Limerick has a public adult ADHD service, which not every part of Ireland does. The HSE's Adult ADHD Team for Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary is one of eight specialist adult teams in the country.
The wait is long. In a reply to a Dáil question dated 10 June 2026, the HSE said 179 people were on this team's waiting list. It put the wait at about 18 months to be seen.
You get there through your GP, who first refers you to your local community mental health team. Private assessment is faster, but you need to check what the price covers and what happens about prescribing afterwards.
This page covers what is specific to Limerick and the Mid West. For the national picture, see our guide to adult ADHD assessment in Ireland, and what the wait actually looks like across the country.
The HSE's national clinical programme plans 11 community-based adult ADHD services, each covering a set catchment area. In the Mid West, one team covers:
The HSE Mid West's 2024 directory of mental health services lists this service. It is based at St Joseph's Health Campus, Mulgrave Street, Limerick.
If you live in South Tipperary, you are in a different area. South Tipperary is grouped with Carlow and Kilkenny in the HSE's South East services.
The directory says to speak to your GP about symptoms. Your GP may then refer you to your local community mental health team "for further assessment", if appropriate.
The ADHD in Adults app site, run by ADHD Ireland with the HSE programme, describes the criteria. The specialist teams are for moderate to severe ADHD. That means:
Your GP uses a designated referral form. The community mental health team does the first assessment, then refers on if appropriate. Our guide to GP referral for ADHD covers what to ask your GP to include.
There are two waits to think about: for the community mental health team, then for the ADHD team.
The community mental health team. On 3 September 2026, HSE Mid West published waits for a first psychiatrist appointment. These were for Limerick's community mental health teams:
These are waits for any first appointment, not only ADHD referrals. They cover Limerick only, not Clare or North Tipperary. We could not find published figures for those areas.
The adult ADHD team. The HSE has given two recent snapshots:
Unlike Cork and parts of Dublin, the HSE did not describe the Mid West team as closed to GP referrals in either reply. That can change, so ask your GP for the current position.
The ADHD in Adults app site says assessment and treatment by a specialist team "usually takes about 3 to 6 months". You are then discharged back to your GP. If you are prescribed medication, ask early whether your GP will continue it. Our guide to ADHD medication for adults in Ireland explains how this works.
Private assessment is the main alternative to an 18-month wait. We do not name or rank private clinics. These are the questions that matter, wherever you book:
Whether a private diagnosis is accepted by your GP or the HSE is covered in our guide to private ADHD diagnosis in Ireland.
You do not need a diagnosis to get support:
If you are struggling with your mental health while you wait, talk to your GP. If you are in crisis, call 112 or 999, or go to an emergency department. You can call Samaritans free on 116 123 or text 50808.
Yes. The HSE's Adult ADHD Team for Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary is one of eight established specialist adult teams. Referral is through your GP and community mental health team.
The HSE said in June 2026 that 179 people were waiting, with about 18 months to be seen. Add the wait for a first community mental health team appointment.
Not according to the published pathway. Your GP refers you to your community mental health team, which refers on if appropriate.
In December 2025 the HSE said CAMHS transitions to the Mid West team were seen sooner than other referrals. Ask your CAMHS team about planning the move early.
This page is general information, not medical advice. It describes the public pathway as the HSE reported it between December 2025 and September 2026. Waiting lists and referral rules change, so check the current position with your GP before relying on it.
Proco is preparing clinician-led adult assessments in Ireland. You can read about how they will work.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your GP about your own situation.
Reviewed by: Proco Team
Last updated: November 2026