MORE THAN 6,000 people are waiting for HSE counselling as the demand for services sees waiting lists rise. The HSE states that the majority of people waiting for counselling services (71%) are waiting less than six months. Cullinane has called for an urgent expansion of public counselling services, including expanding community counselling services. Mental health and physical illness: 'The system turns its back on some patients'It also aims to strengthen access to early intervention mental health supports. Counselling must be treated as an essential part of our public health service and funded accordingly,” he said.