Israeli Panel Highlights Mental Health Care Gaps and Legal Barriers for Art Therapists
A recent panel titled "These Religious Women" convened to discuss significant challenges in Israel's mental health care system, focusing on the lack of legal recognition for art therapists. Participants included Knesset member Michal Waldiger, who has long advocated for mental health and art therapy regulation; Dr. Ilana Lach, chair of the Israeli Association for Art Therapy; and Noa Navon, an art therapist working directly with patients. The discussion highlighted the personal and professional struggles of therapists who have undergone extensive training and work with trauma, anxiety, and families, yet remain without clear legal status or funding from health funds and public tenders.
The panel emphasized the urgent need for accessible, creative mental health solutions, especially since the October 7 escalation, which increased demand among reservists, trauma victims, bereaved families, children, and women. However, political complexities delay legislation, particularly concerns about certification standards and the inclusion of many therapists, including women from the Haredi sector, who trained in non-academic programs. Balancing professional oversight with recognition of experienced practitioners remains a key obstacle.
The panel posed a critical question: will Israel finally recognize art therapists as an integral part of the national healing system, enabling them to provide subsidized care to those in need?
