Therapists in Nahariya Launch Accessible Mental Health Center for Northern Residents

Following the outbreak of war, a group of therapists in Nahariya identified a severe shortage of accessible mental health services in the area. Existing services were costly and primarily located in kibbutzim rather than the city itself, causing residents facing emotional distress due to the conflict to wait between three months and a year and a half for treatment. To address this, the therapists collectively established 'Shalem,' a cooperative mental health center that pools resources and expertise instead of each therapist working independently.

The center operates within 'Complex 8,' a renovated innovation hub in the old abandoned Zoglovek factory on Hagatun Boulevard, developed through a cultural initiative by the 'Tarbut' movement in partnership with the Reality Group. The center is led by Chaim Meyers, who moved to Nahariya through the urban kibbutz of Hashomer Hatzair, and his partner Naama Wolf, both professionals in the therapy field. The project functions under the nonprofit 'Miflas Nativ,' founded by Hashomer Hatzair after the October 7 events to strengthen communities in northern and western Negev border areas.

Since opening, Shalem has provided over 600 therapy sessions to hundreds of residents, many of whom return regularly. Most cases involve anxiety and stress affecting daily life, with clients ranging from mothers of infants to elderly individuals over 80. The center’s unique social payment model offers three pricing tiers based on economic status, ensuring cost does not prevent access to care.