Israel – Mental Health

How is mental health generally viewed and talked about in Israel?

Israeli society is exceptionally varied, and perspectives on mental health differ widely across its many communities. A combination of distinctive cultural, social, and religious structures shapes both the prevalence of psychological distress and the willingness of different groups to seek help. Israel is simultaneously a Westernised modern state and a country with deep religious and traditional roots — a duality that produces sharply different attitudes toward mental wellbeing depending on who you are speaking with, where they live, and how they practise their faith.

Among religiously observant populations — including Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jews and devout Muslims — there can be reluctance to engage with mental health services, partly due to concerns about whether practitioners will be sensitive to their specific values and way of life. Research has confirmed that these communities are statistically less likely to seek formal psychological support. For expats arriving from countries where therapy carries little social stigma, this aspect of Israeli society may come as a surprise, though it is worth noting that secular and younger urban communities, especially in cities like Tel Aviv, tend to have considerably more open and accepting attitudes.

Research has repeatedly found that mental health stigma remains a notable feature of Israeli society. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened psychological wellbeing for many Israelis, and widespread stigma around mental illness was documented — though some studies found that attitudes softened during lockdown periods, possibly as a result of shared national hardship fostering greater empathy. This points to a gradual, if uneven, evolution in social attitudes.

The outbreak of war in October 2023 has pushed mental health into the public spotlight in a way not previously seen. Eleven months into the conflict, Health Minister Uriel Buso characterised it as “the largest mental health event the state has known since its establishment,” calling for systemic reforms and a fundamental shift in public attitudes. The intensity of this national conversation has made seeking help more socially acceptable than in previous periods, particularly in cities and among younger generations. For expats, this environment can reduce the awkwardness of admitting to struggling and seeking professional support.

Israel is also a country where nearly one in five residents was born abroad, meaning that culturally diverse frameworks around mental health and help-seeking are part of the social fabric. Expats who move to Israel are joining a long-established tradition of newcomers learning to find their footing within these systems.

What mental health services are publicly available in Israel, and how does the system work?

The foundation of Israel’s healthcare system is the National Health Insurance Law of 1995, which requires every resident of the country to enrol in one of four official health insurance funds — the Kupot Holim — which function as non-profit organisations and are legally prohibited from turning away any Israeli resident seeking membership. Mental health care is fully integrated into this framework.

All residents of Israel are entitled to psychiatric, psychological, and social work services under the terms of the National Health Insurance Law. Additional entitlements may apply based on age, mental health status, and other relevant factors. Since 2015, the responsibility for delivering these services has rested with the Kupot Holim. This is broadly analogous to how mental health is woven into universal systems such as France’s Assurance Maladie or Canada’s provincial health plans, although the specific entitlements and referral pathways are quite different.

Publicly funded ambulatory (outpatient) mental health care is delivered through four types of settings within the Kupot Holim. These are multidisciplinary clinics offering psychiatric, psychological, and rehabilitation services, staffed by psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and in some cases occupational therapists, art therapists, and dietitians. Clinicians within these settings can consult one another, and group therapy is available at certain centres.

There is no charge beyond standard HMO membership fees for services within these clinics. If you would rather see a therapist who is independently affiliated with your Kupat Holim — rather than attending a clinic directly — the first session costs approximately NIS 55 and each subsequent session around NIS 132 (as of 2024). Each health fund maintains a directory of affiliated independent therapists, which may include details of the languages each practitioner works in. You can approach these therapists directly to find a suitable match and book an appointment.

Unlike systems such as the UK’s NHS, where a GP referral is generally required before psychiatric care can be accessed, Israel’s system does not require any referral, commitment form, or upfront payment for emergency visits to psychiatric emergency rooms at mental health centres. For routine outpatient care, a referral from within the health fund system is typically expected. Importantly, the volume of psychotherapy sessions covered is not capped; each patient receives treatment according to the clinical judgement of their therapist, based on their individual needs.

