About therapists
Therapist is the everyday word for a professional who offers talking therapy: depending on the country it can be a psychologist, a psychotherapist, a licensed counsellor, a marriage and family therapist or a clinical social worker. Profiles show each therapist’s actual title, training and registration.
Getting mental health care in Israel
Public health system · Health funds (Kupot Holim) under the National Health Insurance Law
Since the July 2015 mental health insurance reform, psychiatric and psychotherapy services are provided by the four health funds as part of the basic basket. The State Comptroller (2020) and the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute found that waiting times for intake and psychotherapy are often very long.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Ministry of Health, Psychologists' Register (Pinkas HaPsychologim). The title psychologist is protected and only people listed in the Ministry of Health register may use it. Registration alone does not prove a specialisation, so also check for a recognised specialist status (e.g. clinical, educational). Search the official register
- Ministry of Health (licensed physicians register). Physicians are licensed by the Ministry of Health and can be checked by name or licence number in the same public registry of licensed health professionals. Search the official register
Urgent help in Israel
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 102 · Fire
- 1201 · ERAN – Emotional First Aid
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: gov.il, library.mevaker.gov.il, brookdale.jdc.org.il
What does a therapist do?
A therapist helps you talk through what is worrying you and find practical ways to feel and cope better. In sessions they listen, ask questions, help you notice patterns in your thoughts, emotions and relationships, and agree goals with you. Depending on their training they may use cognitive-behavioural, humanistic, systemic, psychodynamic or other evidence-based approaches, with individuals, couples, families or groups.
When to see a therapist
It makes sense to look for a therapist when stress, anxiety, low mood, grief, relationship problems, a difficult change or the effects of past experiences start to weigh on your daily life, or when you simply want space to understand yourself better. If symptoms are severe, you may need medication or there are signs of a medical cause, involve your doctor or a psychiatrist as well.
How is it different from other professionals?
Therapist is a broad, everyday term rather than a single qualification. A psychologist holds a university degree in psychology; a psychotherapist has specific training in a therapy model; counsellors, marriage and family therapists and clinical social workers are licensed for talking therapy in many places. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. What matters is the therapist’s actual licence and experience with your concern.
What happens in the first session
The first session is mostly a conversation: what brings you, since when, how it affects your life and what you would like to change. The therapist will explain how they work, how often you would meet, confidentiality and fees. It is a good moment to ask about their licence, their approach and their experience with your concern, and to notice whether you feel comfortable with them.
How long does the process take?
Sessions usually last 45 to 60 minutes, often weekly at first and then less frequently as things improve. Focused difficulties can improve in a few months, while long-standing patterns may take longer. Your therapist should review progress with you regularly and agree when to change the frequency or finish.
Online or in person?
Online therapy works well for many people with stress, anxiety, low mood or relationship worries, and makes it easier to find a therapist who speaks your language or shares your culture. You need a private space and a stable connection, and the therapist must be licensed to practise where you live. In-person sessions may be better for young children, some assessments or situations of risk.
How to check their qualifications
Because therapist is an everyday word, it is worth checking which professional title the person actually holds (psychologist, psychotherapist, licensed counsellor, marriage and family therapist, clinical social worker…) and that they are registered with the licensing body for that title where you live. Ask for their licence or registration number and check it in the public register when one exists.
What affects the price?
Fees vary with the therapist’s title and experience, the city or country, online or in-person sessions and session length. Couples and family sessions usually cost more. Some therapists offer sliding-scale fees or a free first call; ask about cancellation policy, receipts for insurance and whether a public scheme or your health insurance could cover part of the cost.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Israel cover psychological care?
Since the July 2015 mental health insurance reform, psychiatric and psychotherapy services are provided by the four health funds as part of the basic basket. The State Comptroller (2020) and the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute found that waiting times for intake and psychotherapy are often very long.
How do I check that a therapist is licensed in Israel?
Ministry of Health, Psychologists' Register (Pinkas HaPsychologim): The title psychologist is protected and only people listed in the Ministry of Health register may use it. Registration alone does not prove a specialisation, so also check for a recognised specialist status (e.g. clinical, educational).