While talking to a friend can provide vital support and comfort, there are times when social circles aren't enough to resolve deep-seated challenges. In these moments, professional therapy offers a different kind of encounter—one entirely focused on your needs.

Unlike a conversation with a friend, therapy provides a neutral and discreet environment. A professional therapist brings specialized tools and clinical insights to help you understand complex psychological processes. This partnership allows you to explore new perspectives and develop effective coping mechanisms within a structured framework, dedicated entirely to your mental well-being and personal goals.

The clinic provides therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. Our services are open to the general public, and there is no requirement to be affiliated with the university or to live in the surrounding area.

Please note: The clinic does not provide services to Bar-Ilan University students. Students of the university are invited to contact the Student Counseling Services, also located on campus, for mental health support.

In recent years, a wide variety of therapeutic methods has emerged, including individual therapy in various approaches, couples therapy, group therapy, and more. This broad range of options can certainly feel overwhelming. The choice of a specific type of treatment is based on several factors, including the reasons for seeking therapy, the individual's personality and preferences, and various external factors.

Our goal is to tailor the type of treatment to each patient's unique character and needs. The Community Service Clinic is home to a skilled and experienced team. Our intake process allows us to gain a deep understanding of each patient and their reasons for seeking help. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, we select the most suitable form of treatment for you.

Usually, treatment at the clinic runs throughout the academic year—from November to July. However, the exact duration depends on the nature of the challenges addressed and the therapeutic goals. Some treatments are shorter, while in other cases, therapy may be extended for an additional year, depending on the patient's needs and the therapist's recommendation.

Please note that in most cases, if treatment continues into a second year, it will be conducted with a different therapist.

In our clinic, as in private practice, the therapist is committed to absolute confidentiality. Information regarding your treatment can only be shared with a third party after you have voluntarily signed a Waiver of Medical Confidentiality (Release of Information). This occurs, for example, when a therapist wishes to consult with another treatment provider to better support your care. By law, the only exceptions to this rule are cases involving an immediate, preventable life-threatening danger, or reports of abuse toward children or helpless individuals.

As part of the clinical training at our facility, sessions are recorded for supervision and educational purposes. These materials are handled with the utmost care, ensuring the patient’s privacy and best interests are always protected.

In recent decades, the medical field has advanced significantly, and today, various medications are available to assist with a range of mental health conditions. Medication is personally tailored and prescribed by either a family physician (GP) or a psychiatrist. Research in the field indicates that in many cases, the most effective solution is a combination of medication and psychological therapy. Within the framework of the clinic, we can provide a referral for a psychiatric consultation if necessary.

A psychiatrist is a trained medical doctor (MD) specializing in mental health (psychiatry). Because of their medical background, psychiatrists are authorized to prescribe medication. A psychologist, on the other hand, is not a medical doctor and does not prescribe medication. While their primary focus is on psychotherapy and behavioral health, some psychiatrists also pursue specialized training in psychological therapy and incorporate it into their practice.

The decision to seek therapy is a personal one, often influenced by many complex factors. While you cannot force another person to enter therapy, you can certainly assist them in the decision-making process.

In some cases, the individual may feel they need professional help but is simply unaware of the available treatment options. In such situations, it can be helpful to provide information about different clinics and therapeutic methods. In other instances, a person may hesitate due to the stigma associated with mental health care. In these cases, it is worth discussing what seeking therapy actually means and gently encouraging a more flexible perspective. Many people become "accustomed" to living with distress and may stop believing that their quality of life can improve. It is important to remind them of times when they felt better and to suggest that their current suffering does not have to be permanent.

Speaking with a friend can be a significant source of help, support, and positive change. However, many people find that their social circles cannot always provide a sufficient solution to their problems. In these cases, you may feel the need to meet with a professional who can offer new perspectives and different coping strategies.

A session with a therapist differs from a conversation with a friend in several key ways:

• Focus on Your Needs: Unlike a friendship, therapy is not a mutual social interaction; it is entirely focused on the patient's specific needs.

• Objectivity and Privacy: The therapist is a neutral figure, separate from your social circle. This ensures the encounter is more objective and highly discreet.

• Professional Expertise: Therapists have acquired specialized tools to understand psychological processes, using this knowledge to help patients achieve their goals.

• The Therapeutic Framework: The structure of therapy itself helps patients organize their thoughts and direct their mental resources toward healing and growth.

The clinic provides support for individuals facing various mental health challenges, but we do not offer emergency intervention services. If there is a concern regarding immediate harm to yourself or others, please contact a crisis hotline or go to a psychiatric emergency room, which are equipped to provide assistance 24/7.

For additional information on emergency resources, please refer to the following document: Emergency Resources (PDF)