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Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, has today published new data highlighting the impact of the National Clinical Programme for Early Intervention Psychosis in 2025. The data highlights significant improvements in recovery outcomes, earlier access to care, increased participation in employment, and enhanced support for the families of young people experiencing psychosis.

Psychosis commonly emerges during late adolescence and early adulthood. International evidence shows that early identification and treatment can significantly improve long-term recovery, educational achievement, employment outcomes and quality of life.

Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services aim to provide timely, evidence-based care for people experiencing a first episode of psychosis, helping young people recover, remain connected to education and employment, and reduce the long-term impact of severe mental illness.

The programme's integrated approach to addiction care also demonstrated significant benefits. Data showed that 31% of people presenting with a first episode of psychosis had used illegal substances in the previous month, while 23% had a diagnosis of addiction. In teams with integrated addiction support, 75% of service users with co-existing addiction engaged with addiction services, compared with 25% in teams without integration.

The Government has made a significant investment in the expansion of Early Intervention in Psychosis services. The National Clinical Programme currently receives over €7.8 million in recurring annual funding, with six multidisciplinary EIP teams operational nationwide and four additional teams in recruitment.

“These results highlight the real difference that Early Intervention in Psychosis services are making for young people and their families.

“Access to the right support at the earliest possible stage can significantly improve outcomes for people experiencing psychosis. It helps reduce the impact of illness, supports recovery, and enables people to remain connected to their families, education, employment and local communities.

“That is why I have prioritised expanding these services, backed by almost €8 million in recurring annual funding. Timely specialist intervention not only improves recovery outcomes but can also reduce the long-term effects of severe mental illness.”

“With four new teams currently being developed, the ongoing expansion of the programme brings us closer to ensuring that everyone who needs this specialist care can access it, regardless of where they live.”

Early Intervention Psychosis National Clinical Lead, Dr. Karen O’Connor, said:

“The 2025 national data demonstrate that investment in Early Intervention in Psychosis is delivering real benefits for young people and their families.

“We are helping people access specialist care sooner, supporting meaningful recovery, improving participation in education and employment, and providing holistic care tailored to people's individual needs.

“These findings show that when we intervene early, recovery is not only possible, it is expected. As we continue the expansion of these services, we will allow more young people across Ireland to benefit from this evidence-based model of care.”

About Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP):

Early Intervention in Psychosis is a specialist, multidisciplinary model of care designed for people experiencing a first episode of psychosis. The programme delivers recovery-focused treatment, family support, physical health interventions, vocational support and integrated addiction care, helping young people recover and participate fully in education, employment and community life.

There are six teams operational across nine areas (Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal, West Cavan, Cork City South, Cork City North, Meath, South Dublin and Wicklow) with a further four teams in recruitment to cover an additional seven areas (Limerick, Clare, North Tipperary, Dublin South Central, North County Dublin, Longford & Westmeath).

Highlights from the clinical programme data insights for 2025 include: