Israel Reports Rise in Child Psychological Distress Due to War and Pandemic

Israel's Ministry of Health has reported an increase in psychological distress among children and adolescents, attributing it to the ongoing war and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ministry's findings were highlighted during a mental health event held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, hosted by the President's Residence in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

The event, attended by President Isaac Herzog, First Lady Michal Herzog, Ministry of Health Director General Moshe Bar Siman Tov, and other officials, focused on the mental well-being of young people in Israel. Discussions covered the impact of recent years, including the pandemic and the war, on children's mental health, alongside efforts to expand treatment services.

Dr. Gilad Bodenheimer, head of the Ministry of Health's Mental Health Division, presented data indicating a rise in psychological distress at the war's outset, though a gradual decrease has since been observed. However, certain populations remain more vulnerable, including residents of Gaza border communities and northern Israel, children with pre-existing mental health conditions, families of reservist soldiers, those lacking community support, and the Arab community.

Despite these challenges, the Ministry of Health has significantly expanded its services. In 2025, approximately 95,000 children and adolescents received treatment in mental health clinics, a 32% increase from 72,000 in 2022. The number of therapy sessions also rose by 44%, from about 606,000 in 2022 to 875,000 in 2025. A national mental health plan with a budget exceeding 1.4 billion shekels is underway to further expand services, diversify treatments, and increase the professional workforce, with over 1,180 new therapists joining public clinics.

Key initiatives include expanding community-based treatments, enhancing outpatient services, bolstering emergency responses, developing specialized services for eating disorders and autism, and improving inter-ministerial cooperation. The Ministry is also implementing a national project to promote resilience in local authorities, with a budget of over 85 million shekels, aiming to improve access to services in approximately 100 local and 12 regional councils.

First Lady Michal Herzog emphasized that mental health is integral to life itself and called for a shared responsibility in supporting those struggling. Director General Moshe Bar Siman Tov noted the ongoing national trauma from the recent massacre, compounded by the pandemic and digital stressors, stressing that mental health is inseparable from overall health and requires broad societal collaboration. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening the partnership with the Arab community within the healthcare system.