About anxiety
Anxiety becomes a problem when worry, tension or panic are frequent, hard to control and start to limit daily life. Psychological therapy, especially cognitive-behavioural approaches, has strong evidence for anxiety disorders. A first session usually explores what triggers the anxiety, how it shows up in the body and thoughts, and what goals you want to work on.
Clinical psychologists are psychologists with specialist training in assessing, diagnosing and treating mental health problems, from anxiety and depression to more complex conditions. In some countries it is a regulated health specialty; Therapy247 checks the registration.
Getting mental health care in Spain
Public health system · Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS)
Public mental health care is free at the point of use. Access is usually through your family doctor (médico de familia) at the primary care centre, who refers you to a community mental health centre or unit for psychiatry and clinical psychology. Waiting lists for psychological treatment in the public system can be long and vary by region.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Consejo General de la Psicología de España and the regional Colegios Oficiales de la Psicología. Membership of a Colegio is required to practise. For health care, check that the psychologist is a Psicólogo General Sanitario (official master's degree) or a specialist in Clinical Psychology (PIR route). Search the official register
Typical private fees
- Session with a psychologist
- €40 – €80
Typical private fee per individual psychology session, higher in large cities (2026 press report). Sources
Urgent help in Spain
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: infocop.es, sanidad.gob.es, elespanol.com
Signs to look out for
Some anxiety is normal before an exam or a difficult conversation. It becomes worth looking at when worry feels constant and hard to switch off, when you avoid places or situations because of it, or when you notice frequent physical symptoms such as a racing heart, tight chest, dizziness, stomach upset or poor sleep. Sudden waves of intense fear, called panic attacks, are another common sign.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has the strongest evidence for most anxiety problems, often including gradual exposure to feared situations. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based approaches can also help. Psychologists, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists usually lead treatment. A psychiatrist or family doctor may assess whether medication could be useful alongside therapy, especially when anxiety is severe or long-lasting.
When to seek urgent help
Seek medical help promptly if you have chest pain, shortness of breath or symptoms you have never had before, as these should be checked to rule out a physical cause. If anxiety comes with thoughts of ending your life or harming yourself, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department straight away. You do not have to wait for an appointment.
What you can do in the meantime
While you look for support, try to keep regular sleep and meal times, move your body most days, and cut down on caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen anxiety. Slow breathing can help during peaks. Avoiding feared situations brings relief now but tends to make anxiety grow, so small, gradual steps are better. Talk to someone you trust and rely on trustworthy health sources.
What does a clinical psychologist do?
A clinical psychologist assesses, diagnoses and treats mental health problems in children, adults or older people. Day to day they conduct clinical interviews, use validated questionnaires and tests, formulate what keeps the problem going, and deliver evidence-based therapies. They often work in hospitals, community mental health teams or private practice, and coordinate with psychiatrists, family doctors and social services.
When to see a clinical psychologist
A clinical psychologist is a good choice for moderate to severe or persistent difficulties: anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive problems, trauma, eating disorders, personality difficulties, or when a formal diagnosis or report is needed. If medication may be needed or there is a risk to safety, a psychiatrist should also be involved. For coaching or personal growth, other professionals may fit better.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Spain cover psychological care?
Public mental health care is free at the point of use. Access is usually through your family doctor (médico de familia) at the primary care centre, who refers you to a community mental health centre or unit for psychiatry and clinical psychology. Waiting lists for psychological treatment in the public system can be long and vary by region.
How do I check that a clinical psychologist is licensed in Spain?
Consejo General de la Psicología de España and the regional Colegios Oficiales de la Psicología: Membership of a Colegio is required to practise. For health care, check that the psychologist is a Psicólogo General Sanitario (official master's degree) or a specialist in Clinical Psychology (PIR route).
How much does a session with a psychologist cost in Spain?
Usually between €40 and €80 per individual session in private practice. Typical private fee per individual psychology session, higher in large cities (2026 press report).