Therapy Through Kupat Cholim
(According to The Ministry of Health on their website).
In 2015, Israel’s mental health reform came into effect. As part of this reform, responsibility for providing mental health services was transferred from the Ministry of Health to the Kupot Cholim.
This change integrated mental health care into the general health care system, so that both physical and mental health services are provided through one central system: the Kupot Cholim.
The goal of the mental health reform was to improve the quality, availability, and accessibility of mental health services throughout Israel.
Although the Kupot Cholim are now responsible for providing these services, the Ministry of Health continues to supervise and regulate them to ensure that all Israeli citizens receive quality mental health care.
Who is eligible?
Individuals of all ages who are residents of Israel and who are experiencing emotional distress or emotional crisis, behavioral disorders, personality disorders, or mental health conditions.
Outpatient Clinics
There are therapists available in outpatient clinics of general and psychiatric hospitals, or community clinics run by, (or by agreement with), the Kupat Cholim. These options are the cheapest (ranging from free to around 32 shekels, once per quarter), and you may be able to find one close to home. The amount of treatments in mental health is unlimited. Each person receives psychotherapy according to the professional judgment of his therapists, depending on his/her condition.
On the other hand, it may take a lot of time to get started, and your flexibility in choosing the right therapist for you may be limited.
To contact the Ministry of Health Call Center with medical/mental health questions or complaints, dial *5400 or 08-6241010
A List of mental health clinics can be found on the Ministry of Health website.
Independent Therapist
Many people prefer to work with an independent therapist. This option is more expensive (around 55 shekels for the first visit and 132 for each subsequent session), and still does not mean unlimited choice. The Kupah has a listing of independent therapists from which to choose. The listing will include location and may also include the languages in which the therapist will work. You can contact these therapists directly until you find the right one and make an appointment. At the Kupah, you will have to pay the co-payment and get a Hitchayvut to bring to the therapists' office.
Kupat Cholim Leumit
(According to Leumit on their website)
Leumit offers a variety of treatments, spanning from individual and group psychotherapy to alternative hospitalization options. We want to remind you that you always have someone to turn to and someone to talk to.
Mental Health Clinics
Leumit's mental health clinics offer treatment provided by a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, clinical social workers, mental health nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, dietitians, art therapists, and mental health administration professionals. These services cater to individuals with mental health diagnoses or those experiencing psychological distress.
Services provided include:
- Psychiatric evaluations
- Counseling and psychotherapy
- Assistance with rights applications to the Ministry of Health and National Insurance, including access to rehabilitation services
- Couples and family therapy
- Group therapy on various topics
Treatment is available at Leumit’s mental health clinics or through external providers, such as institutes, clinics affiliated with the Ministry of Health, or private clinics selected by clients.
Psychiatric Home Hospitalization
This alternative to traditional hospitalization is intended for individuals experiencing an acute mental health crisis requiring intensive intervention. Treatment is provided at the patient’s home by a multidisciplinary team, including a psychiatrist, social worker, nurse, and other health professionals.
Approval from Leumit's mental health professionals and a referral form is required.
Following approval, an assessment visit by the home hospitalization provider determines eligibility and creates a tailored treatment plan.
Stabilizing Homes
Stabilizing homes provide an alternative or shortened psychiatric hospitalization for individuals in acute mental crises requiring high-intensity care. Located within the community, these homes host up to 12 residents who stay 24/7 under the supervision of a multidisciplinary mental health team.
This approach emphasizes a holistic view of the patient’s life, including rehabilitation, a humanistic perspective, open dialogue, equitable treatment, and involvement of the patient and their family in decision-making.
The treatment is time-limited and approved based on clinical need.
Approval from Leumit’s mental health team is required, followed by an assessment visit to one of the approved balancing homes to determine suitability.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment programs are intended for individuals experiencing psychological challenges that require intensive care without overnight hospitalization. Programs typically run for about six hours a day, five days a week, and are offered at mental health centers, general hospitals, or community facilities.
Treatment includes:
- Mental health interventions
- Individual and group sessions provided by psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and occupational therapists
Outpatient treatment can serve as an intermediate step between outpatient care and full hospitalization (halfway in) or as an alternative to full hospitalization. Referrals are provided by clinic or hospital teams.
Treatment is free of charge, but a referral form for psychiatric outpateint treatment is required. Approval is granted for 2–4 weeks, depending on the situation.
Full Psychiatric Hospitalization
Full hospitalization is available in psychiatric wards within general hospitals or dedicated psychiatric hospitals. Upon discharge, follow-up community care ensures continuity, preserves the benefits of hospitalization, and prevents relapse or readmission.
No referral, commitment form, or payment is required for emergency visits to psychiatric emergency rooms at mental health centers.
A referral is required for emergency rooms at general hospitals.
Remote Mental Health Services
Leumit offers various remote mental health services, such as emotional therapy sessions provided by certified therapists via video or phone, and a “3-session mental health support” telephone service.
How To Access Services:
Option 1: Self-Referral (Direct Access)
- Call 507* customer service
- Use Leumit website or mobile app
- Contact your local medical center
- No doctor referral needed for most services
Option 2: Doctor Referral
- Family doctor or specialist can refer you
- Direct referral to psychiatrist (adult or child)
For more information about treatment and payment, you may contact Leumit customer service at 1700-507507.
