Mental health in Spain: finding support when living abroad

Living in Spain can offer a wonderful quality of life, but looking after your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health, wherever you call home.

For some people, the challenges begin when they first move abroad, adjusting to a different culture, language and way of life. For others, they may arise years or even decades later. Retirement, changes in personal circumstances, the loss of a partner or simply having family and close friends living in another country can all affect emotional wellbeing.

Fortunately, mental health services are available in Spain through both public and private healthcare. Whether you have recently arrived or have made Spain your home for many years, understanding your options can help you access the support you need.

Mental health challenges when living abroad

Common situations that can affect mental wellbeing include:

• Loneliness and social isolation: Living far from family or long-standing friends can sometimes mean having less support available when you need it most.
• Retirement and changes in routine: Leaving work behind can bring new opportunities, but also changes in daily structure, social connections and sense of purpose.
• Bereavement and loss: Losing a partner or close friend can be particularly difficult when relatives live abroad or familiar support networks are limited.
• Language and cultural barriers: Even after many years in Spain, discussing personal or emotional matters in Spanish may not feel as natural as doing so in your own language.
• Health concerns and growing older: Changes in health, reduced independence or caring for a partner can bring additional emotional pressures, particularly without close family nearby.
• Adjusting to life in Spain: For newer residents, unfamiliar surroundings, cultural differences and the challenge of building a social network can also affect wellbeing.

Spain has many established international communities, particularly in areas such as the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Balearic Islands and Canary Islands. These communities can provide valuable friendships, social activities and a sense of belonging.

When should you consider seeking professional support?

Everyone experiences periods of stress, sadness or anxiety. These feelings are part of everyday life and do not necessarily indicate a mental health condition.

However, when emotional difficulties persist, become overwhelming or begin to affect daily activities, speaking to a healthcare professional can help.

Some signs that it may be time to seek support include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety or worry.
• Difficulty sleeping, concentrating or managing everyday responsibilities.
• Losing interest in activities you previously enjoyed.
• Feeling increasingly isolated or withdrawing from friends and family.
• Changes in mood or behaviour that affect your relationships.
• Finding it difficult to cope with a significant life change, such as retirement, bereavement or illness.

Grief and difficult emotions are not necessarily signs of a mental health condition, but professional support can be valuable when you are struggling to cope.

You do not need to wait until things become serious before asking for help. A qualified professional can help you understand what you are experiencing and explore appropriate ways to manage it.

How does mental healthcare work in Spain?

Spain provides mental healthcare through its public healthcare system, as well as private hospitals, clinics and independent professionals.

The way you access these services depends on your circumstances, your entitlement to public healthcare and whether you choose public or private care.

Mental healthcare through Spain's public healthcare system

If you are entitled to public healthcare in Spain, your first point of contact will usually be your médico de cabecera, or GP, at your local health centre (centro de salud).

Your doctor can assess your symptoms, provide initial support and, when appropriate, refer you to specialised mental health services.

These may involve psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and other healthcare professionals working within the public system.

Public healthcare in Spain includes mental health assessment and treatment, although access to particular services, waiting times and the frequency of appointments can vary depending on individual needs and the autonomous community where you live.

For foreign residents, navigating the process may be more difficult when consultations and administrative procedures take place in Spanish.

Private mental healthcare in Spain

Private healthcare offers another way to access psychological and psychiatric support.

Depending on the provider, you may be able to arrange an appointment directly with a psychologist or psychiatrist without first visiting your GP.

Private care may also offer greater flexibility when arranging appointments or choosing a professional who speaks your preferred language.

However, not all private health insurance policies cover psychological treatment, and those that do may have specific conditions, session limits or authorisation requirements.

If you have health insurance, it is important to check the services included in your policy before booking an appointment.

For a broader explanation of public and private healthcare, read our guide to healthcare in Spain for expats: do you need private health insurance?

Psychologist or psychiatrist: what's the difference?

When looking for mental health support, you may come across both psychologists and psychiatrists. Although their work can overlap, they have different professional roles.

A psychologist with the appropriate clinical or healthcare qualifications can help people understand and manage emotional, behavioural and psychological difficulties. Treatment may involve talking therapies and techniques for coping with stress, anxiety, depression, grief or other concerns.

A psychiatrist is a medically qualified doctor who specialises in mental health. Psychiatrists can assess and diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication when appropriate and provide or coordinate treatment.

In some cases, psychological therapy and psychiatric care may be used together.

If you are unsure which professional you need, your GP can help you identify an appropriate starting point.

