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Family Rights and Practical Information

3 February 2026

As a family of a patient in psychiatric hospitalization, you deserve clear information, guidance and support – and also some rights that are important for you to know:

  • Updating the family about the hospitalization within 24 hours of admission (assuming the family is not present).
  • A contact person who accompanies the family throughout the hospitalization.
  • A meeting of the treating team with the family within 5 days of admission.
  • Possibility to receive information about the family member's condition.
  • Referral and coordination for assistance and support at family counseling centers (accompaniment during and after hospitalization).

It is important to note: These rights are conditional on the patient's consent and medical discretion.

In addition, at family counseling centers across the country, you can receive personal support, information and guidance, practical assistance and help in coping – free of charge and without a referral.

When a family member is hospitalized in a psychiatric facility, the rest of the family also needs support and a sense of being included in the process. If someone in your family is currently hospitalized, it is important to know that you are entitled to receive clear information, guidance, and assistance.

Family involvement

It is important to note that the rights and involvement of the family are subject to the consent of the patient and to medical discretion, except in cases where there is a legal directive that states otherwise. In situations where the patient refuses to involve the family, the treatment team will attempt to promote the issue, encourage family involvement, explain the importance of family connection to the recovery process, and suggest alternatives such as partial involvement or involvement in specific matters only.

It is important to note

It is important to note

In cases where the patient has explicitly forbidden sharing with the family, the obligation to maintain confidentiality prevents the team from providing information.

Family rights during psychiatric hospitalization of a family member

  • Updating the family about the hospitalization within 24 hours of admission (assuming the family is not present).
  • A designated contact person to support the family throughout the hospitalization.
  • A meeting between the treating team and the family within 5 days of admission.
  • The possibility to receive information about the family member's condition.
  • Referral and coordination for assistance and support at family counseling centers (support during and after hospitalization).

Prior to discharge:

  • Holding a discharge preparation meeting, which includes guidance, instructions, and recommendations for continued treatment.
  • Assistance in coordinating the continuum of treatment and rehabilitation during the transition from hospitalization to community life.

Important information

It is important to know and adhere to the visiting hours of the hospital ward. It is possible to arrange a meeting with the therapists in the morning in advance.

Each department has a department manager, deputy department manager and secretarial staff. In addition, there are staff members from the following fields: Psychiatry, nursing, social work, psychology and occupational therapy. You can arrange an individual meeting with the treating team through the department.

It is important to keep up to date with the department staff regarding what is and is not allowed to be brought into the ward, with the emphasis on maintaining patient safety. You should avoid bringing in lethal means, such as sharp objects, glass objects and the like, medications, nutritional supplements and valuable items. If necessary, consult with the staff and act according to the instructions you have received.

Receiving additional help

At the family counseling centers for individuals with mental health challenges, which are located throughout the country, services are provided free of charge and without referral. The services also accommodate different communities and languages, including ultra-Orthodox, Arabic, Russian, and Amharic speakers. Among the services offered at these counseling centers are:

  • Personal support

    Individual guidance and counseling and support groups.

  • Information and training

    Lectures, workshops, and reading materials on mental disorders, treatment, and rights.

  • Practical assistance

    Help with navigating the healthcare system, exercising rights, and budget planning.

  • Dealing with stigmas

    Creating a supportive community that encourages open discussion about mental health.

Psychiatric hospitalization of a family member following a severe acute flare-up is a crisis event for the family. Therefore, it is important that you receive support, information, and tools and be full partners in the treatment process. If you need additional support and assistance – you do not have to go through it alone! You can contact the department staff, the department director, or the family counseling centers.

Please note

Please note

If you feel that you need additional support or that your needs are not being met, you can contact the department's management team and request assistance in accordance with the Procedure for Working with Families of Patients in Psychiatric Hospitalization.