Infectious Diseases Service

The Infectious Diseases Psychology Service provides psychological assessment and intervention for patients attending the Infectious Diseases Department at St Vincent’s University Hospital. The service is part of the multidisciplinary Infectious Diseases team and supports patients experiencing psychological distress related to infectious diseases and their treatment. The service supports patients with a range of infectious diseases, with particular focus on HIV and Long COVID.

Living with HIV, Long COVID, or other infectious diseases can present significant emotional and psychological challenges. Patients may experience difficulties adjusting to diagnosis, managing ongoing symptoms, coping with uncertainty, anxiety, low mood, stigma, disclosure concerns, changes in relationships, loss of health and functioning, or the impact of illness on work and daily life. The service aims to support patients in navigating these challenges and improving their quality of life.

The service provides psychological assessment and intervention tailored to individual needs. Following assessment, a collaborative plan is developed with each patient, which may include individual therapy, consultation, or signposting to appropriate supports. Short-term individual therapy may be offered to support patients in managing distress, developing coping strategies, and adjusting to living with a long-term health condition.

How to access this service

Referrals to the Infectious Diseases Psychology Service are made through the Infectious Diseases multidisciplinary team.

Meet our psychologist

Liliana Morales, Senior Psychologist in Infectious Diseases

Liliana is a Senior Psychologist working within the Infectious Diseases Service at St. Vincent’s University Hospital. She has extensive experience across public and voluntary sector services, supporting adults affected by trauma, chronic illness, infectious diseases, migration, and social adversity. Prior to joining SVUH, Liliana worked in specialist HSE services supporting refugees and asylum seekers. Most recently, she was Therapy Manager at Spirasi and served as Interim Head of Clinical Services.

Within the Infectious Diseases Service, Liliana provides specialist psychological assessment and therapy to adults living with infectious diseases. She supports patients experiencing difficulties adjusting to diagnosis, anxiety, low mood, trauma, stigma, and health-related challenges. Working closely with the multidisciplinary team, she promotes engagement in care, treatment adherence, and psychological wellbeing. The service also provides psychoeducation, consultation, and guidance to healthcare professionals.

Liliana has a particular interest in trauma-informed care and the intersection of physical health and psychological wellbeing. She has significant experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations, including refugees, asylum seekers, and survivors of torture. She is committed to creating inclusive and psychologically safe spaces where patients feel understood and supported within the context of their unique life experiences.

She has substantial experience supporting colleagues through training, supervision, and consultation, with a focus on cultural humility, anti-discriminatory practice, and inclusive healthcare. Liliana values collaborative multidisciplinary working and is committed to supporting people facing stigma, uncertainty, and the psychological challenges associated with physical illness. At the heart of her work is a commitment to ensuring that patients feel heard, respected, and supported, receiving psychological care that is responsive to their individual needs and experiences.