FinLa Psychological Services is dedicated to providing evidence-based mental health services in a supportive, compassionate, and neuro-inclusive manner. Our client’s health and wellbeing is our priority.
Our purpose
Our primary purpose is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of our communities. We aim to do this through collaborative assessments, education, and our range of support services.
Our beliefs
We believe in open and honest collaboration with our clients. Our clients are our primary focus and we have created a safe place where your experiences, concerns, and questions will be heard and answered.
We believe in being treated with respect, kindness and integrity.
Our commitment
We pursue excellence and are committed to providing evidence-based, ethical, and practical mental health services.
Dr Julian Dooley, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
Chartered Psychologist | Chartered Forensic Psychologist
A native of Athlone, Dr Dooley’s early years were spent in the swimming pool. His dedication and passion for hard work resulted in him winning several national titles, representing Ireland on numerous occasions (including at the Youth Olympics), and securing a full athletic scholarship to Cleveland State University.
As a high-performance student-athlete, Dr Dooley encountered numerous hurdles and challenges. He learned that determination alone was not enough to recover from adversity – the help and support of others is a crucial element of health and wellbeing. Since that time, Dr Dooley has dedicated his life to promoting mental health and supporting those in need.
After completing his undergraduate and graduate degrees (graduating with honours in both), Dr Dooley was awarded a scholarship to study his Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Melbourne, Australia. His dissertation focused on social skills after childhood brain injury and resulted in Dr Dooley winning awards, grants, and publishing his research in scientific journals. He continued focusing his research and became a leading authority on cyber-bullying and the impact of technology use on mental health.
Dr Dooley has given over 100 professional conference presentations and been invited by local, state, and federal governments in Asia, South America, and Australia to advise on a range of issues related to youth mental health. He has trained hundreds of parents, teachers, and community members in suicide prevention programmes. He has worked closely with families, schools, and organisations to promote mental health and wellbeing. Dr Dooley has held academic positions in Australia, Ireland, and the USA and has taught courses in Cyberpsychology, Forensic Psychology, and the Biology of Suicide/Mental Illness. He has been a member of numerous national and international boards and committees. Dr Dooley is part of a team that was awarded an international patent for a novel way of assessing how children with ADHD and Autism think in social situations.
After almost 3 decades, Dr Dooley returned to Ireland to contribute the mental health services and support communities in need. As a chartered psychologist, Dr Julian Dooley offers a wide range of psychological services at FinLa.
Dr. Dooley is trained in a range of psychotherapeutic interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS), Anxiety Management, and CBT for Trauma and Insomnia. He provides psychotherapy services to adolescents and adults.
Mary Ryan
An Athlone native with a strong background in business, Mary brings a wealth of experience to her role as Office Manager. She has held key positions at companies like Ericsson and IDA Ireland, and has built a career as a highly experienced administrator known for her professionalism, empathy, and calm style.
At FinLa, Mary oversees the day-to-day running of the office and plays a vital role in keeping everything running smoothly — supporting both clients and team members alike. Friendly, approachable, and deeply understanding, Mary is someone people naturally turn to for guidance and reassurance.
Outside of work, Mary is a self-confessed K-pop fanatic, loves to travel, and is always chasing the sun. She’s passionate about elevating professional mental health services and believes strongly in the power of people-first care.
General
Questions
What can I expect during an assessment?
Our assessments are thorough and client-centered, involving a combination of interviews, standardized testing, and observations. We aim to provide a clear, accurate diagnosis and practical recommendations tailored to your individual needs.
Do you offer therapy for both children and adults?
Yes, we offer therapy for individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. Our therapeutic approaches are customized to address each client’s specific challenges and goals.
How long does an assessment typically take?
The length of an assessment can vary depending on the type of evaluation. Most assessments take several hours spread across one or more sessions, and a detailed report is provided afterward.
Are your services available online or in-person?
We offer both in-person appointments at our Athlone office and online sessions to ensure accessibility and convenience for all our clients.
Do I need a referral to book an assessment or therapy session?
No, you do not need a referral. You can contact us directly to book an appointment or inquire about our services. We’re here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
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