That said, getting started can involve a significant wait, and your freedom to choose a specific therapist may be limited within the public system. Lengthy waiting lists are common, and private psychiatrists often have more immediate availability. For current information about clinic locations and how to access the system, contact the Israel Ministry of Health helpline on *5400 or 08-6241010.

Is private therapy or counselling available in Israel, and what does it cost?

Private mental health services are abundantly available in Israel, especially in the major urban centres of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Be’er Sheva. Many expats turn to private care because it offers quicker access, more freedom in selecting a practitioner, and a significantly better chance of finding someone who works in their language of choice. The trade-off is cost, which can be considerable compared to the near-free public alternative.

Private therapy sessions typically range from NIS 300 to NIS 450 at the lower end, climbing to NIS 700 per session for more experienced or specialised practitioners (as of 2024). At 2024–2025 exchange rates, NIS 300–700 translates to roughly USD $80–$190 per session — a range broadly comparable to private therapy costs in major European cities, though fees should always be confirmed directly with the practitioner as they can vary.

A crucial point for expats to understand is that the title of “therapist” or “psychotherapist” is unregulated in Israel. This means that anyone can establish a private practice and advertise themselves as a therapist without holding any formal qualifications. This stands in contrast to countries such as Germany, France, and Australia, where the term psychotherapist carries legal protection. Before committing to a private practitioner, always verify their credentials. Psychologists registered with the Israeli Psychology Association, licensed clinical social workers, and psychiatrists are the most reliably regulated categories of professional. The Ministry of Health website publishes registers of licensed professionals for this purpose.

Organisations including Hakshiva and Emuna offer therapeutic services at a subsidised rate of approximately NIS 150 per session, filling a useful gap for those who cannot shoulder full private costs but find the public system too slow or inflexible. As pricing can change, verify current fees directly with each organisation before booking.

Private therapy also typically offers greater scheduling flexibility and more scope to build a consistent relationship with a single practitioner — both of which matter particularly for those seeking care in a language other than Hebrew.

Are there English-speaking therapists or counselling services available in Israel?

English-speaking therapists are available in Israel, especially in cities that attract large numbers of immigrants and expats, but locating one — particularly through the public system — takes effort. Reports from patients suggest that requests for an English-speaking therapist through the Kupat Holim do not always result in one being found, and the waiting lists already inherent in the system add a further layer of difficulty. The private sector is considerably more accommodating in this respect.

Get Help Israel connects those who prefer to work in English with verified mental health professionals, alongside resources and practical guidance on navigating Israel’s mental health system. Their directory is available at gethelpisrael.com and can be filtered by language, area of specialisation, and location. Practitioners listed must meet the professional standards established by the Israel Association of Mental Health Professionals.

KeepOlim’s Tikva programme brings together more than 70 experienced, qualified therapists — all immigrants themselves — who collectively speak more than 15 languages and have firsthand understanding of the challenges of settling in a new country. Sessions cost up to NIS 150, paid directly to the therapist, with a sliding scale available for those who cannot afford this amount. Further information and session requests are available at keepolim.org/tikva.

Machon Dvir has broadened its remit to support all young adults aged 18–25 who wish to receive care in English. With clinics in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh, the organisation specialises in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) delivered in English. Visit machondvir.org for further details.

Kav L’Noar Lamerchav, a mental health clinic located in Ramat Beit Shemesh, provides free outpatient psychotherapy in English for residents of the Beit Shemesh area and surrounding communities. Services are covered by most Kupot Holim — check current eligibility directly with the clinic. It is also worth asking your health fund to provide a filtered list of affiliated independent therapists who work in English in your area, as the Kupah’s practitioner directory may include language information for each listed professional.

What support organisations or mental health charities operate in Israel?

