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Treatment in a Primary Care Clinic (Community-Based)

Revital Ordan, Psychiatric Nurse, Director of Ambulatory Services, Mental Health Administration, Ministry of Health
3 May 2026

At a primary care clinic, family physicians and pediatricians are responsible for the management and coordination of mental health treatment, in conjunction with the primary care staff at the clinic, including nursing, nutrition, social work, etc. as is done in any other medical field. Their role begins in identifying difficulties, distress and mental health challenges to diagnosis and provision of an initial response and to referral to mental health specialists when necessary. In cases of chronic and long-term conditions, the primary care staff supports the individual and their family in managing the condition, alongside specialist providers.

The primary care clinic, in addition to the primary care staff, also employs mental health professionals and mental health support staff operating within the clinic.

The primary (community) clinic of the HMO is where basic healthcare services are provided and serves as the first point of contact for any health-related concern. Family physicians, pediatricians, nursing staff, dietitians, social workers, and other healthcare professionals operate within the clinic. Alongside them, the primary care clinic also offers specialist medical services as well as additional services such as laboratory services, a pharmacy, administrative (reception) services, etc. The role of the clinic teams is to manage and coordinate care across all areas of health, including mental health.

Mental health services in in a primary care clinic are provided by three circles of professional providers:

  • The primary care medical staff
  • Mental health specialists
  • Mental health support staff
  • 1
    Primary care staff

    Family physicians and pediatricians serve as care managers and, by virtue of their roles, can perform mental health-related actions. These include identifying psychological distress, diagnosing mental health disorders, providing initial response and intervention, assessing risk, referring to appropriate therapeutic channels, and managing long-term care in conjunction with specialist physicians.

    As in the management of any other medical field, therapy in primary care is managed and coordinated in conjunction with professionals from various disciplines such as nursing, social work, nutrition, etc.   For example, the nursing staff will provide guidance, help manage side effects, and, in coordination with the medical staff, consider adjustment of medications; social workers will assist in accessing rights and benefits, such as recognition of psychiatric disability from the National Insurance Institute and applications for the rehabilitation basket; and dietitians will help balance eating patterns as part of coping with psychological difficulties or disorders, or medication-related side effects. 

  • 2
    Mental health specialists

    Psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychotherapists who work in primary care clinics in conjunction with the medical staff.

  • 3
    Mental health support staff

    Mental health support staff are professionals with a bachelor's degree in a therapeutic field who have undergone comprehensive training. They provide care for low- to moderate-intensity distress, under the supervision and guidance of mental health specialists.

    For complete information about mental health support staff

Responses provided in the primary care clinic

Mental health treatment at the primary care clinic is suitable for all mental conditions, and includes the following responses:

  • Initial identification and diagnosis, and provision of acute care.
  • Administration of care and management of treatment in a crisis or mental distress of low to moderate intensity, such as anxiety or depression.
  • Management and follow-up of treatment of severe mental health disorders, in combination and in conjunction with a psychiatrist and mental health care staff.

When the service is unsuitable

Primary care treatment alone is not sufficient for severe mental health conditions with high-intensity symptoms, for example:

  • Severe emotional distress and unrest.
  • Significant functional decline.
  • The patient is a danger to himself or to others due to the state of mental health.
  • Complex medication balance that requires psychiatric management and follow-up.
  • Mental health conditions that require a therapeutic process by mental health specialists or the involvement of a multidisciplinary staff.

However, even in these cases, primary care can still be used for consultation, guidance, and referral to the appropriate treatment pathway. It is also important to emphasize that in emergency situations, where there is significant risk or danger of harm to oneself or others, or any immediate risk, one should go to the Emergency Room.

How to receive the service

To assess your mental health condition and determine the type of treatment you need, it is advisable to consult your family physician or pediatrician.

After the initial assessment of symptoms and functional difficulties, the family physician or pediatrician will provide care and refer the patient to the appropriate mental health treatment services.

Costs

Services in primary care clinics are provided free of charge or for a low quarterly fee, depending on the type of treatment and the arrangements within the HMO.