About children
Child psychologists adapt therapy to each age, often using play and drawing, and work closely with parents. Common reasons for consultation include anxiety, fears, behaviour, learning difficulties and family changes. For minors, consent from those with parental responsibility is required.
Social workers support people and families in difficult situations: access to social and health resources, dependency, family conflicts, addictions or social exclusion. They coordinate with public services and other professionals.
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
- Organización Médica Colegial (Consejo General de Colegios Oficiales de Médicos) and the provincial Colegios de Médicos. Doctors must be registered with a provincial Colegio de Médicos; check that the doctor holds the specialist title in Psychiatry. 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
Children often show distress through behaviour and the body rather than words. It may be worth consulting a professional when a child has persistent fears or worries, frequent tantrums, sleep or eating changes, regression such as bedwetting again, headaches or stomach aches without a medical cause, withdrawal, school difficulties, or after a difficult event such as a separation, a loss or a move.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Therapy with children usually involves parents closely. Evidence-based approaches include cognitive-behavioural therapy adapted to age, parent training programmes, play-based therapy, family therapy and trauma-focused CBT after difficult experiences. Child and adolescent psychologists, clinical psychologists and family therapists are the main professionals; speech therapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists or child psychiatrists may be involved depending on needs.
When to seek urgent help
Contact your local emergency services if a child is in danger, has been harmed, may have swallowed something toxic, or talks about wanting to die or hurt themselves, even at a young age. If you suspect abuse or neglect, seek help from child protection services or emergency services. Sudden changes in consciousness, speech or movement need immediate medical attention.
What you can do in the meantime
Keep predictable routines for sleep, meals and play, and limit screens, especially before bed. Spend some unhurried time each day with your child, following their lead in play. Name emotions together and stay calm when they are upset. Explain changes in simple, honest terms appropriate to their age. Look after your own well-being too, since children are sensitive to adult stress.
What does a social worker do?
A social worker supports individuals, families and communities facing social, economic or relational difficulties. Day to day they assess needs, inform people about their rights and available resources, help with applications, coordinate with health, education, housing and legal services, and accompany people through crises. Some offer counselling or family intervention, especially in mental health, child protection, ageing and disability settings.
When to see a social worker
A social worker can help when practical problems add to emotional strain: caring for a dependent relative, financial or housing difficulties, isolation, a separation affecting children, a disability, or navigating services after a diagnosis. They are also key when there is risk of abuse or neglect. For psychological therapy itself, a psychologist or psychotherapist is usually more appropriate.
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 social worker 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).