Depression in Madrid: Specialized Psychological Treatment

Starting therapy is an important step. Having a safe and professional space can make all the difference when it comes to exploring your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, helping you cope with challenges, or fostering your personal growth.

The process is simple—we'll guide you every step of the way and conduct an initial assessment to assign you to the psychologist in Madrid that best suits your needs and goals. If the professional is the right fit for you, you'll begin a process together of personalized individual therapy, tailored to your needs and adapted to your pace.

Both work just as well. Choose the one that's most comfortable or practical for you. Some people prefer to leave the house and go to a specific place, while others prefer to log in from their couch. You can also mix and match depending on what works best for you each week or switch things up. 

Of course, for the online session, we ask that you be in a quiet place where no one will disturb you for 50 minutes, have a device with a camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or cell phone), and a reliable Wi-Fi connection. That's all.

We try to make everything easy. The price of an individual psychology session is 55 euros for consultations year-round. No matter where you are.

Once you feel that the professional relationship is working, you can choose the balance bonus and save 20% of the cost of the sessions. Appointments can be scheduled individually.

The best way is to try it out. That’s why we offer a free initial session where you can get to know us, tell us what’s going on with you, and see if you feel comfortable with us. There’s no obligation—just a conversation from a different perspective. Many people come in without being sure if they need therapy, and that first session helps them decide or begin to define their treatment needs.

We don't use a one-size-fits-all approach. Our individual therapy in Madrid tailors our approach to you: to your personality, your situation, and your goals. You don’t have to adapt to our way of working—we’re the ones who make that effort. 

During the first free session, you’ll meet the professional you’d be working with. It’s important that you have a good connection and feel heard. If, after that first session, you feel like it’s not the right fit for you, we can refer you to another team member. That’s okay—it’s normal. In therapy, that’s called “transference.” 

You tell us what brought you here, what’s on your mind, or what you’d like to change. We’ll ask you a few questions to better understand your situation. We’ll address your concerns. And we’ll assess whether therapy can help you and what the process would look like. You’ll leave with a clear idea of what to expect and a framework for moving forward.

Because before you spend any money, we want you to get to know us and be sure that this is what you're looking for. It's an opportunity for both of us: you see if you feel comfortable, and we assess whether we can help you. And then we each make our own decision.

There is no set answer. It will depend on the assessment made by the team member. However, it is always recommended—at least at the beginning—to have one psychotherapy session per week.

Some people need more intensity than others; others need flexibility and more space. Every person is different, and so is the treatment. 

We work with most psychological issues: anxiety in its various forms, depression, trauma, grief, eating disorders, OCD, addictions, self-esteem issues, relationship conflicts, family difficulties… If you’re not sure whether your situation falls within the scope of what we do, just ask us. We’ll honestly tell you whether we can help you or if we need to refer you to another resource.

It might feel a little strange at first, yes. But most people get used to it right away. At the end of the day, it's just a conversation, and what matters is what's said, not the medium. Many people even prefer online conversations because they feel more relaxed in their own space.

Whenever you want. You're not tied to a specific format. If you start online and then decide you’d rather come in, or vice versa, that’s no problem. We’re located in the center of Madrid, in the Chamberí neighborhood. Of course, you’d need to talk to the professional treating you to discuss this in detail. 

There's no standard answer. Some people need just a few sessions to resolve a specific issue, while others go through a longer process. During the first session, we'll give you a rough idea based on your situation, but that's just what it is—a rough idea.

It's usual to come once a week, especially at first. Later on, you can space out your sessions to every two weeks. But it also depends on your schedule and what you're working on. You can decide this with your therapist. We'll see how it goes.

We don't work directly with insurance companies, but we'll provide you with an invoice so you can submit it to your insurance provider if they offer reimbursement. Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover individual therapy sessions with private psychologists in Madrid.

Sleep disorders are one of the most common and distressing symptoms of depression. The most common forms are late-night insomnia (waking up early at 3–4 a.m. and being unable to fall back asleep, accompanied by negative thoughts) and initial insomnia (difficulty falling asleep due to rumination). However, in some types of depression—especially atypical depression and dysthymia—hypersomnia may occur: the person sleeps much more than usual without feeling rested. Non-restorative sleep is particularly characteristic of depression, and improvement in this area is often one of the first signs of a response to treatment.

