Political Considerations Delay the Integration of Creative Arts Therapists into Israel’s Public Health System:
In an article published in Israel Hayom, Prof. Hod Orkibi and Dr. Ilana Lakh address the continuing delay in signing a Ministry of Health Director-General’s circular intended to regulate the professional status and integration of creative arts therapists within Israel’s public healthcare system.
The circular, which has reportedly been awaiting signature since September 2025, would establish a regulated pathway for academically and clinically trained creative arts therapists to work within Israel’s health funds. Despite the growing demand for mental health services, approximately 10,000 qualified creative arts therapists remain outside the public healthcare system, while 76 million NIS allocated to support their integration has yet to be fully utilized.
Prof. Orkibi and Dr. Lakh argue that the continued delay is not merely a professional or administrative matter. At a time when Israel’s mental health system is facing unprecedented pressure, signing the circular is an essential step toward expanding the mental health workforce, shortening waiting times, and increasing access to professional, affordable, and properly regulated care.
The article also highlights the distinctive contribution of creative arts therapies, including drama therapy, psychodrama, visual art therapy, music therapy, dance and movement therapy, and bibliotherapy, particularly among children, trauma survivors, and individuals for whom verbal expression alone may not be sufficient.