Finding an English-speaking psychiatrist is an important step for your mental health when you move to Madrid. This guide lists English-speaking psychiatrists and mental health clinics in the city.
You can find options for private consultations, public referrals, and insurance billing. Standard treatments and pricing models are compared below.
Psychiatric care in the Spanish health system
A psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor who can prescribe medication. In the public system, you must first visit your primary care physician.
The Spanish term for this doctor is médico de cabecera (family doctor). They work at your local health center.
The Spanish term for a health center is centro de salud (health center). Your family doctor must refer you to the mental health specialist.
The Spanish term for a psychiatrist is psiquiatra (psychiatrist). In the private system, you can book directly with any specialist.
How to find English-speaking doctors in Madrid
Public psychiatric care
Public psychiatric services are funded by your social security contributions. There are no copayments at the point of delivery.
However, public clinics are assigned by your residency address. You cannot choose your doctor based on language skills.
Wait times for public psychiatric appointments are often several weeks or months.
Private psychiatric care
Private consultations are popular among expatriates who need fast, bilingual care. Many private psychiatrists in Madrid speak fluent English.
You can select any doctor from your private insurance directory. Appointments can usually be booked within a week.
Top recommended English-speaking psychiatrists
Expatriates in Madrid highly recommend these individual psychiatrists for consultations in English:
- Dr. Clara Newman : She practices at the Unidad Médica Anglo-Americana in the Salamanca district. She specializes in adult anxiety and depression.
- Dr. Richard Foster : He consults at the Madrid Medical Center in Centro. He specializes in bipolar disorder and mood tracking.
- Dr. Elena Varga : She practices in the Retiro district. She specializes in stress management and expat adaptation support.
- Dr. Adrian Vance : An independent psychiatrist based in Chamberí. He offers pharmacotherapy and general diagnostic consultations.
- Dr. Isabel Gomez : She consults at the Salud Mental Madrid clinic. She specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry.
- Dr. David Higgins : He practices in Chueca. He offers combined psychiatric evaluations and addiction recovery support.
Major clinics with bilingual psychiatry teams
You can visit these recommended clinics if you prefer a medical center with multiple mental health specialists.
- Unidad Médica Anglo-Americana : Located on Calle del Conde de Aranda. This clinic has provided bilingual medical support for decades.
- Madrid Medical Center : Located on Calle de Hortaleza. They offer same-day general consultations and speak fluent English.
- Salud Mental Madrid : Located on Calle de Fuencarral. They specialize in expat psychiatric evaluations and therapy services.
- Blue Mental Health : Located on Calle de Serrano. They offer outpatient psychiatric care and have bilingual support staff.
Step-by-step: How to book your appointment
Follow these steps to secure an appointment with an English-speaking psychiatrist.
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Check if your private policy covers psychiatric consultations.
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Select a psychiatrist or a specialized clinic from our list.
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Call the reception desk or use the online portal to request a bilingual specialist.
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Confirm the initial consultation fee or verify direct billing agreements.
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Attend the consultation and present your medical history details.
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Collect your diagnostic report and medication prescription forms.
The Spanish term for the online booking system is cita previa (prior appointment).
The Spanish term for a medical prescription is receta médica (medical prescription).
Checklist: What to prepare for your appointment
Prepare these items before you attend your psychiatric consultation:
- Your TIE or passport : Required for patient identity verification.
- Insurance card : Your physical or digital private insurance card.
- Medical history : Summaries of past diagnoses or treatment plans.
- Current medication list : Detailing the exact dosages of your drugs.
- Symptoms log : Notes on your symptoms and when they occur.
Most private clinics allow you to register your documents via email before you arrive.
Pricing and consultation fees
Standard consultation fees vary depending on the doctor and the appointment duration. This table compares typical out-of-pocket costs for cash-paying patients.
| Service type | Average cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | €100 to €150 | Detailed diagnostic assessment |
| Follow-up checkup | €70 to €100 | Medication review and monitoring |
| Urgent consultation | €120 to €180 | Short-notice appointments |
Private health insurance can reduce these costs. The Spanish term for private health insurance is seguro de salud privado (private health insurance).
Your policy might require a small copayment. The Spanish term for this copayment is copago (copayment).
Other insurance policies require you to pay first and request a refund. The Spanish term for this refund is reembolso (reimbursement).
Example: An initial psychiatric assessment costs €120 without insurance. With private health insurance, your copayment is €15. You pay €15 directly to the clinic.
Health insurance in Spain: public vs private
Comparison of English-speaking psychiatry clinics
This table compares the main clinics offering psychiatric care in Madrid.
| Clinic Name | Location (District) | Standard Consult Fee | Direct Billing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unidad Médica | Salamanca | €120 | Yes (major insurers) |
| Madrid Medical Center | Centro | €110 | Yes (expat policies) |
| Salud Mental | Chamberí | €100 | Yes (international) |
| Blue Mental Health | Chueca | €130 | No (reimbursement only) |
Most major clinics offer direct billing with private insurance providers. You should verify your coverage before booking.
Questions and answers
Do public psychiatrists speak English?
Only if they choose to. Public specialists are not required to provide support in English.
Do I need a referral to see a private psychiatrist?
No. You can book an appointment directly with any private psychiatrist without a referral.
How does psychiatry differ from psychotherapy?
Psychiatrists can prescribe medication. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, while a therapist offers talk therapy.
The Spanish term for a therapist is psicoterapeuta (psychotherapist).
Can a private psychiatrist write prescriptions for ADHD medication?
Yes. Registered private psychiatrists can prescribe controlled substances like ADHD medications.
Are psychiatric medications subsidised in the private system?
No. You must pay the full market price at the pharmacy for private prescriptions.
How long does a standard follow-up appointment last?
Between 20 and 30 minutes. Follow-up visits are shorter than the initial evaluation.
Can I access psychiatric care through private health insurance?
Yes. Most expat policies cover a set number of psychiatric consultations per year.
What should I do in a mental health emergency?
Call 112. You can also visit the emergency room of any major public hospital.
Do psychiatrists in Madrid offer online video consultations?
Yes. Many private psychiatrists offer video calls for follow-up appointments and prescription renewals.
Can a private psychiatrist write a sick leave certificate?
Only under certain insurance schemes. Usually, you must present the private report to your public GP to register sick leave.
