Choosing the format
When can an online consultation help?
Video makes it possible to discuss your difficulties and review treatment without travelling to Marbella. It can be useful for a first assessment, ongoing care or a medication review when a clear conversation and the necessary clinical information are available.
The decision depends on you, not just the diagnosis. We consider how you are feeling now, your safety, previous treatment, physical health, communication needs and the support available where you are. If we need an examination, physical monitoring or more information, we plan how to obtain it.
Online care does not have to be permanent. The format can change as your needs change, including an in-person consultation in Marbella or coordination with services closer to you.
The doctor you will meet
Personal psychiatric care, with a clear clinical purpose
I am Dr. Cristóbal López Martín, a specialist in Psychiatry based in Marbella, with more than 25 years of clinical experience. My registration number with the Málaga Medical Association is 29-8805. I offer consultations in English and Spanish.
My approach starts with your account of what is happening, alongside your medical history, current treatments and everyday circumstances. We discuss the options, their possible benefits and drawbacks, and what needs reviewing. Medication is one possible part of care; psychological treatment, practical changes, further assessment or coordination with another professional may also matter.
Read about my professional background and how I organise consultations (in Spanish). For an introduction in English, see my Marbella practice.
A clear sequence
Before, during and after your appointment
1. Arrange the right appointment
Tell the secretariat whether this is a first consultation or follow-up, your age and the country where you will be during the call. Confirm suitability, availability, fees and booking conditions. Ask how to provide relevant reports.
2. Talk through the whole picture
We discuss symptoms, history, physical health, medicines and how things are affecting your life. Questions and uncertainty are welcome. We agree whether we have enough information or need further assessment.
3. Agree the next steps
We review the options and what they involve. If treatment is started or changed, the plan includes what to monitor and when to review it. Ask for clarification whenever an instruction is unclear.
| Appointment | Time / fee | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| First consultation | 90 minutes · €150 | Understand your history, current concerns and assessment needs. |
| Follow-up | 60 minutes · €120 | Review changes, progress and difficulties; adjust the care plan. |
| Medication review, when appropriate | 30 minutes · €90 | Focus on an established treatment and its monitoring. |
These formats are not a compulsory 90–60–30 package or a promise of a diagnosis at the first visit. The appropriate appointment depends on what needs assessing. Fees are the same online and in person. The consultation report is included. An extended 90-minute follow-up costs €150. Special clinical reports are charged separately, indicatively from €50 depending on scope; the exact fee is agreed in advance. The secretariat confirms payment and booking conditions. See fees and conditions (in Spanish).
Practical preparation
Give yourself a private space to talk
- Have a phone, tablet or computer with a working camera and microphone, stable internet and enough battery.
- Choose a quiet, well-lit place. Put the device on a stable surface and avoid taking the call while driving or in public.
- Keep your medication list, doses, allergies and relevant medical or psychological reports nearby. Include non-prescription products or supplements.
- Write down two or three concerns you most want us to understand. There is no need to prepare a perfect account.
- Check the connection instructions in advance and let the practice know if you need help with hearing, language or technology.
Treatment decisions
Medication needs assessment and monitoring
A video appointment is a medical consultation. Prescribing depends on the assessment, adequate information and the monitoring a medicine requires. Booking an appointment does not guarantee a prescription, a particular medicine or an immediate change to your existing treatment.
Bring the details of treatment prescribed by other clinicians. Some medicines require physical checks, blood tests or other follow-up that cannot be completed through a screen. We discuss how to obtain what is necessary and, with the appropriate consent, how to coordinate with your usual doctor or therapist.
If medication is indicated, we explain the instructions, potential adverse effects and review arrangements. Issuing a prescription and obtaining the medicine are separate steps, subject to the medicine and applicable rules. See medication reviews and prescribing for related information.
If your usual doctor is unavailable
If your usual psychiatrist is away or unavailable, you can ask for an assessment of your current treatment. Tell us how much medication remains and bring your latest prescription, treatment plan and relevant reports. We review your history, response and any changes before deciding what is appropriate. If an existing prescription is still active, a pharmacist can check whether it allows another supply; retrieving that document is different from requesting a new prescription.
The practice uses REMPe for private electronic prescriptions in Spain. When medication is indicated, you can use the treatment sheet supplied for dispensing; installing the REMPe patient app is optional. Renewal is a medical decision, so an appointment does not guarantee a prescription or immediate access. For practical steps and common problems, read the Spanish guide to private electronic prescriptions.
