English-speaking helplines in Spain. What to call when you need support
Living in Spain can feel overwhelming at times. This is especially true when something urgent happens and you need help quickly.
If Spanish is not your first language, it can be harder to explain what is going on. In stressful moments, your brain often switches to your native language. That is normal.
This guide gives you clear, practical numbers you can call in English across Spain.
For a more detailed directory, head over to our crisis resources page.
Emergency services
If you are in immediate danger, call:
• 112
This is Spain’s main emergency number. It connects you to police, ambulance, or fire services.
English-speaking operators are available.
Mental health and emotional support
If you are struggling, support is available 24 hours a day:
• 024
National suicide prevention line. Open 24 hours. English support available.
• Samaritans in Spain: 900 525 100
Support for loneliness, depression, anxiety, grief, or thoughts of self-harm.
• Suicide Prevention Line: 911 385 385
Staffed by mental health professionals, including psychologists and psychiatrists and available in English.
Social and practical support
• Spanish Red Cross: 902 222 292
Support for non-urgent situations such as social needs, health, and practical assistance.
• Age in Spain: 932 20 97 41
Available Tuesday to Thursday, 11:00 to 13:00.
Support with residency, healthcare, and loneliness.
Safety and crisis situations
• Gender violence support: 016
Also via WhatsApp: 600 000 016
Email: 016-online@msssi.es
Free, confidential, 24 hours, English available.
• Missing children support: 116 000
Emotional and practical support if your child is missing.
This is not for reporting. Contact police for that.
• Crime victim support: 900 150 909
Advice and support after a crime. Free. English available.
Coast and sea emergencies
• Maritime Rescue: 900 202 202
For emergencies at sea or on the coast.
You can also call 112.
Additional support
• Al-Anon
Offers support groups for families affected by alcohol use. Local numbers vary.
• Embassies and consulates
You can contact your country’s embassy for help in your language.
• Banks
Many major banks such as CaixaBank, Banco Santander, and Bankinter offer English-language customer support.
What to do next
Save these numbers in your phone. Do it now, not when you are in crisis.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, you do not have to manage it alone. Reaching out early can reduce distress and help you think more clearly.
If you are looking for ongoing support in English, therapy can help you build tools to manage stress, anxiety, and life transitions in Spain.
Leigh Matthews is a Registered Australian Psychologist and the founder of Therapy in Barcelona, a group practice of highly qualified international therapists that has served the English-speaking international community in Barcelona since 2011. What started as a solo practice born from her own experience as an expat has grown into a team of highly skilled, English-speaking therapists from around the world.
Today, Leigh’s focus is on leading her remarkable international team of therapists, driving the business forward, and mentoring the next generation of practitioners. Through Therapist Launchpad Consultations, she works with therapists who want to build practices that are both ethical and sustainable.
Visit Leigh’s LinkedIn Profile
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