It’s Complicated is a platform that aims to simplify the search for a suitable therapist, but the search can be hindered also due to financial reasons. Many people, residents and expats included, simply aren’t fortunate enough to be able to pay privately for therapy in Portugal. So how should you get therapy that is covered by the Portuguese public health system?
How Therapy Works in Portugal
Mental health care in Portugal is a mix of public and private services, but venturing through it isn’t easy at all. Therapy is available; however, it’s not as simple as walking into a café and ordering an espresso, unless you know quick ways to find therapists in Portugal.
Challenges
Here are some of the issues you might come across:
- Insurance woes: Portugal has a public healthcare system (SNS – Serviço Nacional de Saúde), and technically, it does cover mental health. But therapy? That’s where things get tricky. While psychiatric services might be included, talk therapy is not always available through SNS for free. This means you might have to go private or wait months for an appointment.
- Language barrier: If you don’t speak Portuguese, your options narrow down fast. While Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve have more English-speaking therapists, finding how to get therapy as an expat in Portugal is tough.
- The mental health stigma: Portugal is warming up to therapy, but there’s still a bit of a “keep it to yourself” mindset, especially among older generations. It’s changing, but don’t be surprised if your Portuguese friends act like therapy is some deep, dark secret.
Job Titles and Professions in Portugal
Before you start Googling “therapists in Portugal,” let’s clear up some job titles:
- Psicólogo (Psychologist): Holds a psychology degree, provides mental health support, and can diagnose conditions. But they can’t prescribe medication.
- Psiquiatra (Psychiatrist): A medical doctor specialising in mental health. They can prescribe meds and work in hospitals or clinics. If you need medication for anxiety or depression, this is your person.
- Psicoterapeuta (Psychotherapist): Specialises in different therapy approaches like CBT, psychoanalysis, or EMDR. They can be psychologists, but not always.
- Terapeuta (Therapist/Counselor): A broad term that could mean anything from a life coach to a certified mental health professional. Check credentials before booking a session with therapists in Portugal.
The Public Healthcare System in Portugal
Portugal’s SNS is solid when it comes to physical health. But what about mental health? Well, it’s complicated (pun intended).
Getting Therapy Through SNS
Fortunately, SNS provides mental health services. However, you need a referral from your general doctor (médico de família), and there’s usually a long waitlist.
Here’s how it works:
- Visit Your Médico de Família – If you don’t have one yet, register at your local Centro de saúde (health centre). They’ll assess whether you need a specialist.
- Get a Referral – If they think you need therapy, they might refer you to a public psychologist or psychiatrist. This is where you must be patient – wait times vary A LOT depending on where you live. In Lisbon? You might wait a few months. In a rural area? It could be over a year.
- Hospital or Health Center Appointment – You’ll be assigned to a hospital or a local unit if you’re referred. Some people get group therapy instead of individual sessions with therapists in Portugal (which is not always ideal).
- Medications Are Covered – If you’re prescribed meds, SNS covers part of the cost, and pharmacies are everywhere.
How to Get Therapy Covered by Insurance in Portugal
If you’re legally working in Portugal and contributing to Segurança Social, you’re entitled to subsidised healthcare through SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde). While psychiatric care is generally covered, talk therapy isn’t always included unless it’s linked to a diagnosed mental health condition that requires medical supervision.
For those in Madeira and the Azores wondering how to get therapy as an expat in Portugal, mental healthcare is provided through regional services. These are known as Serviço de Saúde da RAM (Madeira) and Direção Regional de Saúde (Azores). The coverage here follows rules similar to those of SNS on the mainland.
If you’re an EU/EFTA citizen visiting Portugal, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can help with emergency medical care, but it doesn’t fully cover ongoing therapy.
For severe mental health conditions, SNS provides free psychotropic and antiepileptic medications. In some cases, individuals with complex psychiatric needs may qualify for outpatient treatment instead of hospitalisation. These services are usually state-funded.
How to Find Therapists in Portugal
So, where do you find therapists in Portugal if you don’t want to take the SNS route? Here are your options:
- Online Platforms: Websites like It’s Complicated let you browse therapists by language, speciality, and price.
- Word of Mouth: If you’re an expat, check Facebook groups like Expats in Portugal or Lisbon Digital Nomads. People often share recommendations.
- Local Directories: The Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (Order of Portuguese Psychologists) has a directory of certified professionals.
- Doctor’s Referral: If you’re using SNS, your médico de família is your first stop.
- Universities & Community Centers: Some universities offer low-cost therapy, and local community groups might provide affordable counselling.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Some companies offer therapy as a benefit. You could even request for your HR department to provide therapy for you and other employees at your company.
Note: English-speaking therapists in Portugal are limited; they exist, but they book up fast. If you find someone who seems like a good fit, don’t hesitate to lock in that appointment.
How It’s Complicated Helps You Find Therapists in Portugal
Now, let’s talk about one of the easiest ways to find therapy in Portugal: It’s Complicated. Through our platform, you can get in touch with a large network of more than 1,500 mental health specialists from more than 80 nations online. Plus, help is available in around 100 languages.
Here’s what makes us a great platform:
- No waiting lists – Unlike SNS, you can book sessions immediately.
- Therapists who get you – Filter by language, speciality, identity, and approach.
- Online options – Therapy from your couch? Yes, please.
- Expats welcome – Many therapists specialise in working with foreigners.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, so it’s never a good idea to compromise on that, especially when you’ve moved countries and are dealing with the stress of change. Fortunately, now that you know how to get therapy in Portugal, especially if you’re an expat, you’re just a few steps away from finding the therapist for you. Hopefully this guide can make your journey just slightly more manageable.
