Israel (IL)
Start-Up Nation with world-class tech ecosystem, rich ancient history, stunning Mediterranean beaches, and a vibrant expat and immigrant community.
Mental Health Resources
Support, crisis lines and therapy access in Israel.
Mental health services in Israel are integrated into the national health insurance system (Kupat Cholim). All 4 HMOs provide basic mental health coverage including psychological therapy sessions (6–15 sessions/year) and psychiatry. The Mental Health Reform of 2015 transferred responsibility for mental health from the Ministry of Health to the HMO system, expanding community access significantly. Despite this progress, demand far exceeds supply — waiting times can be substantial. English-speaking therapists are concentrated in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Crisis Lines
ERAN (Emotional First Aid)
1201
Languages: Hebrew (24/7). English, French, Russian also available
Available: 24/7, 365 days/year
FreeERAN English Line
1800-120-1240
Languages: English
Available: 24/7
FreeNATAL — War and Terror Trauma Helpline
1800-363-363
Languages: Hebrew, English
Available: 24/7
FreeSahar — Online Emotional Support (chat and WhatsApp)
sahar.org.il — also WhatsApp (see site for current number)
Languages: Hebrew, Arabic
Available: 24/7 (expanded to 24/7 since October 2023)
FreeWomen's Crisis Line / Domestic Violence
1202
Languages: Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, Amharic, English
Available: 24/7
FreeChild and Youth Helpline (Elem)
1201 (option for youth)
Languages: Hebrew, Russian, Arabic
Available: 24/7
FreeMagen David Adom — ambulance and medical emergency
101
Languages: Hebrew, Arabic, English
Available: 24/7
FreeAccessing Therapy
Through public insurance: All Kupot Cholim (HMOs) cover mental health sessions. Request a referral from your GP (Rofeh Mishpacha) or contact your HMO's mental health department directly. You are entitled to 6–15 psychology sessions per year under the basic benefit basket (Sal HaBriut). Psychiatry consultations are covered. Bituah Mashlim (supplementary HMO insurance) extends mental health coverage — faster access, more sessions, broader provider choice.
Waiting times: 4–12 weeks for non-urgent HMO psychology appointment. Urgent psychiatric assessment: typically 1–5 days. Emergency psychiatric care: immediately available via Magen David Adom (101) or hospital emergency room. Private therapist: 1–2 weeks typical wait.
- - Sign up for Bituah Mashlim (supplementary HMO insurance) — extends mental health coverage and speeds up access.
- - Request urgent status through your GP if symptoms are moderate or above — can shorten waiting time significantly.
- - Private therapists (Mirsham Pratim) offer 1–2 week wait: NIS 300–700/session. Many English-speaking therapists in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem — search at the Israeli Psychology Association (IPA) website (psychology.org.il).
- - Online therapy platforms: BetterHelp, Talkspace (international), and Israeli platforms BetterMe and Anava — often with 3–7 day wait and more affordable than in-person private.
- - University mental health clinics (e.g., Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University) offer sliding-scale sessions with supervised therapists at NIS 100–200/session.
- - Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) offered by many Israeli employers — free, confidential short-term counselling, often accessible within days.
- - Community mental health centres (Mercazei Bri'ut HaNefesh) offer sliding-scale services in some cities.
Online Therapy
Insurance covered: No / partially
Online therapy is not covered by the standard HMO benefit basket. Bituah Mashlim plans from some HMOs include some telehealth mental health sessions — check your specific plan. International platforms (BetterHelp, Talkspace) are entirely self-pay. For English-speaking expats, these platforms are often the fastest and most practical option while waiting for HMO access.
Expat-Specific Challenges
- -Security trauma: living in a country with ongoing security threats is a unique stressor. Rocket alerts (Tzeva Adom), news cycles, and conversations about conflict can be triggering. NATAL hotline specializes in war and security-related trauma.
- -Immigration adjustment: culture shock in Israel is intense due to the directness of Israeli communication, the pace of life, and the complexity of the Aliyah/bureaucratic process. Many Olim experience depression or anxiety in the first 6–18 months.
- -Language barrier: all mental health content in Israel is primarily in Hebrew. English-speaking therapists are available in Tel Aviv but less so elsewhere. Ask your HMO specifically for an "English-speaking therapist" (Muftze Nefesh Doveret Anglit).
- -Social isolation: Israeli society is warm but built around close family networks. New immigrants without family in Israel often feel isolated, especially during Shabbat and holidays when they are not "part of a family".
- -Religious conflict: for secular immigrants, the role of religion in Israeli public life can be overwhelming. For religious immigrants, navigating Israeli religious politics (Ashkenazi vs. Sephardi, Orthodox monopoly on marriage/burial) can be distressing.
- -Continuous news: Israeli news cycle is relentlessly intense and trauma-generating. Practice news hygiene — limit consumption to specific times and trusted sources.
The Israeli mental health system has improved significantly since the 2015 reform but still struggles with capacity. Do not hesitate to seek help — Israelis are generally open about therapy and mental health discussions. The Tel Aviv expat community has active support groups (Facebook groups for "Olim mental health", "Anglos in Israel support") where members share therapist recommendations.