Kupat Cholim Maccabi
(As stated by Maccabi on their website)
Maccabi's mental health services are provided at Maccabi's professional clinics, public clinics or by independent Maccabi affiliates.
Treatment at Maccabi mental health clinics:
In the clinics, the following services are provided:
- Diagnostic services
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Counseling and psychotherapy
- Personal, family and group therapy
- Psychosocial treatment by a social worker
- Occupational therapy - diagnosis, evaluation and treatment
- Expressive arts therapy - in pediatric clinics only
- Treatment for eating disorders
- Bedwetting treatment for children
- Social work services for women (and their partners) undergoing fertility treatment
- Sex therapy
Fees:
- Psychiatric evaluation and treatment: Assessment and ongoing care by psychiatrists - 33 ₪ per quarter at Maccabi clinics, 39 ₪ per quarter at hospital outpatient clinics
- Online psychiatric services - Tele-psychiatry including 1 intake, 4 psychiatric consultations, and 16 follow-up sessions per year - No cost
Treatment at Maccabi Affiliate Clinics:
Affiliate mental health clinics that have an agreement with Maccabi provide diagnosis and treatment. Authorization will be renewed at the discretion of the clinic's professional staff according to the following details:
- Diagnostic: 2 sessions (diagnostic meeting + treatment session)
- Short-term treatment: up to 8 sessions for children up to age 18, and 6 sessions for adults. Limited to 8 months.
- Long term treatment: Up to 30 sessions. Limited to 24 months.
Fees:
- In regular hospitals and in the clinics in the agreement - a quarterly fee of 38 ₪ will be charged. In psychiatric hospitals – with authorization by Maccabi decision, there is no fee.
Psychological and Psychotherapeutic Treatment:
A series of 15 treatments per year, provided by therapists from the field of clinical and medical psychology, and social workers with a master's degree and training in psychotherapy.
Macabbi members aged 6-13 years - in person only.
Maccabi members aged 13 and over- in person or online treatment (Zoom).
Fees:
- Free
Private Therapists:
Maccabi works with independent psychologists and social workers that provide psychotherapy in their own clinics.
- Subsidized therapy with licensed clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and clinical social workers
- Provided in therapists' private clinics
- Individual, family, or group therapy available
- Requires initial assessment and approved treatment plan
Fees:
- First session (intake): 68 ₪ (once per lifetime membership)
- Individual therapy: 164 ₪ per session (from 2nd session onward)
- Family therapy/Parent guidance: 164 ₪ per session
- Group therapy: 75 ₪ per session (from first session)
Appointments and payment is handled directly by the therapist.
For information on Maccabi services, call *3555.
Kupat Cholim Clalit
(As stated by Clalit on their website)
Clalit Mental Health Clinics – Affiliate mental health clinics that have an agreement with Clalit provide diagnosis and treatment free of charge. There is a minimal quarterly copay for a Clalit psychiatrist. Make an appointment directly with the psychiatrist or by calling the Clalit service center at *2700. Note: The patient needs to have a referral from the family doctor (tofes 17) prior to calling *2700. Additionally, Clalit offers 3 free telephone sessions that are 30-45 mins in length (no tofes 17 required). To schedule an appointment, call *2708 on weekdays.
CLICK HERE to view a list of Clalit Mental Health Clinics
Private Therapists:
Clalit works with independent psychologists and social workers that provide psychotherapy in their own clinics. Make an appointment directly with the service provider, as long as the provider has a contract with Clalit. The practitioner will meet with you for an initial assessment and will build a treatment plan which he or she will send to Clalit for authorization. Up to ten sessions will be authorized. Additional sessions require further authorization.
Fees:
- First session: 68 ₪
- Additional sessions: 164 ₪
- Group treatment session: 75 ₪
*The price is for each session.
*The price is the same regardless of the therapist's profession.
*The therapist must be paid directly.
If the therapist recommends additional sessions, they will submit another request to the district to extend the treatment.
Kupat Cholim Meuchedet
(As stated by Meuchedet on their website)
Affiliate mental health clinics that have an agreement with Meuchedet provide diagnosis and treatment. Available treatments include psychological or psychiatric treatment. In some cases, the treatment will involve a nominal fee. Video (CBT) psychotherapy is available free of charge.
Outpatient clinics in general hospitals: Treatment is provided for a nominal fee. Treatment will begin after a screening session where your needs and condition will be assessed by a mental health professional.
Treatment by independent therapists: Select a therapist from a list of Meuchedet providers, and make an appointment directly with the provider. Payment is made directly to the practitioner.
Fees:
- First session: 68 ₪
- Additional sessions: 164 ₪
- Group treatment session: 75 ₪
Bait Meazen - Alternative to Psychiatric Hospitalization:
A therapeutic home run by Meuchedet (locations include Jerusalem, Rehovot, Caesarea, Rishon LeTzion, and Kibbutz Harduf) allows people who are dealing with an acute mental crisis to avoid hospitalization and recover in a community environment outside their home. A referral from Meuchedet's mental health center or a family doctor is needed for treatment.
Click here to view the ministry of health list of balancing homes.
For information on Meuchedet mental health services, call *3833.
Visit the web URL below for a list of mental health service providers through Meuchedet, sorted by location. You may find English-speaking therapists by looking in the “Language” column. Click here for a list of providers.
Updated on February 10, 2026