A number of active mental health organisations, charities, and NGOs operate across Israel. The most relevant for expats are listed below:

• ERAN (Emotional First Aid by Telephone) — Israel’s principal crisis and emotional support service, operating around the clock every day of the year. ERAN is reachable on *1201, via WhatsApp, or through live chat at en.eran.org.il. The service is free, immediate, requires no Hebrew, and maintains complete confidentiality without judgement.
• Enosh — The Israeli Mental Health Association — One of Israel’s most prominent mental health NGOs, Enosh advocates on behalf of people living with psychiatric disabilities and runs a range of community-based programmes. The organisation also coordinates national mental health conferences and public awareness initiatives. Further information is available at enosh.org.il.
• KeepOlim (Tikva Programme) — A central pillar of KeepOlim’s work is ensuring that all new immigrants (Olim) can access free or low-cost mental health counselling in their native language. KeepOlim additionally runs a 24/7 Tikva Line providing emotional support to any Oleh or Lone Soldier in immediate need. Visit keepolim.org for details.
• Ezer Mizion — A large health-services NGO that, among its many activities, operates a 24-hour crisis hotline for serious mental health emergencies and runs rehabilitative employment centres. It has a nationwide presence, employs some English-speaking clinicians, and is well embedded in local communities.
• Get Help Israel / Israel Association of Mental Health Professionals — A membership association for mental health professionals that maintains a directory helping people find verified, qualified practitioners. Visit gethelpisrael.com.
• NATAL — Israel’s Trauma and Resiliency Centre — A non-profit dedicated to providing psychological treatment and support for those affected by trauma arising from war and terrorism. Visit natal.org.il/en.
• The Brookdale Institute (JDC-Israel) — A leading applied social research centre that produces policy-relevant research on mental health service delivery in Israel. Its publications are a useful resource for understanding where gaps in provision exist and where policy is heading. Visit brookdale.jdc.org.il/en.

Israel’s National Mental Health Strategy 2023–2028 sets out plans to expand community-based support, mental health programmes in schools, and workplace wellness resources — signalling a clear policy trajectory toward greater investment in non-clinical mental health support over the years ahead.

What should expats do in a mental health crisis in Israel?

If you or someone nearby is experiencing a mental health emergency in Israel, it is vital to know the key numbers and how the crisis response system functions before you ever need them. Israel’s system includes psychiatric emergency services that can be accessed without prior registration or payment.

1. Call the general emergency number (101 or 100): Dial 101 to reach Magen David Adom — Israel’s national ambulance and emergency medical service — or 100 for the police when there is immediate danger to life. Both services can dispatch emergency responders and arrange transport to a hospital psychiatric unit.
2. Call ERAN for emotional crisis support: ERAN’s helpline operates on *1201 and is also accessible via WhatsApp and online chat at en.eran.org.il. The service costs nothing, runs continuously around the clock, requires no knowledge of Hebrew, and is fully confidential and non-judgemental. Trained volunteers can support callers in English and a range of other languages.
3. Go directly to a psychiatric emergency room: Inpatient care is available in psychiatric wards within general hospitals and in dedicated psychiatric hospitals. No referral, commitment form, or payment is required to access psychiatric emergency services at mental health centres — a relatively straightforward arrangement compared with systems in other countries where a GP referral is mandatory even for urgent psychiatric presentations.
4. Contact your Kupat Holim emergency mental health line: During periods of national emergency, the HMOs have provided short-term telephone therapy sessions and dedicated mental health hotlines. Each fund maintains its own 24-hour member support line — consult your Kupat Holim membership card or website to find the number specific to your health fund.
5. Call KeepOlim’s Tikva Line: KeepOlim’s qualified therapists have responded to hundreds of calls involving acute suicidal crisis, providing real-time support, reaching out to family members abroad, and accompanying individuals to hospital when needed. Their 24/7 line is built specifically for immigrants and newly arrived residents.
6. Contact your home country’s embassy or consulate: Most embassies based in Israel have welfare contact points and can help link you with appropriate local services, particularly where language presents a barrier to accessing care independently.

Additional crisis resources include the Jerusalem Municipality, which maintains a list of local mental health helplines and dedicated support for new immigrants in English, Russian, Spanish, French, and Amharic. For non-emergency mental health enquiries or complaints, call the Ministry of Health on *5400 or 08-6241010.

Are online or remote therapy options accessible from Israel?

