Israel's Health Ministry Reports Rise in Child Psychological Distress Due to War and Pandemic
Translated & summarized from Alarab by baba
Israel's Ministry of Health reported an increase in psychological distress among children due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war. An event on Mental Health Day, attended by President Herzog and health officials, discussed these challenges and expanded services. In 2025, nearly 95,000 young people received mental health treatment, a 32% rise since 2022, with a national plan aiming to further increase accessibility and professional support.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel's Ministry of Health noted increased child psychological distress from the pandemic and war.
- Nearly 95,000 children received mental health treatment in 2025, a 32% rise since 2022.
- A national mental health plan with over 1.4 billion shekels aims to expand services.
- Vulnerable populations include residents of Gaza envelope, northern Israel, and those with prior mental health issues.
- The ministry is expanding community-based treatments, outpatient clinics, and emergency responses.
- President Herzog and health officials emphasized shared responsibility and societal collaboration for mental well-being.
The Israeli Ministry of Health has reported an increase in psychological distress among children and adolescents, attributing it to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war. This was highlighted during an event held on Mental Health Day at the President's Residence, organized in cooperation 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 included the impact of recent years, particularly the pandemic and the war, on children's mental health, alongside efforts to expand therapeutic 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 envelope and northern Israel, youth with pre-existing mental health conditions, families of reservists, 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 and 1,000 psychology interns joining in recent years.
Initiatives include expanding community-based treatments, opening new outpatient clinics, enhancing emergency response services, developing specialized care for eating disorders and autism, and strengthening inter-ministerial cooperation. A national project to promote resilience in local authorities, with a budget over 85 million shekels, is also being implemented in about 100 municipalities.
First Lady Michal Herzog emphasized that mental health is integral to life and called for shared responsibility in supporting those in distress. Director General Bar Siman Tov noted the ongoing national trauma from the recent massacre, compounded by the pandemic and other factors like screen time, stressing that mental health is inseparable from overall health and requires broad societal collaboration. He also highlighted the importance of partnership with the Arab community within the health system.
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