What is the Rehabilitation Basket, Who is Eligible, and How to Apply

People coping with mental health challenges deserve the opportunity to receive support in managing their disability, achieve greater independence, participate in the community, and improve their quality of life. The rehabilitation basket, alongside mental health treatment, can help people achieve these goals. The services included in the rehabilitation basket are designed to support people coping with mental health challenges in managing mental health difficulties, making progress, and integrating into the community in the best possible way. The basket offers support, guidance, and rehabilitation services in many areas of life, including housing, employment, social activities and leisure, family support and counseling services, national service and volunteering in the IDF, care coordination services, assistance with purchasing basic equipment, education, dental care, and more.

Family members of people coping with mental health challenges can also receive support through the rehabilitation basket, such as contacting a family counseling center or receiving assistance with exercising their rights. Everyone has different needs based on their personal circumstances, which is why the basket includes a wide range of services to help each person receive the support that is right for them.

Applying for the rehabilitation basket

You can apply independently and submit an online application for rehabilitation basket services, but the process may be complex. Therefore, you should contact your HMO, which is responsible for this process. It is recommended that you contact your HMO’s mental health clinic or a social worker and request a referral for rehabilitation basket services. They can also assist you with completing the forms and collecting recommendations, reports, and summaries.

About one month after submitting the forms, you will be invited to a regional rehabilitation committee meeting. If you received assistance from a professional in submitting the forms, they will update you regarding the date of the rehabilitation committee meeting. If you applied independently, you will receive an invitation to the committee by phone or email.

What to expect at the rehabilitation basket committee

The rehabilitation basket committee is made up of three professionals, including:

• Committee chair: a district rehabilitation representative.
• Psychiatrist.
• Psychologist.
• Social worker.
• Occupational therapist.
• Nursing professional.

The meeting may feel emotional or even stressful, and that is natural and understandable. It may help to know that the purpose of the committee is to get to know you, understand your needs, goals, and preferences. The committee’s approach is based on the idea that you, as a person coping with mental health challenges, are at the center of the process. The committee’s goal is to identify ways to support your integration into the community and improve your quality of life.

Validity period of rehabilitation basket eligibility

In most cases, eligibility for the rehabilitation basket is valid for one year. At the end of each year, the rehabilitation plan is reviewed and the need for changes to the basket of services is assessed. This is an opportunity to review the rehabilitation plan with the rehabilitation professional who supports you. They will contact the rehabilitation basket services directly, and there is no need to go through the entire eligibility process again.

Choosing providers and service organizations

After your rehabilitation plan has been approved, it is time to choose the services and programs that best meet your needs. You can receive support from care coordinators who will assist you in searching for and selecting rehabilitation services that match your approved plan. Care coordinators help connect the different professionals and organizations involved in the rehabilitation process.

• Check which providers or organizations offer services in the areas approved for you.
• It is recommended to research providers before choosing one. Search for the provider or organization online, read reviews, visit their website, and learn more about their services.
• Schedule an introductory meeting with the provider or organization. This meeting is free and does not obligate you to choose that provider. During the meeting, you can learn about the services offered, whether they are available near your home or require travel, and whether the services interest you or meet your needs.

Changing rehabilitation basket services

The rehabilitation basket is provided by the Ministry of Health. Each service has a validity period determined by the committee, and when it expires, approval for the services must be renewed. This is an opportunity to review your rehabilitation plan and assess whether it meets your needs, whether you have achieved your goals, whether there are additional goals you would like to work toward, or whether your goals have changed. It is recommended to discuss these issues with the rehabilitation professional who supports you. They can contact the rehabilitation basket services directly on your behalf to replace, expand, or modify the approved services.