English-speaking psychiatrist in Lisbon for expats

Moving country brings novelty, but also the loss of support networks, another language, another health system and, often, the interruption of care that was working.

Consultations in your language

Consultations can be held in Portuguese, English or Spanish. Talking about emotions, memories or symptoms in the language you think in makes the assessment more accurate and the therapeutic relationship closer. Reports can be written in English, when useful for other doctors or for insurance.

Portuguese
English
Spanish
Reports in English
No referral needed

Consultations and reports in the language you feel most comfortable with.

How psychiatry works in Portugal

National Health Service (SNS): with a health user number, access usually starts at the local health centre, through the family doctor, who can refer to the hospital psychiatry clinic. Waiting times can be long.
Private consultation: you can book directly with a psychiatrist, without a referral.
Health insurance: many policies cover specialist consultations, with co-payment or reimbursement rules that vary. It is worth checking the conditions with your insurer.
Advice line: the SNS 24 line (808 24 24 24) gives guidance on health problems at any time.

Medication and prescriptions

In Portugal prescriptions are electronic and can be filled at any pharmacy in the country. Medicines may have different brand names from those in your home country, or may not be marketed in Portugal, so what matters is the name of the active substance and the dose. Some medicines, such as those used for ADHD and others under special control, have their own prescribing and dispensing rules.

Continuing treatment started in another country

For a safe transition, bring to the first consultation:

previous medical reports and diagnoses, preferably in English, Spanish or Portuguese;
a list of your current medication, with the name of the active substance, the dose and how long you have been taking it;
information about previous treatments that worked or were not tolerated;
a supply of medication for a few weeks, to avoid interruptions while the plan is reviewed.

Do not stop or change your medication on your own because of the move. Some abrupt stops can cause discontinuation symptoms or relapse.

ADHD and other assessments

Many adults look in Portugal for an assessment or for continued treatment of ADHD, anxiety or depression. The assessment can be carried out entirely in English or Spanish and, when there is a previous diagnosis, builds on the existing documentation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I book a consultation without a health user number?

Yes. A private consultation does not require a health user number or a referral from a family doctor.

Is a prescription from my country valid in Portugal?

It depends on the country and the medicine. To ensure continuity, the safest option is to have a prescription issued in Portugal after a consultation.

Can reports be written in English?

Yes. When useful for insurance, for other doctors or for returning to your home country, reports can be written in English.

References

Serviço Nacional de Saúde. SNS 24: Portuguese National Health Service contact centre and portal.
INFARMED. Infomed: database of medicinal products for human use authorised in Portugal.
Directive 2011/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare.

This page is for information only and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Clinical review: Pedro Zuzarte, psychiatrist · Published and reviewed: 1 October 2026.

Psychiatrist for expats in Portugal