The title and how it is regulated
Ireland has designated counsellors and psychotherapists for statutory regulation under CORU, the health and social care regulator, but the register has not yet opened, so anyone may still use those titles — and, a fortiori, “sex therapist” or “psychosexual therapist”. Doctors are regulated by the Medical Council; psychologists are also headed for CORU registration. Until the registers open, the safeguards are voluntary accreditation by professional bodies and ordinary consumer law.
There is no Irish qualification specific to sex therapy. Practitioners are counsellors, psychotherapists or psychologists who have completed a postgraduate course in psychosexual therapy, most often accredited in the United Kingdom by COSRT, and doctors trained by the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine. Accreditation with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, the Irish Council for Psychotherapy or the Psychological Society of Ireland indicates a supervised, accountable practitioner even if it says nothing specific about sex therapy.
The Health Service Executive runs free sexual health clinics for infections and contraception, and its mental health services see sexual difficulties only when they are part of a wider condition. Dedicated psychosexual therapy in the public system is scarce. Two charities fill the gap: Accord and Relationships Ireland both offer psychosexual therapy with fees adjusted to income.
Privately, a session costs roughly €70 to €120. There is no public reimbursement. Private health insurers refund part of a limited number of counselling or psychotherapy sessions a year, generally only with practitioners accredited by one of the recognised bodies; check your plan before booking. A GP visit is charged unless you hold a medical card or GP visit card.
Key points
| Title | Not protected; counsellor and psychotherapist not yet registered by CORU |
|---|---|
| Regulated professions nearby | Doctor (Medical Council); psychologists heading for CORU registration |
| Training | UK COSRT-accredited courses; Institute of Psychosexual Medicine for doctors |
| Public services | HSE sexual health clinics free; dedicated psychosexual therapy scarce |
| Reduced-fee therapy | Accord and Relationships Ireland, fees by income |
| Private cost | About €70–€120 a session; no public reimbursement |
| Private insurance | Partial refund of a few sessions a year with accredited practitioners, plan-dependent |
In practice
- Ask which psychosexual course the therapist completed and which body accredits them; the IACP, ICP and PSI keep searchable directories.
- Contact Accord or Relationships Ireland if cost is a barrier.
- See your GP first for physical symptoms; erectile dysfunction, pain and hormonal problems are investigated through the usual referral pathways.
- Check your health insurance policy for counselling benefits and the list of recognised accreditations.
Cost and reimbursement
Private: €70–€120 a session, out of pocket; insurers may refund part of a handful of sessions. Charities: fee by income. HSE sexual health clinics: free.
What has changed recently
CORU confirmed in 2025 and 2026 that statutory regulation of counsellors and psychotherapists is still being prepared, without a date for opening the register. Until then, no minimum training is legally required.
Where to go
- Accord and Relationships Ireland: psychosexual therapy at reduced fees.
- HSE sexual health services: free clinics.
- IACP, ICP and Psychological Society of Ireland: directories of accredited practitioners.
- CORU: progress on regulation of counsellors and psychotherapists.
Worth knowing
With no register open, the title tells you nothing. Ask for the qualification, the accrediting body and the supervisor; a practitioner who has all three will not mind the question.
Frequently asked questions
Is sex therapy available through the HSE?
Rarely as a dedicated service. Sexual health clinics deal with infections and contraception; mental health services see sexual problems within wider conditions. Charities cover much of the need.
Will my health insurance pay?
Possibly a share of a few counselling sessions a year, if the therapist is accredited by a body your insurer recognises. Check the policy.
Are counsellors regulated in Ireland?
Not yet. They have been designated for CORU registration, but the register has not opened; accreditation by the IACP, ICP or PSI remains voluntary.
Official sources and links
- CORU — Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board — progress of statutory regulation
- Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy — directory of accredited practitioners
- Citizens Information — official plain-language guide to rights and entitlements
- Irish Statute Book — legislation as enacted