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Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I FIRST COME TO MINDSPACE?

When you arrive, you will be welcomed at the door and offered tea / coffee. You will be given a form to fill out with your contact details and your clinical support worker will meet you and bring you into one of the consultation rooms.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

The service at Mindspace is completely free. There is no charge to see any of the clinical support workers.

WHERE IS MINDSPACE?

Mindspace is based on Market Square in Castlebar and there are two outreach offices – one in Belmullet and one in Ballina.

CAN I BRING A FRIEND?

If it makes you more comfortable you are welcome to bring a friend or family member with you.

IS EVERYTHING I SAY CONFIDENTIAL?

Everything you say in Mindspace is confidential. As with all support services, there are limits to confidentiality which your support worker will discuss with you.

WHAT INFORMATION IS KEPT ABOUT ME IN MINDSPACE?

Your personal details and content information are stored in Mindspace on paper and electronic files, along with details of the sessions. Each individual whose personal information is obtained by Mindspace Mayo is protected by the Data Protection Acts.

HOW LONG WILL I BE WAITING FOR AN APPOINTMENT?

At particularly busy periods, there may be a waiting list for appointments. A waiting list is to be avoided as much as is practically possible.

DO I HAVE TO COME TO CASTLEBAR?

The main Mindspace office is in Castlebar, but if it suits you better you can attend the outreach centres in Belmullet or Ballina.

We also have our Telehealth service that you may prefer (online / phone).

HOW LONG ARE THE SESSIONS?

Sessions at Mindspace take approximately one hour. The first appointment (your initial assessment) may take a little longer.

CAN I CHOOSE TO SEE A MALE OR FEMALE WORKER?

If you have a preference to see a male or female worker, you can mention this when the appointment is being scheduled and we will do our best to facilitate this.

IS VIDEO OR PHONE CONSULTATION AN OPTION?

Yes we are available to provide support on the phone/video link. For information on our telehealth service please see here.

CAN I SCHEDULE MY APPOINTMENT FOR AFTER SCHOOL?

We will aim to be as flexible as possible with appointment times and schedule them for days and times that suit you.

WHAT IF I DO NOT WANT TO ATTEND / CHANGE MY MIND?

Attendance is completely voluntary and you can opt out at any time.

DO I HAVE TO TELL MY PARENTS I AM ATTENDING?

If a young person is under 18, consent from parents will be needed to attend.

CAN I HAVE AN INTERPRETER?

We will endeavour to provide an interpreter / sign- language translator for you and / or your family member(s) should one be required for appointments.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I GET?

Young people attend for short-term support (usually between 1 and 6 sessions) and they will be discharged from the service when this is complete.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY SESSIONS ARE FINISHED?

When your sessions are finished, you will be discharged from the service. If you require an onward referral to another service, Mindspace will support you while making this referral.

WHAT DO I DO IF I DO NOT FEEL BETTER?

If you feel that you do not feel better at the end of your sessions, or if you feel that you would like to continue getting suport, Mindspace can refer you on to another support service.

DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING WITH ME?

You do not need to bring anything with you to your sessions, but if it helps you to write things down, please feel free to bring these documents to your sessions.

WHAT SORT OF THERAPEUTIC METHODS DO THE WORKERS USE?

The clinical support workers use a variety of therapeutic approaches including supportive problem solving and decisions making, emotional support, mindfulness based stress reduction, goal setting, psycho-education and brief cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

WHO CAN I TALK TO IF I HAVE QUESTIONS NOT LISTED HERE?

If you have any questions, please call the office on (094) 906 7001.