Monday 10 August 2026
Minister Butler publishes new data highlighting strong recovery and employment outcomes for young people supported by the Early Intervention Psychosis Programme
- New national data demonstrates the impact of specialist Early Intervention in Psychosis services as national expansion continues
- More than 31,200 specialist appointments delivered in 2025, supporting 478 people and 509 family members across Ireland
- Earlier intervention is transforming outcomes, reducing the duration of untreated psychosis from 16 weeks to 5 weeks while supporting employment, education and recovery
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.
In 2025:
- 478 people received specialist EIP care
- More than 31,200 specialist appointments were delivered
- 509 family members received dedicated support, helping improve recovery outcomes and reduce the risk of relapse
- 60% of service users were under the age of 35
- The average Duration of Untreated Psychosis (DUP) was reduced from 16 weeks to 5 weeks
- 70% of people achieved functional and/or personal recovery
- People’s day-to-day functioning improved by an average of 50% while engaged with an EIP team
- 179 people secured employment through Individual Placement and Support (IPS) programmes over the past three years
- Among people who were not in education, employment or training, 80% gained employment after referral to an EIP team with an IPS worker
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.
Minister Butler said:
“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.”