Young people and families
Online consultations for adolescents aged 12 and over
We assess whether video is suitable for the young person and their current needs. The adolescent's own account matters, alongside relevant information from parents or guardians. We explain how family participation, consent and confidentiality will work under the requirements that apply in Spain.
Private time to speak, who is present at home and how to obtain help if needed are part of planning the consultation. Confidentiality has legal and safety limits, which should be explained in language the young person understands. A video call may need to be complemented or replaced by an in-person assessment.
Families can read the guide to a first adolescent psychiatric appointment (in Spanish).
Location and continuity
If you travel or live outside Spain
This page describes online psychiatric care for people in Spain. If you will be in another country, tell the practice before booking or travelling. We need to check whether remote care can be provided in your circumstances, including clinical follow-up and the requirements that apply where you are.
A Spanish address, nationality or previous appointment does not by itself resolve cross-border care or prescribing. Do not assume that a Spanish prescription will be accepted abroad. If online care cannot be arranged, we discuss appropriate next steps for continuity.
Immediate help
When you need help now
Scheduled online appointments and administrative messages are not an emergency service. If there is an immediate risk of harm, a suspected overdose, severe confusion or another medical emergency in Spain, call 112 or attend the nearest emergency department. If you are abroad, use local emergency services.
Spain's 024 helpline offers support for suicidal thoughts and people close to someone at risk. It does not replace 112 or medical assessment. For a situation that needs prompt clinical assessment without an immediate emergency, see how priority psychiatric appointments are arranged. Availability must be confirmed; do not wait for a WhatsApp reply if you are unsafe.
Related care
Explore the support that fits your concerns
Your questions
Questions about online psychiatry in Spain
Is an online appointment right for me?
Video can be appropriate for a first assessment or a follow-up, but it is not the right format for every person or every stage of care. We consider your symptoms, safety, communication needs and whether an examination or physical checks are needed. If an in-person assessment would be more useful or safer, we discuss the next step.
Can you prescribe medication after an online consultation?
Medication may be prescribed when the assessment supports it and the necessary information and monitoring are available. The practice uses REMPe for private electronic prescriptions in Spain; the patient app is optional. A booking does not guarantee a prescription, renewal or a particular medicine. Some treatments need physical checks or coordination with a local clinician. Contact the practice before your medication runs out; availability and the appropriate next step must be confirmed.
What if I am outside Spain on the day of the appointment?
Tell the practice which country you will be physically in before booking or travelling. Nationality or a Spanish home address does not settle whether care can be provided remotely. We need to check clinical suitability, follow-up arrangements and the requirements that apply to your location before confirming a consultation. Do not assume a Spanish prescription will be dispensed abroad.
What do I need for the video consultation?
Have a device with a working camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection and a quiet, private place. Keep your current medication list and relevant reports nearby. Check the connection instructions supplied for your appointment and make sure the practice has a telephone number where you can be reached if the call is interrupted.
How is my privacy protected?
Medical confidentiality applies to online care, with the same legal and safety limits as other medical consultations. Choose a private place, tell me who else is present and ask about the appointment platform or handling of records if you have concerns. Use the contact channels to arrange care; ask which channel to use before sending reports or detailed health information.
Can adolescents have an online appointment?
Online appointments can be considered for adolescents aged 12 and over. Suitability, participation of parents or guardians, consent and safeguarding are assessed individually under the requirements that apply in Spain. We explain what can remain private and when information may need to be shared for safety; age alone does not determine the entire arrangement.
How long are appointments, and how much do they cost?
An initial 90-minute consultation costs €150. A 60-minute follow-up costs €120, and a 30-minute medication review, when appropriate, costs €90. An extended 90-minute follow-up costs €150. Fees are the same online and in person, with the consultation report included. These are appointment formats, not a compulsory package. Special reports are charged separately, indicatively from €50. The secretariat confirms payment and booking conditions before you book.
Do I need an existing diagnosis to book?
No. You can ask for an assessment because you have noticed a change in your mood, sleep, anxiety or day-to-day functioning. Previous diagnoses and reports can be useful, but the consultation starts with your current concerns and history. An assessment may lead to further questions, information or checks before a conclusion is reached.
You can begin by asking about an appointment
Tell us whether you are looking for a first assessment or follow-up and where you will be during the call. The secretariat can help you clarify the practical details before confirming a booking.
Sources informing this guide: NHS practical information on video consultations and GMC principles for remote consultations. These UK resources inform the general explanation of preparation and suitability; the practice is based in Spain and the requirements applicable to each consultation govern care. Prescription information also draws on REMPe patient guidance and Spain’s prescription regulations (in Spanish).