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This information note examines the specialised health services available for asylum seekers and refugees in Ireland. Individuals who have fled their country and suffered serious human rights abuses may have specific physical and psychological health needs due to their previous experiences prior to arriving in Ireland.
In addition, the current Government policy of enforced dispersal and potentially long-term residence in communal accommodation centres in itself can create or exacerbate an individual's health needs, for example due to the stress of uncertainty as to an individual's future status in Ireland or due to the different climate or food.
The Eastern Regional Health Authority provides a professional clinical and counselling service that focuses on the psychological needs of individual refugees and their families.
The Service is free, confidential and independent of other Government agencies. Clients are offered a choice of male and female therapists, and interpreters will be provided where necessary.
In addition, there is one psychologist who specialises in the psychological needs of children.
The Service offers a wide range of psychological supports and therapies, particularly for people who are experiencing emotional difficulties due to the aftermath of war, torture and enforced exile.
In particular, the Service offers therapy and counselling suited to the individual's needs and will facilitate the individual's referral to other health professionals and support agencies.
The Psychological Service is based in St. Brendan's Hospital, Rathdown Road, Dublin 7. Tel: 01 838 5844 / 01 868 0166.