Israeli Health Ministry Plans to Limit Public Mental Health Therapy to 15 Sessions Amid Criticism
Eight months after public consultation closed, Israeli mental health and welfare organizations warn that the Ministry of Health intends to adopt a new directive regulating public mental health treatment with minimal changes, despite extensive professional criticism. The directive defines referral processes, treatment types, management, and oversight, but the most contested provision limits individual psychotherapy to a default maximum of 15 sessions.
Critics, including Dr. Gadi Rosenberg, chair of the Israeli Association of Clinical Criminologists, call the directive a "regulatory, ethical, and moral failure," arguing it narrows access for vulnerable populations and disrupts treatment continuity. Clinical psychologist Prof. Meirav Rot highlights that many patients, especially those with complex trauma, require longer therapy, warning that a 15-session cap could be harmful or insufficient.
The Ministry justifies the directive as a way to establish a balanced, quality, and accessible service amid sharply increased demand, especially following the "Sword of Iron" war. Currently, community mental health services serve about 400,000 people annually with over three million treatments. Despite recent expansions, challenges remain, including long wait times and uneven treatment distribution. The Ministry notes that many long-term therapies lack clear goals or evidence of continued effectiveness, contributing to resource strain.
Data show 50% of patients end treatment after 1-5 sessions, while 9% consume over 40 sessions, accounting for 40.4% of therapy resources. The directive sets a general cap of 15 sessions, extendable to 30 with managerial approval, and up to 45 in exceptional cases. The Ministry emphasizes clinical discretion and aims for 90% of treatments to conclude within 30 sessions.
Mental health coalitions warn that the proposed oversight mechanisms may create administrative burdens and disrupt care continuity without dedicated support staff. They also criticize the directive for limiting professional autonomy and excluding long-term psychodynamic therapies, risking loss of expert clinicians and treatment quality. Prof. Rot calls for increased funding and staffing rather than session caps, especially given the widespread mental health impact of recent conflicts.
The Ministry responds that mental health is a top priority, with over 1.4 billion shekels invested annually to expand services and workforce. They stress no administrative limits are intended and clinical judgment will guide treatment length. The directive is part of broader efforts to improve treatment quality and efficiency, developed with professionals, health funds, and patient groups. Public feedback is still being reviewed before finalizing the directive.