Yes, and it’s very common. Comorbidity between depression and anxiety is the rule rather than the exception: the most common comorbid disorder in major depression is generalized anxiety disorder. It is estimated that between 45% and 60% of people with a depressive disorder also have an anxiety disorder. This combination worsens the prognosis if not properly addressed, but the psychological treatments with the strongest evidence (cognitive-behavioral therapy) are effective for both disorders simultaneously. At MadridPsicoterapia, we have a specific page on depression and anxiety that you may find helpful.

Yes, although not in the strict sense of concurrent diagnoses. The most common scenario is what is known as a “double depressive disorder”: a person with dysthymia (F34.1) who also develops an additional episode of major depression. In these cases, the clinical picture is more complex and requires a more intensive approach. It is also possible for a person with major depression to develop dysthymic-like symptoms once the acute episode has remitted (chronic residual symptoms). Differential diagnosis and clinical follow-up are essential for detecting these patterns and adjusting treatment.

Seasonal depression is a real disorder with a neurobiological basis, although its recognition as a separate diagnosis is relatively recent. It is associated with reduced sunlight during the fall and winter months, which disrupts circadian rhythms and the production of melatonin and serotonin. Treatment includes light therapy (exposure to high-intensity artificial light), psychotherapy (especially cognitive-behavioral therapy), and, in some cases, medication. It is important to distinguish it from the normal sadness that many people feel during the winter months, which does not meet the diagnostic criteria for a depressive episode.

The clinical types of depression are the same in men and women, but there are differences in presentation and prevalence. Women are twice as likely to develop major depression, possibly due to hormonal, social, and psychological factors. Postpartum depression is specific to the postpartum period in women, although fathers may also experience depressive symptoms during this time. In men, depression tends to manifest as increased irritability, risky behaviors, alcohol or substance use, and a greater reluctance to seek help, which makes diagnosis more difficult. At MadridPsicoterapia, we treat people of all genders and ages.

It's very simple. Call 919 932 920 (toll-free, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) and we'll let you know about availability and the process. During the first session, we’ll conduct a thorough assessment of your situation—without rushing or jumping to conclusions. At the end of that initial consultation, we’ll give you honest feedback on what’s going on and propose a treatment plan. You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong with you to make an appointment—that’s what we’re here for.

It’s an honest question that deserves an honest answer. Psychotherapy can stir up difficult emotions, especially at the beginning, when painful aspects of a person’s personal history or current functioning are addressed. However, good psychologists know how to manage that emotional intensity at a pace that’s right for each person: it never moves faster than the person can handle. Over time, therapy not only reduces pain but also increases tolerance for difficult emotions and the ability to regulate them. Many patients describe therapy sessions not as painful but as a space of relief and understanding.

A clinical psychologist provides psychotherapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, mindfulness, etc.) and does not prescribe medication. A psychiatrist is a medical specialist in mental health and can prescribe antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and other psychiatric drugs. Both can diagnose depression, but their therapeutic tools are different and complementary. For mild and moderate depression, psychotherapy alone is the recommended treatment. For severe depression or cases that do not respond to psychotherapy, psychiatric intervention may be necessary. At MadridPsicoterapia, we work in coordination with psychiatrists when the case requires it.

Some benzodiazepine anxiolytics (such as diazepam or lorazepam), if used chronically, can have adverse effects on mood and worsen depression in the long term. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the most commonly used class of antidepressants for the comorbid condition of depression and anxiety, as they have been shown to be effective for both disorders simultaneously. Prescriptions are always issued by a physician or psychiatrist. At MadridPsicoterapia, we work in coordination with each patient’s physician or psychiatrist to ensure consistency between pharmacological and psychological treatment.

Depression-anxiety comorbidity can be more complex to treat than each disorder on its own, mainly because it requires a more comprehensive approach and because the prognosis without treatment is worse. However, with appropriate treatment—an integrated therapeutic plan that addresses both components—people with comorbidity achieve positive outcomes. The key lies in a thorough differential diagnosis and in not limiting treatment to the more visible disorder while leaving the other unaddressed. At MadridPsicoterapia, we assess both dimensions from the very first consultation.

Yes. The relationship between depression and anxiety is bidirectional: untreated chronic anxiety can develop into depression (the exhaustion caused by prolonged anxiety-related hyperarousal contributes to depression). In turn, depression can lead to anxiety: the inability to function caused by depression triggers worries and fear about the future, which in turn fuel anxiety. This cycle can take hold quickly and become self-perpetuating, underscoring the importance of early intervention. At MadridPsicoterapia in Chamberí, we identify these cycles during the initial assessment and address them in the treatment plan.