How to Access Therapy in Spain

It’s Complicated is a platform that aims to simplify the search for a suitable therapist, but the search can be pretty hard for many reasons, including finance. Many people, residents and expats included, simply aren’t fortunate enough to be able to afford private therapy. So how should you go around getting therapy that is covered by the Spanish public healthcare system?

How Therapy Works in Spain

The Spanish mental health system is a mix of public and private care, and each has its challenges. Here are a few things that you might come across:

Challenges

• Insurance confusion: Spain’s public healthcare system (Seguridad Social) covers some mental health services, but access is limited. Many people turn to private therapy, which isn’t always covered by insurance.
• Language barriers: Some therapists speak English, but finding someone with your cultural background can be tough.
• Referral rules: To access therapists in Spain through the public system, you usually need a general doctor (médico de cabecera) referral. And yes, long waiting lists are part of the deal.

Job Titles and Professions in Spain 

Before you start looking for a therapist, it helps to know the different professionals available:

• Therapist (Terapeuta): A broad term for professionals offering psychological support.
• Psychologist (Psicólogo/a): Provides therapy and psychological assessments but cannot prescribe medication.
• Psychotherapist (Psicoterapeuta): Specialises in deeper psychological treatment through various therapy methods.
• Psychiatrist (Psiquiatra): A medical doctor who diagnoses mental health conditions and prescribes medication.

How the Public Healthcare System in Spain Covers Therapy

Spain’s public healthcare system provides various mental health services, but the process is slow. 

Here’s how to go through it to find therapists in Spain:

1. Register with a public health center: To qualify for mental health services under Spain’s public healthcare system, you must first register at your local public health centre. You’ll need your social security number and residency documentation to complete the registration process.
2. Visit your GP (Médico de Cabecera): Your general doctor (médico de cabecera) is the first point of contact for medical issues, including mental health concerns. During your visit, explain your symptoms and mental health challenges. 
3. Get a referral to a specialist: If your GP believes you need further psychological support, they will refer you to a public psychologist or psychiatrist within the public healthcare system. Referrals are essential because you cannot directly book an appointment with a specialist in public healthcare without one.
4. Brace for the wait: Unfortunately, due to high demand and limited public therapists in Spain, waiting times can range from a few weeks to several months. If your condition is severe, your doctor may prioritise your case for faster attention. However, many people turn to private therapy to bypass long waitlists.
5. Medication & psychiatric care: If medication is required, you’ll be referred to a psychiatrist, who is the only mental health professional authorised to prescribe psychiatric drugs. Medication prescribed under the public healthcare system is partially subsidised.

How to Get Therapy Covered by Spain’s Health Insurance

Spain’s public healthcare system (Seguridad Social) provides some mental health services, but getting coverage depends on several factors:

• Eligibility – Expats and residents can access free basic state healthcare by registering for Spanish social security (Dirección General de la Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social, or TGSS) and making contributions.
• Referral requirement – In most cases, you’ll need a referral from a GP (médico de cabecera) to see therapists in Spain.
• Covered services – Basic mental health support, psychiatric consultations, and medication prescriptions are usually covered. However, long-term therapy may have restrictions.
• Waiting periods – Publicly covered therapy often has long waitlists, making private options more attractive for faster care.
• Limited private insurance use – Since social security payments fund the public healthcare system, most residents rely on it and don’t take out additional private cover for standard health services. 

How to Find Therapists in Spain

Wondering how to get therapy as an expat in Spain if you don’t want to go the public healthcare route? Here are your best bets:

• Online Directories – Websites like It’s Complicated and MundoPsicologos list verified psychologists with quick and direct contact.
• Local Clinics & Private Practices – Many therapists work independently in mental health clinics.
• Expat-Focused Therapy Platforms – Services like Its Complicated specialise in connecting foreigners with English-speaking therapists.
• Employer Assistance Programs (EAPs) – Some companies offer therapy as part of employee benefits. You could even request for your HR department to provide therapy for you and other employees at your company. 
• Word of Mouth – Ask friends, colleagues, or local expat groups for recommendations.

Note: Some expat insurance health plans don’t cover mental health, so check before booking.

How It’s Complicated Helps You Find Therapists in Spain

Adjusting to life in a new country is already hard enough, so getting therapy shouldn’t be. That’s our driving force at It’s Complicated. We make finding therapists in Spain simple, fast, and stress-free. Our platform gives you access to a global network of over 1,500 mental health professionals from over 80 countries. With support available in nearly 100 languages, you can find help in the most comfortable language for you.

Here’s how we simple down the process for you:

• No wait times – Unlike the public system, where waitlists can be months long, we immediately connect you with therapists in Spain.
• Personalised matching – Our smart (and free) matching system pairs you with a therapist based on your needs, preferences, and language requirements in just a day or two.
• English-speaking & multilingual therapists – Need therapy in English, Spanish, or another language? All is available.
• Flexible online therapy – No need to worry about location or insurance restrictions. Get therapy from anywhere!
• A hassle-free experience – Skip the GP referrals, long paperwork, or confusing insurance rules. Just sign up, get matched, and start therapy.
• More choice, less stress – We help you access qualified therapists quickly, with options that fit your schedule and mental health needs.

There you have it: how to get therapy as an expat in Spain. Mental health support should be easy to access, and while it might not be so if you choose the traditional route, it is if you opt for It’s Complicated. We’re ready to help make your journey in Spain easier. Let’s find a therapist who understands you, on your terms.