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Rehab in Outpatient Clinics

Dr. Paula Rosca, Director of the Department of Substance Use Disorder Treatments, Ministry of Health;  Nir Sha'ar, Director of Addiction Treatment Frameworks, Ministry of Health
28 January 2026

Rehab in outpatient clinics is intended for those who are struggling with addiction but do not need treatment in a setting with accommodation. The treatment is suitable for addicts with high coping skills, motivation for change and a strong support network.

During the treatment, medical monitoring, emotional-social therapy and therapeutic groups take place, while maintaining a daily routine. There are also dedicated frameworks for different types of addiction, such as drugs, alcohol, gambling and sex addiction, as well as daycare frameworks for those who need a more intensive response.

You can seek treatment directly at the clinic or through a primary physician, the welfare department or another treatment provider. Treatment is provided in the frameworks of the HMOs or the Ministry of Health and may involve a deductible.

Rehab in clinics (ambulatory settings) is intended for the treatment of addicts who do not require treatment in a setting with accommodation. The setting can be suitable for those who possess high coping skills, have a strong motivation for change, a stable family and social support network, and the ability to undergo a rehab process while maintaining a routine.

Treatment in clinics combines physical detoxification with mental treatment and intensive rehabilitation. It includes regular visits to the rehab center and participation in various activities aimed at providing medical monitoring, psychosocial-rehabilitative treatment, and prevention of relapse.

Who is in-clinic rehab suitable for?

Clinical rehab may be suitable for those who meet the following criteria:

  • Mild to moderate addicts who do not require close 24/7 medical supervision.
  • Have had previous detoxification attempts with partial success.
  • No suicidal risk or violent behavior.
  • Have a high motivation for treatment.

Types of clinics

Regular rehab clinics

Weekly or biweekly treatment that includes medical monitoring, psychotherapy and social-rehabilitative support.

Daycare settings

For those who need a more intensive treatment –participating at least three times a week in a variety of therapeutic activities.

Specialized clinics

Dedicated frameworks for specific types of addictions or special populations.

The professional team and treatments

Each clinic has a multidisciplinary team that tailors a personalized treatment plan to each patient:

  • Narcologists: Perform medical diagnosis and follow-up, and recommend drug treatment to prevent side effects and relapse.
  • Social workers: Provide psychosocial support, maintain contact with family, and refer to additional services.
  • Group therapists: Lead therapeutic and support groups.
  • Clean counselors: People who have dealt with addiction and have undergone professional training to provide support and inspiration from their experience.

What does the treatment include?

  • Medical follow-up: Narcological diagnosis, periodic tests, monitoring of general health and drug treatment if necessary.
  • Individual psychological therapy: Working on the causes of addiction and developing coping tools.
  • Group therapy: Sharing experiences, mutual support and joint learning.
  • Rehabilitation program: Accompaniment towards a gradual return to full functioning in society.

How to seek treatment

  • Independently, directly to the clinic by the person themselves or their family members.
  • Referral from the primary physician or another doctor in the HMO.
  • Referral from the welfare department in the local authority where the person lives.
  • Referral from other medical settings.
  • ID card
  • Referral letter from a primary physician (if necessary)
  • Commitment (Form 17) from the HMO, if applicable.
  • Laboratory tests and medical documents as required by the clinic.
  • If available, documents from a referring agency or welfare agency.
  1. Initial diagnostic meeting with one of the professional team members.
  2. Assessment of medical and psychosocial status.
  3. Development of a personalized treatment plan.
  4. Signing of a treatment contract.

Cost of treatment

The cost of treatment varies depending on the therapeutic framework:

  • HMO clinics: Letter of commitment from the HMO (Form 17).
  • Ministry of Health clinics: Partially funded with variable deductible.
  • Private frameworks: Full cost at the patient's expense.

All clinics are supervised by the Department of Substance Use Disorder Treatments at the Ministry of Health.

The importance of treatment continuity

Physical detoxification is only the first stage of the recovery process. Long-term success depends on continued treatment, participation in community support groups according to the 12-step method, and building a lifestyle free of psychoactive substances or harmful behaviors.

Rehabilitation in an addiction clinic is an excellent option for people who are able to maintain stability during the rehab process.

Treatment in public frameworks is available, professional, and accessible, and provides a quality response without high costs. It is important to find the framework that best suits your individual needs and begin the journey to a life free of addiction.

To understand how to continue from the rehab phase onwards, it is also worth reading about continuing treatment after physical detoxification.