IOF reservists await mental health support for long periods: Reports

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
19 Mar 2024 12:20

Reservist soldiers in the Israeli army face significant delays, with waits of up to two months to receive mental health support due to a lengthy waitlist.

An Israeli soldier mourns over the grave of reserve Sgt. Yair Ashkenazy, 36, in 'Rehovot', occupied Palestine, Friday, July 25, 2014. (AP)

Israeli media reported that reservist soldiers in the Israeli army are forced to wait for about two months to receive mental health treatment due to a long waitlist.

The Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom said that reservist combatants, who recently turned to "Natal - Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center", were informed that they would have to wait between one to two months to see a therapist.

The extended wait time for mental health assistance among reservist soldiers in the Israeli army is attributed to the increased number of requests from discharged soldiers seeking treatment for trauma and PTSD, as reported by the newspaper.

The newspaper also pointed out that more than 300,000 reservists have been enlisted, with a substantial number seeking mental health treatment upon completing their service.

Moreover, it clarified that "immediately upon the outbreak of war, teams were set up to address combat-related responses, stationed close to the battlefields," with "over 3,000 soldiers passing through these teams since the war began."

Additionally, a rear rehabilitation facility has been established, serving as a hub for intensive and prolonged therapy for soldiers grappling with significant post-traumatic symptoms. According to the newspaper, around 1,300 soldiers have received treatment at this facility.