articles, blogs, or resources on managing mental health.

9. Books by Mental Health Professionals: Books authored by reputable mental health professionals can provide in-depth knowledge on specific mental health conditions and strategies for coping and treatment.

Always prioritize sources that rely on evidence-based information, are written or reviewed by mental health professionals, and come from recognized and credible institutions or organizations. If in doubt about the reliability of information, consulting with a mental health professional at Bettercare can help clarify and guide you toward trusted resources.

At BetterCare™ we match clients with the most appropriate therapist for their needs. All our therapists have been trained to the highest standard and are members of their respective governing bodies such as the Irish Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists (IACP) or the British (BACP) so all clients can entrust they are in the safe hands of a vetted and skilled professional of the highest professional standards.

BetterCare™ has a growing network of in-person facilities throughout Ireland with a facility currently in each province, Dublin, Meath, Louth, Galway, Cork, Belfast.

Anxiety can manifest in various ways, and symptoms can differ from person to person. Some common symptoms of anxiety include:

1. Excessive Worry: Persistent and overwhelming worry about various aspects of life, often without a specific cause or reason.

2. Restlessness: Feeling on edge, restless, or keyed up, making it difficult to relax or sit still.

3. Irritability: Being easily irritated or agitated, sometimes with a heightened startle response.

4. Muscle Tension: Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, trembling, or feeling tense, leading to headaches or body aches.

5. Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, experiencing restless or unsatisfying sleep, or having vivid dreams or nightmares.

6. Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued, even without engaging in physically demanding activities.

7. Difficulty Concentrating: Finding it hard to concentrate on tasks, feeling easily distracted, or experiencing mental blanks.

8. Racing Thoughts: Thoughts that seem to race or jump from one concern to another, making it challenging to focus.

9. Physical Symptoms: Various physical symptoms can accompany anxiety, including sweating, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, or gastrointestinal issues.

10. Avoidance: Avoiding situations or places that might trigger anxiety, which can limit daily activities or social interactions.

11. Panic Attacks: Intense episodes of fear or panic accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, and a sense of impending doom or loss of control.

It's essential to note that experiencing some of these symptoms occasionally doesn't necessarily mean you have an anxiety disorder. However, if these symptoms persist, interfere with daily life, or cause significant distress, it might be worth seeking guidance from a mental health professional at Bettercare for appropriate support or treatment.

Depression can manifest in various ways and may differ from person to person. Some common symptoms of depression include:

1. Persistent Sadness: Feeling persistently sad, empty, or experiencing a profound sense of hopelessness or despair.

2. Loss of Interest or Pleasure: Losing interest in activities or hobbies once enjoyed, including social interactions or activities that used to bring joy.

3. Changes in Appetite or Weight: Significant changes in appetite leading to weight loss or gain. This can manifest as either a decrease or increase in eating habits.

4. Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep) or oversleeping, experiencing disruptions in sleep patterns.

5. Fatigue or Loss of Energy: Feeling tired, fatigued, or having a lack of energy even after restful sleep.

6. Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Experiencing feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, or self-blame for things beyond one's control.

7. Difficulty Concentrating: Finding it challenging to concentrate, make decisions, or focus on tasks, leading to decreased productivity.

8. Agitation or Irritability: Feeling restless, agitated, or irritable, even over small matters.

9. Physical Symptoms: Experiencing physical symptoms such as body aches, headaches, digestive problems, or other unexplained pains.

10. Suicidal Thoughts or Thoughts of Self-Harm: Persistent thoughts of death, dying, or harming oneself. These thoughts should always be taken seriously and require immediate professional help.

11. Social Withdrawal: Withdrawing from social activities, avoiding friends or family, and preferring isolation.

It's important to note that experiencing some of these symptoms occasionally doesn't necessarily mean someone has clinical depression. However, if these symptoms persist for an extended period (typically two weeks or more), significantly interfere with daily life, and cause significant distress or impairment, it's advisable to seek guidance from a mental health professional. At Bettercare we can assess the symptoms, and recommend appropriate treatment or support.

This is not always necessary. However, it is often the case that a GP is the first point of contact and therefore many clients get referred to the BetterCare™ team by GP's throughout Ireland.

It is however, mandatory in the case of seeking ADHD medications a GP referral letter and detailed current status of the patients, height, weight, BMI, heart rate, blood pressure and routine blood tests be provided.

Clients over 10 years of age are suitable to participate in their assessments online. Many scientific measures are designed to be carried out online specifically and exclusively, measures such as these are recognised to have the same scientific validity therefore do not require in-person attendance.

The accuracy of any psychological or psychiatric assessment is determined by the clinicians experience, their methods and the varying recognised scientific measures used to gather and analyse data.

BetterCare™ uses senior psychologists only! whom not only carry out the expected measures online but also carry out supplemental complementary measures to validate and support the accuracy of the diagnosis for a more comprehensive diagnosis.

Yes, online assessments do not suit children under 10 years old (small exceptions may apply).

Assessments for Autism spectrum disorder in children 3-10 years old are best suited to in-person (ADOS) assessments.

Non-verbal clients of any age are not suitable for online assessments.

It is important to view all assessments as an investigation to confirm or deny the presence of disorders.

In many cases assessments confirm the absence of what some clients may assume is present and it is important to manage expectations as a result.

All assessments will provide a detailed report and individualised treatment plan. The report can only show what evidence was presented at the time of investigation and is not a matter of opinion or conjecture.

The assessing clinicians reserve the right to pause, upgrade or downgrade the assessment typology should it be shown that for example the scientific criteria for ADHD will not be met. In this instance an investigation in to other possible disorders or common comorbid conditions which may be causing the client's symptoms will be carried out instead with the consent of the client.

BetterCare™ will always endeavour to provide the most suitable healthcare & support for our clients/patients.

It is mandatory that all ADHD patients have up to date/recent routine blood test results. A GP referral letter highlighting measurements of height, weight, BMI, heart and pulse rate checks is also required.

Your Psychiatrist will endeavour to send your prescription directly to your pharmacy within 3 working hours following your appointment ( exceptions may apply).

No. It is at the discretion of the psychiatrist should medications be appropriately prescribed or not. Appropriateness can only be determined following your consultation and in some cases your GP or pharmacy reserves the right to refuse to fill your prescriptions.

It is important to note that your welfare is paramount and no prescriptions will be provided in the event wherein it is deemed a possible risk or has the potential of creating further complications to your physical or mental health.

In the event a client is not happy with their paired therapist, BetterCare™ will make the necessary arrangement to have you transferred to another therapist who more closely matches your criteria.

It is encouraged to discuss this with your existing therapist- They will not take offence as there are many well understood nuances to relationships that your therapist is well aware of and happy to discuss.

It is important to remember that your therapist is there for you and not the other way around.

It is not a certainty that patients on a waiting list for CAMHS who decide to seek and pay for a private assessment will be accepted back to CAMHS and/or have their private assessment report honoured by them. This is at the discretion of CAMHS.

It should be noted however, that all BetterCare™ reports following assessments are accepted and recognised by all Irish State bodies i.e., Dept of Social protection, Dept of Education, Dept of health and serves as a recognised valid private alternative to CAMHS.

Every therapist in our low-cost counselling service is two to five years into a degree or master's programme in Counselling or Psychotherapy, with hundreds of hours of work experience.

They are required to attend their own personal therapy, and work under the supervision of their training programme and a professional accredited Supervisor.

Because BetterCare has a multidisciplinary approach to mental health, any student psychotherapist can confer with clinicians in other disciplines and refer internally.