Teletherapy and digital mental health support have expanded markedly in Israel, within both the public and private sectors. This growth is particularly useful for expats seeking care in their preferred language, or those living in areas where local practitioners are scarce.

Leumit, one of the four main Kupot Holim, provides remote mental health services including therapeutic sessions delivered by certified practitioners via video or telephone, alongside a dedicated three-session telephone support service. Contact Leumit’s customer service on 1700-507507 for current details. The other health funds offer comparable digital services — consult your specific Kupat Holim’s website for up-to-date options.

Maccabi’s online psychiatric offering encompasses tele-psychiatry covering one intake session, four psychiatric consultations, and sixteen follow-up sessions per year, all provided at no additional cost to members. The breadth of this provision is comparable to the most generous telepsychiatry packages found in European universal healthcare systems.

Technological advances in mental health care are helping to address both the shortage of available therapists and the burden of long waiting times, widening access for patients who might otherwise go without support. The past few years have seen a marked increase in the number of online mental health platforms operating in and around Israel.

International teletherapy platforms such as BetterHelp and Talkspace are technically accessible from Israel, and some expats use them to maintain an established therapeutic relationship with a practitioner in their home country. However, there are important considerations: therapists who are licensed only in their home jurisdiction may face professional and legal restrictions when delivering ongoing care to someone living in another country. If you intend to use an international platform, confirm that your therapist understands the implications of cross-border care delivery, and check whether your insurer — if you have one — will reimburse sessions conducted by an overseas-licensed practitioner. For the most current guidance, consult the Israel Ministry of Health.

The Ministry of Health is actively developing policy around digital therapeutics, including frameworks for integrating such technologies into the public health system and establishing dedicated funding channels. The range of publicly funded digital mental health options is therefore likely to broaden in the coming years.

How do expats typically navigate health insurance for mental health treatment in Israel?

Israel delivers universal healthcare through four competing non-profit health funds, with comprehensive coverage that encompasses mental health, prescriptions, and emergency care. New immigrants benefit from particularly generous provisions, including free coverage for up to one year. For most registered residents and newly arrived immigrants, a baseline level of mental health coverage is therefore in place from the moment they register.

The majority of Israelis — over 80% — purchase supplementary insurance in order to access enhanced services and avoid long waiting times. These supplementary plans, sold under names such as Shaban (the basic supplementary tier) or branded offerings like Meuhedet/Maccabi Gold and their equivalents from other funds, frequently include expanded mental health benefits such as reduced co-payments, access to a broader network of private practitioners, or faster referral pathways. Review the mental health provisions of any supplementary plan with care before committing to it.

Expats who are not yet enrolled with a Kupat Holim — for example, those on short-term visas or still working through the registration process — will not have access to the public mental health system. If you are visiting Israel or remain outside the health fund system for any reason, you will not be entitled to services through the Kupot Holim. In this situation, comprehensive international private health insurance becomes essential, and you should ensure your policy explicitly covers outpatient mental health treatment — not only emergency psychiatric care.

When reviewing private international health insurance policies, pay particular attention to the following mental health-specific provisions:

• Whether outpatient psychotherapy and psychiatry sessions are covered, and whether an annual session limit applies
• Whether pre-existing mental health conditions are excluded or subject to waiting periods before coverage begins
• Whether teletherapy sessions are covered, and whether this extends to therapists licensed in a country other than Israel
• Whether inpatient psychiatric admission is covered, and what the maximum cost limit is

Israel’s National Health Insurance Law includes mental health parity provisions, meaning the four Kupot Holim are required to provide mental health services as part of their standard benefits basket. However, private supplementary insurance plans and international insurers are not bound by the same framework. Always confirm current policy terms directly with your insurer. For regulatory questions about health insurance in Israel, contact the Israel Capital Market, Insurance and Savings Authority, which is responsible for overseeing health insurance regulation in the country.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to speak Hebrew to access mental health services in Israel?

