We’re here because nobody else is!
Ireland’s Only Charity Dedicated to Social Anxiety
Since 1998, we’ve guided thousands of people across Ireland through treatment and reached thousands more with education and support.
Contributions Create Change
In partnership with recognised national mental health organisations
Non-Profit. Here for You.
For over 25 years, we’ve been Ireland’s only organisation dedicated exclusively to understanding, treating, and raising awareness of Social Anxiety Disorder. Through structured group treatment, ongoing peer support, and nationwide education, we don’t just help people cope, we help them reclaim their lives.
Social Anxiety Ireland is a registered Irish charity (CRA: 20102685 | CHY: 21689) and a not-for-profit limited company registered with the Companies Registration Office (CRO: 9159052).
Our Story
Social Anxiety Ireland began in 1998 when Odhran McCarthy both a professional psychologist and someone who personally lived with social anxiety, decided to create the support he wished had existed.
1998
The First Group
SAI began as Ireland’s first safe space for people with social anxiety.
2006
Steady Growth
Word spread and demand grew, with groups expanding beyond the original room.
2016
Charity Status
We became a registered non-profit charity, giving us the structure to expand.
Today
National Reach
From one group, we’ve helped thousands of people directly and reached thousands more.
What Makes This Different
Clinically proven. Small groups. Life-changing outcomes.
A Hybrid Approach
This is a practical blend of CBT, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) built to target social anxiety specifically.
✅ Tailored.
✅ Real-world proven.
✅ Refined over 20+ years.
Builds Confidence
We use a “closed-group” format you start and finish with the same people. That trust lets you try things out, speak up, and realise: you’re not alone.
🤝 No drop-ins.
👥 Max 10 people.
🏠 Safe, structured, and real.
Tools for Life
Forget theory that fades. You’ll leave with personal strategies, weekly rituals, and a recovery journal the same tools many still use years later.
🧠 Built-in reflection.
📈 Real tracking.
🛠️ Lifelong resilience.
It’s not just what we teach it’s how we deliver it.
The SA Experience
Real Participants Share Their Transformation: It Changed Everything.
General FAQs
These are real, raw questions we hear every day — and the answers that start to bring relief.
SAI is Ireland’s only charity focused solely on Social Anxiety Disorder. We provide evidence-based group treatment, long-term peer support, and nationwide education services the HSE does not currently offer.
No! Despite hundreds on waiting lists nationwide, we receive no core funding from the HSE. Everything we deliver is made possible through donations, sponsorship, and volunteer effort.
Every euro directly funds programme delivery, screening, outreach, and peer support groups. We keep overhead minimal so your contribution changes lives, not admin budgets.
Yes. Sponsorship or CSR partnerships allow you to support a proven, life-changing service while demonstrating a real commitment to mental health in Ireland.
Absolutely. Sponsors can be featured on our website, materials, and events. Plus, you’ll know your support is creating measurable, lasting impact.
Yes. Research suggests around 10–13% of people experience Social Anxiety at some point. That’s tens of thousands in Ireland alone, yet support remains scarce.
On average, it costs €4,500–€5,000 to deliver a 14-week group to 8–10 people. Donations or sponsorship at this level can fully fund a life-changing intervention.
Yes. Both one-time and recurring donations can be made anonymously through PayPal or direct bank transfer.
We welcome experienced facilitators, fundraising support, and skilled volunteers (design, copywriting, admin) who want to make a tangible difference.
Share our resources, refer someone in need, host a fundraiser, or advocate for proper HSE support. Awareness is powerful.
Together, we can make sure no one in Ireland faces this alone.
Social Anxiety Ireland exists because nobody else is filling this gap. What began as one small group is now Ireland’s only national non-rpofit charity dedicated to SAD—offering treatment, support and education where the system falls short.
Dr.odhran McCarthy // Founder