A GENTLE NOTE IF YOU’RE COMING FROM TRAUMA

When a doctor refers you to a sexologist in Spain, it usually means they recognize that your concern involves sexual health, intimacy, or emotional well-being connected to sexuality — and that these issues are best addressed by a professional with specialized training in sexology.

This referral can happen through public healthcare (Sistema Nacional de Salud) or through a private system, and the process looks a little different in each.

Let’s go through it step by step, including why a doctor might refer you, how the system works, and what you can expect next.

🩺 WHY A DOCTOR MIGHT REFER YOU TO A SEXOLOGIST

Doctors — whether a GP (médico de cabecera), gynecologist, urologist, or psychiatrist — may refer you to a sexologist if you’re experiencing any of the following:

🔹 Medical or Physical Concerns

Pain during sex (dyspareunia, vaginismus)
Erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation
Hormonal changes affecting desire (e.g., menopause, post-cancer treatment)
Difficulty with arousal, lubrication, or orgasm

🔹 Emotional and Relational Issues

Fear or aversion to sex after trauma
Lack of sexual desire or intimacy in a relationship
Shame, guilt, or anxiety related to sex
Trouble communicating sexual needs or boundaries

🔹 Identity or Orientation Exploration

Questions around sexual identity, orientation, or gender
Confusion or distress about attractions or fantasies
Navigating non-traditional relationship styles

🔹 Recovery After Abuse or Trauma

Wanting to rebuild trust with your body or a partner
Needing space to understand past experiences in a safe, non-judgmental way

🏥 HOW THE REFERRAL PROCESS WORKS IN SPAIN

🟢 1. In the Public Healthcare System (Seguridad Social)

✅ When it’s available:

Some autonomous communities (regions) offer public access to sexologists through public health centers, especially in:
- Madrid (e.g., the Centro Joven de Anticoncepción y Sexualidad)
- Catalonia, Andalusia, Basque Country, etc.
You must go through your GP (médico de cabecera) first, who will:
- Assess your concerns
- Refer you to a psychologist or sexologist, if available
- Request a consultation with mental health if there’s trauma or mood impact

⚠️ Limitations:

Availability is limited and waiting lists can be long.
Not every center has a dedicated sexologist — sometimes you are referred to a clinical psychologist who specializes in sexology.

🔵 2. In the Private Healthcare System

If you’re using private insurance (like Adeslas, Sanitas, Asisa) or paying out of pocket:

A doctor (GP, gynecologist, etc.) can still refer you formally or informally to a sexologist.
Some insurance plans partially cover sessions with sexologists who are also licensed psychologists or psychiatrists.
In most cases, you can contact the sexologist directly and make an appointment without a referral — but it helps to have one if you’re claiming reimbursement.

🤝 WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE REFERRAL?

✅ In most cases, you’ll:

Receive the referral document or internal system appointment (if public).
Get contact information for the sexologist or psychology unit.
Be given an appointment date — in person or online.
Have a first session where you’ll discuss your concerns in a safe, non-judgmental space.

A good sexologist will:

Take time to understand your story, history, and emotional context
Work with you to define your goals (e.g., feel more connected to your body, enjoy intimacy again, reduce anxiety, rebuild after trauma)
Use approaches like sex education, emotional processing, trauma-informed talk therapy, body-based exercises, or couples work

💶 HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Type	Cost	Notes
Public Health Referral	Free	Limited availability; may see a psychologist with sexology focus
Private Insurance	€0–€50 (copay)	Depends on policy; ask insurer
Private Pay	€40–€90/session	Often more flexibility and privacy