Mental Health Advocates

Recent years have witnessed a significant increase in the demand for mental health services in Israel, inter alia, due to declining stigma and a greater openness to receive treatment, even for a specific mental health crisis rather than a diagnosed mental health disability. The growing demand for mental health services is also closely linked to the emotional impact and stress following the COVID-19 pandemic, the events of October 7, and the Swords of Iron War. All of which forced the mental health services to adapt itself to changing needs in order to provide an accurate and tailored response to every patient while creating new responses to be provided on top of those already available. The services are supportive or supplementary, and not a substitute for the core mental health services, which will continue to be provided only by mental health care professionals, as is the case to date.  

About the Mental Health Advocates Service 

To ensure quality and safe service, HMOs are operating in compliance with the mental health advocates outline (stratified response plan) under the directive of the Ministry of Health. The outline involves comprehensive, theoretical and practical training for individuals holding a bachelor’s degree from a therapeutic profession. These professionals can treat certain mental health conditions (as defined in the outline) under the supervision, advice and training of mental health services, with constant review of therapeutic efficacy and the possibility of coordinated referral to mental health services when necessary. 

HMOs offer a range of accessible and available responses to various populations and needs. All types of therapeutic responses of mental health advocates must be approved by the Mental Health Division in the Ministry of Health.  

Types of responses 

• Intervention in mental health crises, coping with stress and symptoms of mild depression or anxiety: The service is provided by graduates with a bachelor's degree in psychology and social work who assist with structured intervention, which is based on therapeutic protocols in cognitive-behavioral therapy and the motivational approach, along with providing assistance, support and guidance.  
• Therapeutic management of a prolonged (chronic) disease in patients experiencing PTSD: provided by community nurses who underwent comprehensive training in mental health and who provided a response during hours designated for this service. 
• Accessible and rapid response for initial onset of eating disorder: nutritionists, family physicians, pediatricians, nurses, social workers and personnel who undergo comprehensive training on eating disorders and provide a response within the confines of community clinics. 

What therapy includes 

• Individual, structured and targeted therapy that is based on currently available plans.  

• Options for in-person therapy or via video chat (Zoom). 

• The intervention is designed to alleviate symptoms, improve daily function as well as coping mechanisms for various mental health situations.  

When the service is unsuitable 

Treatment is not suitable for acute mental health disabilities with intense symptoms, such as: 

• Severe emotional distress and unrest. 
• Significant functional decline. 
• Endangerment to the individual himself or environment due to the state of their mental health. 
• Complex medication balance that requires management of psychiatric drug monitoring. 
• Mental health conditions that require a therapeutic process by mental health specialists or the involvement of a multidisciplinary staff. 

How to receive the service 

Every HMO offers the service under a different name. To determine whether you are eligible for this service, contact the family physician or mental  health services in your HMO. The HMO will refer you following an initial assessment of the intensity of the distress and functional difficulties and adjustments to your therapeutic needs.