How to Access Mental Health Support in Spain as an Expat
Expat Tips
Published: 02 June 2025 13:09 CET
Moving to Spain can be life-changing — the sunshine, the food, the lifestyle. But for many expats, it’s also an emotional rollercoaster. Anxiety, culture shock, loneliness, or unresolved issues from home can easily bubble to the surface. The problem? Finding mental health support in Spain, especially as a foreigner, isn’t always straightforward. Whether you're dealing with mild stress or a deeper mental health concern, here's what you need to know about accessing help as an expat.
Is mental health care included in Spain’s public system?
Yes — but access is limited. Spain’s public healthcare system (SNS) includes mental health services, but you’ll typically need a referral from a GP (médico de cabecera). From there, you may be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist. But be warned: public services often involve long waiting times, minimal session limits, and Spanish-only providers. This makes it a poor fit for expats who don’t speak fluent Spanish or need consistent therapy.
Do private health insurance plans cover mental health?
Some do — but not all. Many standard expat health insurance policies in Spain do not include mental health support unless you opt for a premium add-on or plan. However, some providers do offer mental health services including therapy sessions, psychiatric care, and even digital consultations as part of their higher-tier plans.
If you already have private insurance, check:
- Whether it includes mental health consultations or therapy sessions
- If a referral is needed from your general practitioner
- What’s covered — psychiatrist (medical) vs psychologist (non-medical)
- If telehealth sessions are included
How much does private therapy cost in Spain?
If you're paying out-of-pocket, expect to pay:
- €50–€80 per session for a licensed psychologist
- €100–€180 per session for a psychiatrist (who can prescribe medication)
Prices vary depending on location, language, and specialization. English-speaking therapists in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia tend to charge more, but they’re widely available and often offer video sessions for flexibility.
Can I find an English-speaking therapist in Spain?
Yes. There’s a growing network of bilingual or native English-speaking mental health professionals catering specifically to expats. Many operate privately, offering both in-person and online sessions. Reputable directories include:
Are digital therapy platforms an option?
Absolutely. If you're struggling to find someone locally or need something more affordable, platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and TherapyRoute connect expats with licensed therapists online — often at lower rates. These services are ideal for remote workers, frequent travellers, or expats living in smaller towns where English-speaking professionals may be harder to find.
Can I access emergency mental health support?
In urgent situations, you can go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department (urgencias) — they are required to provide care. There are also mental health crisis helplines available in Spain:
- 112: General emergency services (multilingual)
- 024: Spain’s national suicide prevention hotline (Spanish only)
- Samaritans in Spain: +34 900 525 100 (English-speaking emotional support)
In non-emergency but distressing situations, speaking to your GP or therapist as soon as possible is strongly recommended.
What about medication and prescriptions?
If you’re already on prescribed mental health medication from your home country, you’ll need to visit a Spanish doctor (public or private) to have a prescription legally issued here. Not all medications available abroad are licensed in Spain, so bring documentation and consider translating it into Spanish before you arrive.
You don’t have to suffer in silence. Mental health support is available in Spain — you just need to know where to look and how to access it as an expat. From public services to digital therapy and bilingual professionals, there are more resources now than ever before to help you feel grounded, supported, and well.
Need mental health support as part of your health insurance in Spain? We offer several Sanitas plans tailored for expats, students, and long-term residents — and many include access to psychologists, psychiatrists, and even hospital care if needed.
- Sanitas Accede – Affordable cover with basic therapy access (max 15 sessions/year)
- Sanitas Más Salud – Covers psychology and psychiatry. Max 15 sessions per year, 4 per month. Broader network + optional add-ons.
- Sanitas Premium 500 – Full coverage with psychiatry, therapy, and hospital mental health care
Compare policies and get covered today at HealthPlanSpain.com
