DCCSDublin City Counselling Services

Practical information

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers about attending online counselling with DCCS.

How will DCCS communicate with me?

Sessions are held securely online via Zoom. Email, telephone and WhatsApp Business may be used for scheduling and administrative communication. Counselling is not provided by text or WhatsApp message.

How much does counselling cost?

Individual Counselling & Psychotherapy, CBT and Teen Counselling (16+) are €85 per 50 minutes. Couples & Relationship Counselling is €120 per 50 minutes. Corporate & Workplace support is individually priced. Health insurance reimbursement and Revenue tax relief may be available, subject to individual eligibility.

International clients: All fees are charged in euro (€). Your bank or card provider will convert the payment into your local currency at the applicable exchange rate.

Who do you work with?

DCCS supports adults 18+, teens 16+, couples, professionals and organisations. Teen Counselling begins with an initial parent consultation.

How does counselling for young people aged 16 and 17 work?

Teen Counselling begins with an initial parent consultation to consider suitability, consent and safeguarding. Counselling is confidential within normal professional and safeguarding limits.

Do you provide relationship and couples counselling?

Yes. DCCS provides Couples & Relationship Counselling for couples and individuals. An initial consultation allows us to understand your circumstances and discuss the most appropriate counselling approach before ongoing sessions begin.

Is online counselling confidential?

Yes, subject to explained limits relating to serious safety concerns, safeguarding and legal requirements.

How does online counselling work?

Once your appointment is confirmed, DCCS sends a private Zoom link and joining instructions. Attend from a private location using a suitable device and reliable internet connection. If the connection fails, DCCS will try to reconnect and may continue by telephone or WhatsApp audio where practicable.

Is online counselling suitable for everyone?

Not always. Suitability is considered before counselling begins and kept under review. Where online work is not appropriate, DCCS will discuss other options where possible.

What happens in the first session and how long does it last?

The first session provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns, needs and goals and consider the appropriate way forward. Standard appointments are 50 minutes.

What is the cancellation and missed appointment policy?

Please provide at least 48 hours’ notice when cancelling or rescheduling. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice and missed appointments or no-shows are charged at the full session fee, with no refund, subject to any exceptional circumstances expressly agreed by DCCS. If you are late, the session still finishes at the originally scheduled time. Where technical difficulties arise, DCCS may continue the appointment by telephone or WhatsApp audio where practicable. If the appointment cannot proceed, the normal cancellation and missed appointment terms apply unless otherwise agreed by DCCS.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no fixed number of sessions. This will depend on your individual needs, goals and progress.

Can my employer access information?

DCCS does not provide employers with counselling content, clinical notes or identifiable clinical information as part of routine reporting. Where organisational reporting is required, it is aggregated or anonymised. Any applicable confidentiality limits are explained before counselling begins.

Can I claim through my health insurance?

Some plans may contribute towards counselling or psychotherapy. Eligibility depends on your insurer and policy, so check directly before booking. See Health Insurance & Revenue for current information.

Is this an emergency service?

No. DCCS is not an emergency or crisis service. If you require immediate help, contact the emergency services or an appropriate local crisis service in your current physical location.