Hebrew fluency certainly helps when navigating the public system, but it is not an absolute requirement. English-speaking therapists do exist within the Kupot Holim framework, though they are not always immediately available and waiting times may be longer when requesting a specific language. The private sector offers substantially more multilingual choice. Directories such as gethelpisrael.com allow you to filter by language, and organisations like KeepOlim (keepolim.org) are built expressly to serve those who prefer to work in languages other than Hebrew. In a crisis, ERAN (*1201 or en.eran.org.il) operates in multiple languages around the clock.

How long are the waiting times for public mental health services in Israel?

Waiting times in the public sector vary considerably depending on your location and which Kupat Holim you are enrolled with. The system has been operating under intense pressure following a succession of national crises. Waiting several weeks or even months for a routine outpatient appointment is not unusual. The scale of demand is illustrated by the fact that, as of 2024, the number of Israelis receiving short-term mental health treatment had jumped 471% compared with 2022 — rising from 3,500 to 20,000 patients. Those who cannot wait often turn to private practitioners or subsidised NGO services while a public appointment becomes available.

Is there a stigma around seeking therapy in Israel that I should be aware of?

Research consistently identifies mental health stigma as a real feature of parts of Israeli society. Its intensity varies substantially by community: it tends to be lower in secular, urban settings and more pronounced in some religious and traditional communities. That said, the sustained national conversation about psychological wellbeing triggered by recent events has contributed to normalising help-seeking behaviour. Most expats settling in major cities will find that pursuing therapy is generally accepted and increasingly common.

Can I continue seeing my therapist from home via video call after moving to Israel?

In practical terms, video calling platforms function without restriction in Israel, so the technology is not an obstacle. However, your therapist may be subject to professional and legal constraints that limit their ability to provide ongoing care to someone who has relocated outside the jurisdiction in which they are licensed. These rules differ depending on the therapist’s professional body. Discuss this directly with your therapist before assuming it is straightforward, and be aware that any Israeli insurer you hold may not reimburse sessions with a practitioner licensed abroad. For long-term care arrangements, transitioning to a locally based therapist is the more sustainable option.

What should I do if I feel suicidal or in acute mental distress in Israel?

In an immediate physical emergency, call 101 (Magen David Adom) or go directly to the psychiatric emergency room at the nearest hospital. No referral, commitment form, or payment is required to access emergency psychiatric care at mental health centres. For emotional support that does not require a physical emergency response, call ERAN on *1201 — the line is free, fully confidential, available every hour of every day, and operates without any requirement for Hebrew. KeepOlim’s Tikva Line also provides immediate support tailored specifically for immigrants.

Are mental health medications covered by my Kupat Holim?

Yes. Psychiatric medications prescribed by a licensed psychiatrist within the Kupot Holim system are generally included in the standard benefits basket and attract standard co-payments. The precise medications covered and the degree of subsidy applied can differ between funds. Your psychiatric record held by the Kupat Holim is confidential and accessible only to mental health professionals within the fund; however, medications dispensed via a Kupat Holim prescription may be visible to other specialists within the same fund. Confirm coverage for any specific medication with your health fund’s pharmacy or by calling the Ministry of Health helpline on *5400.

Are there specific mental health resources for new immigrants (Olim) in Israel?

New immigrants holding immigration visas are eligible for Kupat Holim coverage immediately upon arrival. New Olim who are not yet in employment are also entitled to up to one year of free health insurance at the basic level of coverage. Beyond the health fund system, organisations including KeepOlim (keepolim.org), Machon Dvir, and Get Help Israel are dedicated to serving the immigrant community through multilingual therapists and sliding-scale fee structures. The Jewish Agency and local absorption centres (Misrad HaKlita) can also direct you toward welfare and mental health support from the moment you arrive.

Is teletherapy through Israeli health funds reliable and effective?

Leumit, for example, offers therapy sessions delivered by certified practitioners via video or phone, alongside a dedicated telephone support service. Maccabi provides online psychiatric services including tele-psychiatry at no additional cost to members. These offerings have grown substantially in recent years and are broadly well regarded. Since each health fund’s digital provision differs, check what your specific Kupat Holim makes available on its website or by contacting member services directly.