Israel Seeks Tech Solutions to Expand Mental Health Care Amid Rising Demand
תומצת מתוך Calcalist על ידי baba
Israel is addressing a surge in mental health needs among civilians and soldiers by leveraging technology to optimize treatment amid a shortage of trained professionals. Digital tools and AI are being integrated to reduce administrative burdens and improve care delivery, following recommendations from the Mor Yosef Committee. This systemic approach aims to expand access and efficiency in mental health services in response to trauma from recent conflicts.
הידיעה ב-6 שורות · תקציר של baba
- Mental health treatment demand in Israel rose 30% by 2025, with 435,000 patients treated.
- War-injured patients face high rates of mental distress, with 65% affected by PTSD or similar issues.
- Training new mental health professionals takes years, limiting rapid response to demand.
- Technology can reduce administrative tasks, freeing therapists to spend more time with patients.
- AI can help tailor treatments, detect early distress, and optimize resource allocation.
- The Mor Yosef Committee recommends expanding digital and AI tools in mental health care.
Israel faces a growing mental health crisis, with hundreds of thousands of civilians and soldiers suffering from trauma, loss, injury, and displacement. In 2025, approximately 435,000 people received treatment at health maintenance organizations' mental health clinics, marking a 30% increase over three years. That year also saw about 3.5 million therapeutic contacts and 550,000 calls to support hotlines. Concurrently, around 26,000 war-injured individuals sought rehabilitation through the Ministry of Defense, with 65% experiencing mental distress or post-traumatic stress disorder.
The surge in demand for mental health services outpaces the system’s ability to supply trained professionals, as training psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers takes years. The Bank of Israel has highlighted the lengthy training process as a key obstacle to meeting rising needs. While rapid training is impossible, freeing therapists’ time by reducing administrative burdens could increase treatment capacity. Currently, many hours are spent on coordination, paperwork, and managing caseloads instead of direct patient care.
Technological advancements offer a potential multiplier effect. Digital systems can streamline intake, triage, bureaucracy, appointment management, and continuity of care. Artificial intelligence could further enhance service by tailoring treatments to individual needs, detecting early signs of distress, and analyzing large data sets to optimize resource allocation. This approach would identify treatment shortages and geographic gaps without replacing human judgment or the essential human connection in therapy.
These ideas are beginning to influence public mental health policy. The Mor Yosef Committee, which reviewed care for IDF casualties, recommended expanding digital tools and integrating AI to shorten processes and improve services. Experts call for a systemic initiative linking government ministries, hospitals, health funds, civil society, philanthropic organizations, and the tech industry to scale effective solutions.
The trauma from the October 7 attacks has left deep, often invisible wounds that will require years of care. Every hour saved from bureaucracy can be redirected to treatment, and early distress detection can prevent deterioration. For hundreds of thousands affected, enhancing mental health services through technology is not just efficiency but a national imperative. Idan Roll, CEO of Code for Israel and former Knesset member and deputy foreign minister, advocates this integrated, tech-enabled approach to meet one of Israel’s greatest upcoming challenges.
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