The past eight months since the outbreak of the war have posed significant challenges to Israel’s mental health system due to the increasing need for psychological support among Israeli citizens. In response, the Merhavim Medical for Brain and Mind Treatment has launched a new initiative: an art therapy clinic, the first of its kind in Israel. The new clinic, located in Rehovot, aims to assist both adolescents and adults dealing with various mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, and provide specialized support for those coping with trauma and complex trauma during this challenging period.
2 View gallery Art therapy clinic ( Photo: Merhavim Medical spokesperson ) "Around October 7, we saw widespread distress. Anxiety patterns increased, and functioning became more difficult," explained Dr. Shiran Pines, head of the Arts Therapy Sector at Merhavim, on the idea behind the clinic.
"At that time, many 'safe' studio spaces operated by arts therapists began to open across the country on a voluntary basis. Alongside other treatments, they became central in working with trauma victims." Arts therapy is a form of mental health treatment that relies on the human urge to create, whether through music, movement, drama, or painting.
The creative process can help individuals understand and express themselves in non-verbal ways, making it easier to access and process psychological material that might be too difficult or anxiety-inducing to discuss directly. Dr. Pines believ.
