Emotional and Therapeutic Support and Treatment

Sexual abuse is a traumatic experience which can affect your daily life making it more difficult. Turning to professionals for emotional support is likely to help you process the experience by rebuilding your trust of others and coping daily with reality after abuse.

Free Treatment Centers

Regional Multi-Disciplinary Centers which provide emotional treatment to victims of sexual assault:

1. These centers provide psychological treatment, psychiatrists and support groups to all callers (group treatment is given alongside private treatment from the center).
2. The age groups treated at each center may vary, it is important to check with each center.
3. Most centers are required to report to the Ministry of Welfare in order to receive funding to provide treatments. This process is done by the center itself.
4. In order to receive treatment you must call the center and schedule an appointment. It is important to take into consideration that you may have to make an appointment far in advance (2-12 months).
5. Throughout Israel there are centers specifically for the treatment of child victims of sexual abuse.

Multi-Disciplinary Centers who treat victims of sexual abuse

Receiving Funded Treatment at Mental Health Clinics:

Around Israel there are mental health clinics operated by the Ministry of Health or HMOs.

• Some clinics are for treatment of adults only and some for children and teenagers.
• Every clinic has a multi-disciplinary staff.
• You can turn to the clinic or to individual therapists with a referral from your general practitioner.
• It is preferable to call the clinic and schedule an appointment before going.
• Clinic services include screening and diagnostic tests, psychological counseling, private or group counseling sessions, couple or family therapy, drug treatment and psychiatric monitoring, psycho-social monitoring, preparation for rehabilitation and referrals to the rehabilitation committee.
• Every client receives treatment that responds to their individual needs.
• These services are provided for a quarterly fee, or per session with independent therapists.
• Receiving treatment at the clinics must be preceded by an initial evaluation with one of the staff at the clinic. Based on that evaluation, your individual course of treatment will be determined based on your needs.

Private Treatment for a Fee

Psychological Treatment

The regional rape crisis centers have lists of experienced mental health professionals (psychologists, social workers, etc.) who received special straining to treat victims of sexual abuse. We can refer you to a mental health professional in your area.

• Treatment is for a fee, and is different with each professional.
• Sometimes a discount is given to clients with a referral from the rape crisis centers.

HMOs

Some HMOs offer treatment to sexual trauma victims. Each HMO provides a different service, check with your HMO for more specific details of what they offer.

Support Groups at Regional Rape Crisis Centers

• Some of the regional rape crisis centers hold support group meetings for victims and their support networks that provide a group space to process the abuse and cope with its implications.
• The group process creates a space allowing participants to share, create connections and gain a sense of security and belonging.
• The groups are facilitated by treatment professionals who specialize in the treatment of sexual abuse.
• It is the responsibility of each participant to seek private help alongside group sessions.
• For additional information, contact your local Rape Crisis Center