Getting mental health care

It is for anyone thinking about moving to Spain, planning the move or already living through it. You will know which route to take, what it costs and how to find a therapist who works in your language.

Start with "Getting therapy through the public system, the referral route". It shows how the GP, the centro de salud mental, the psychiatrist and the psychologist fit together, and the other pages build on it.

If you are in a suicide crisis, this Topic is not the right place. Go to the crisis support pages instead.

Key rules

• Private session cost: A private psychology session of about 50 to 60 minutes typically costs around 50–80 euros, and a first psychiatrist visit roughly 80–150 euros.
• Crisis lines: In a crisis, call 112 or the free, confidential 024 line, which is open 24 hours a day.
• GP referral: In the public system, your GP normally refers you to the centro de salud mental for your home area; private care needs no referral.
• When to seek help: See a doctor if low mood, anxiety, loss of interest or poor sleep last about two weeks or more, or sooner if they affect work or relationships.
• Referral: Public mental health care starts with your GP, who refers you to the CSM for your home area.
• Private care: Private therapists need no referral.

Getting mental health care: the whole process, step by step

• Gather your treatment records and medication paperwork from your home country (see Continuing therapy or psychiatric treatment after you move): before you leave, when you can still sign in person

• Bring medication in original packaging with a prescription copy or doctor's letter (see Continuing therapy or psychiatric treatment after you move): for a stay of up to 3 months' supply; controlled medicines need extra paperwork

• Register on the padrón at your town hall, then ask for your tarjeta sanitaria (see Getting therapy through the public system, the referral route): first, after you arrive

• Check whether what you feel is a normal adjustment or needs care (see Is what you feel after moving normal, and when to seek help): see a doctor if symptoms last about two weeks or more, or sooner if they affect work or relationships

• See your assigned GP, who refers you to the centro de salud mental for your home area (see Getting therapy through the public system, the referral route): once you have your tarjeta sanitaria

• Wait for the first public appointment and find interim help (see When the public wait for a psychologist is too long): commonly weeks to a few months after referral

• Or choose a private psychologist or psychiatrist, which needs no referral (see Finding and checking a private psychologist (psicólogo) or psychiatrist and Finding therapy in English or another language in Spain): any time, including while you wait for the public system

• Budget for private sessions and check your insurance cover (see What therapy costs in Spain and what insurance covers): before you book a series of sessions

• Call 112 or the free, confidential 024 line if you are in crisis: immediately, at any point, 24 hours a day

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• Padrón certificate from your town hall — Getting therapy through the public system, the referral route

The home and the lease

• Proof of address or a form declaring you have no other health coverage — Getting therapy through the public system, the referral route

Translations and legal papers

• Sworn translation — Continuing therapy or psychiatric treatment after you move

Other documents

• Social Security number — Getting therapy through the public system, the referral route
• Copy of your treatment records from your previous hospital — Continuing therapy or psychiatric treatment after you move
• Doctor's letter or copy of your prescription — Continuing therapy or psychiatric treatment after you move
• Schengen certificate from your national health authority — Continuing therapy or psychiatric treatment after you move

Getting mental health care: questions that cross several articles

Can I get public mental health care as a newcomer?

Yes, if you are a legal resident, public care is open to you, and you start by registering on the padrón and getting a tarjeta sanitaria. Mental health care uses the same card and an assigned GP.

Will public care give me weekly therapy?

Usually no, because public care is mostly medication-led and psychotherapy is mainly for more severe or complex cases. Sessions often last 30 to 45 minutes, spaced every 3 to 6 weeks or longer. For more frequent sessions, read Finding and checking a private psychologist (psicólogo) or psychiatrist.

How long will I wait for a public appointment?

A first appointment after GP referral commonly takes weeks to a few months, and it varies a lot by region. While you wait, read When the public wait for a psychologist is too long for interim options.

Can my therapist from home keep treating me online after I move?

Generally not safely, because a therapist licensed only abroad who treats clients living in Spain is usually considered to be practising in Spain. Read Online therapy and insurer telehealth in Spain and Continuing therapy or psychiatric treatment after you move.

How do I find a therapist who speaks my language?

You can search private directories that filter by spoken language, and check that the therapist has a collegiate (colegiado) number. Read Finding therapy in English or another language in Spain, then Finding and checking a private psychologist (psicólogo) or psychiatrist.