About burnout
Burnout is exhaustion linked to work: emotional fatigue, distance or cynicism towards the job and a feeling of not being effective. Psychological support focuses on recovery, workload and boundaries, values and, when needed, decisions about the work situation.
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
Burnout develops gradually under prolonged work pressure. Common signs include exhaustion that rest does not fix, feeling detached, cynical or numb about your job, a sense that nothing you do makes a difference, and difficulty concentrating. You may dread Monday, feel irritable with colleagues or family, get ill more often, or find that weekends and holidays no longer help you recover.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Psychologists, clinical psychologists and occupational psychologists can help with burnout. Cognitive-behavioural approaches, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and stress-management programmes help with recovery, boundaries and values. Support often includes looking at workload, job demands and possible changes at work. A doctor should assess exhaustion and rule out physical causes or depression, and may advise on time off.
When to seek urgent help
Burnout can overlap with depression. If you feel hopeless, cannot function at all, or have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Seek prompt medical care for physical symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations or fainting.
What you can do in the meantime
Try to protect clear boundaries between work and rest, such as switching off notifications after hours. Prioritise sleep, regular meals and gentle exercise. Talk to someone you trust about how you feel, and, if possible, discuss workload with your manager or occupational health service. Reconnecting with activities and people outside work helps. Avoid relying on alcohol or stimulants to keep going.
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).