Finding the right mental health support in Spain

Finding a professional you feel comfortable with is an important part of seeking psychological support.

Before arranging an appointment, there are several things worth considering.

Language and communication

If you would feel more comfortable speaking English, French, German or another language, check whether the professional offers consultations in that language.

You may also wish to ask about their experience working with people from different cultural backgrounds.

Qualifications and experience

Make sure the professional has the appropriate qualifications to provide the type of mental healthcare you need.

In Spain, you can consult the relevant professional body through the Official Colleges of Psychologists.

It may also be helpful to ask whether the professional has experience supporting people through particular situations, such as bereavement, anxiety, retirement-related changes or relationship difficulties.

In-person and online consultations

Online therapy can be useful for people living in areas with fewer specialists, those with mobility difficulties or anyone who would prefer to speak with a professional without travelling to a clinic.

Some professionals offer both face-to-face and online appointments, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs.

Check that the professional is appropriately qualified to provide the service and that the consultation format is suitable for your circumstances.

Costs and insurance cover

If you are arranging private treatment, ask about consultation fees, appointment availability and cancellation conditions.

If you have private health insurance, check which professionals are included in your medical network, how many consultations are covered and whether a referral or authorisation is required.

Everyday ways to look after your mental wellbeing

Professional support can be important, but maintaining good mental health also involves everyday habits, social connections and activities that give life enjoyment and purpose.

There are several ways to support your emotional wellbeing:

• Maintain social connections. Keep in regular contact with family and friends, while making time for relationships with people living nearby.
• Get involved in your local community. International associations, social clubs, volunteering opportunities and local activities can provide companionship and a sense of belonging.
• Stay physically active. Walking, swimming, cycling or other enjoyable activities can support both physical and mental wellbeing.
• Keep a healthy routine. Regular sleep, balanced meals and time for rest can help you manage everyday pressures.
• Make time for activities you enjoy. Hobbies, learning something new or spending time outdoors can provide structure and enjoyment.
• Talk about how you feel. Sharing concerns with someone you trust can help you feel supported during difficult periods.

These activities can support emotional wellbeing, but they are not a substitute for professional care when it is needed.

Where to get urgent mental health support in Spain

In an immediate emergency

If someone is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical assistance, call 112, Spain's emergency number.

For people experiencing suicidal thoughts or at risk of suicide, and for their families and loved ones, Spain also provides the 024 helpline, a free, confidential service available 24 hours a day. This service offers emotional support and guidance but does not replace professional medical care.

Further information is available on the Spanish Ministry of Health's official website.

Urgent care through private health insurance

If you have private health insurance, your policy may also provide access to emergency medical services, including hospital care, medical assistance at home or ambulance services, depending on the cover provided.

For example, GENERALI EXPAT Medcare includes emergency medical care at home, ambulance services and access to medical and psychiatric care within its provider network, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

If you need urgent medical attention but there is no immediate danger, contact your insurer to find out which services are available and how to access them. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 112 rather than waiting for assistance through your insurer.

Frequently asked questions about mental health support in Spain

Can foreigners access mental healthcare in Spain?

Yes. Foreign residents who are entitled to public healthcare can access mental health services through Spain's public healthcare system. Private services are also available through health insurance or by paying directly for consultations.

Can I see an English-speaking psychologist in Spain?

Yes. Some psychologists in Spain offer consultations in English and other languages, although availability varies depending on location and provider.

It is advisable to confirm the language of the consultation before making an appointment.

Is online psychological therapy available in Spain?

Yes. Some qualified mental healthcare professionals offer online consultations. This can be particularly useful for people living outside major cities, those with mobility difficulties or anyone seeking support in a particular language.

Check the professional's qualifications and whether online consultations are covered by your insurance, if applicable.

Does private health insurance in Spain cover psychological consultations?

Some private health insurance policies include psychological consultations, although the number of sessions, access requirements and other conditions vary between insurers and policies.

It is important to review your cover before arranging treatment.

Mental health support with GENERALI EXPAT Medcare

GENERALI EXPAT Medcare includes up to four psychology consultations per month, with a maximum of 20 consultations per year, as part of its health insurance cover.

Through GENERALI's medical provider network, you can consult the medical directory, where you can filter your search by speciality and language. This makes it easier to find a specialist who can communicate with you in a language you feel comfortable using, whether you're looking for face-to-face support or online consultations, where available.

Find out more about GENERALI EXPAT Medcare health insurance and the healthcare services available to foreign residents in Spain.

Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of the policy and the applicable medical provider network.