Depression Treatment in Spain for Expats & Tourists
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)
Confidential, unhurried assessment with an English-speaking GP.
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera
Licence No. 484814280 · Urgent, non-emergency care
Common Symptoms
Being away from your usual support network can make depression more difficult to recognise and manage. Depression may involve:
- Persistent low mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure
- Low energy
- Sleep changes
- Appetite changes
- Feelings of guilt or hopelessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death or self-harm
Depression is a medical condition, not a personal failure. A careful consultation can help assess severity, safety, physical contributors, previous episodes, and appropriate treatment preferences.
You don't have to figure this out alone
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 15-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
How We Treat It
The doctor may assess your mood symptoms, functioning, sleep, substance use, medical conditions, medication history, bipolar symptoms, and suicide risk. Treatment may include:
- Guided self-help resources
- Referral for psychological therapy
- Support in rebuilding social connection
- Antidepressant medication when appropriate
NICE recommends matching treatment to severity and patient preference, and not routinely using antidepressants as first-line treatment for less severe depression unless preferred.
Clinical Evaluation & Evidence-Based Protocol for Depression Treatment
During a telemedicine consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera (licensed medical practitioner No. 484814280 at the Official Medical College of Bizkaia), clinical evaluation adheres strictly to evidence-based medical (EBM) standards. The doctor conducts a thorough history, evaluating symptom duration, aggravating factors, prior treatments, and drug allergies to establish an accurate differential diagnosis.
Private Electronic Prescriptions (Receta Médica) Issued Under Spanish Law
When clinically indicated, Dr. Yelamo issues a private electronic prescription (Receta Médica Electrónica Privada) under Spanish law. The digital prescription contains a secure QR verification code accepted at all 22,000+ registered community pharmacies across Spain for immediate medication dispensing.
Itemized Invoices for Travel & Private Health Insurance Reimbursement
After your consultation, you receive an official medical report and an itemized invoice. The invoice shows Dr. Yelamo's licence details and tax ID. You can send it to your travel or private health insurer (such as Bupa, Allianz, Cigna, AXA or a US travel policy) to claim the cost back.
Preparing for Your Online Medical Consultation
Before your appointment, note when your symptoms started and any medicines you have already tried. Have your allergies and your usual prescriptions to hand. For a skin, rash or eye problem, sit in a well-lit room so the doctor can see it clearly.
Clinical Follow-Up & When In-Person Urgencias Are Necessary
Video care works well for common infections, mild sudden symptoms, skin rashes and repeat prescriptions. Some warning signs need emergency care in person: severe shortness of breath, a high fever you cannot bring down, chest pain or a stiff neck. If you have any of them, call 112 in Spain straight away.
When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care
Seek urgent medical attention if you have:
- Thoughts, plans, or intent to self-harm
- Psychotic symptoms
- Severe inability to eat, drink, or care for yourself
- Extreme agitation or confusion
- Suspected mania
- Immediate risk from domestic violence or unsafe surroundings
Frequently asked questions
Can depression be assessed online?
Yes, many assessments can begin online, but urgent safety concerns require immediate in-person support.
Are antidepressants always necessary?
No. Treatment depends on severity, preference, history, risk, and access to psychological therapy.
Should I stop antidepressants suddenly?
Do not stop prescribed antidepressants abruptly without medical advice. Tapering may be needed to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Online consultations are for urgent, non-emergency care. In a medical emergency call 112 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.
Every day · 07:30–20:30One named doctor, from first call to follow-up
Book a secure 15-minute video consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera for €50. Appointments every day, 07:30–20:30 (Spain time). For urgent, non-emergency care; in an emergency, call 112.
Book a Video ConsultationPart of Online Prescription Spain-Wide: Medication Assessment & Refills
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