DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇱 Israel /Culture & Society

Israel streamlines licensing for immigrant psychologists

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • The Israeli government approved a proposal to streamline licensing for qualified psychologists immigrating to Israel.
  • The initiative aims to recognize foreign academic degrees, training, and experience while maintaining professional standards, addressing a shortage of mental health professionals.
  • Approximately 50 psychologists have expressed interest in immigrating and practicing in Israel this year, and the new process will allow them to start accreditation before arrival.

Israel's government has approved a new initiative designed to simplify the licensing and integration process for psychologists who immigrate to the country. The proposal, a joint effort by the Minister of Aliyah and Integration, Ofir Sofer, and the Health Minister, Haim Katz, seeks to broaden the recognition of foreign academic degrees, professional training, and clinical experience.

the State of Israel needs mental health professionals now more than ever.

— Ofir SoferMinister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer emphasized the importance of the initiative.

This move aims to maintain Israel's high professional licensing standards while making it easier for immigrant psychologists to practice. The Health Ministry will establish new guidelines for its registration and professional committees to better accommodate variations in psychology training programs and certifications from other countries. The committees will also ensure that foreign certifications meet legal and professional standards equivalent to those in Israel.

Aliyah brings with it high-quality, experienced human capital, and it is our duty to remove unnecessary barriers that prevent these professionals from fitting in.

— Ofir SoferMinister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer explained the rationale behind the initiative.

According to a press release, the initiative will enable psychologists to integrate more efficiently into Israel's healthcare system without compromising patient safety. Since the beginning of 2026, about 50 psychologists have shown interest in immigrating to Israel and practicing there. The new proposal will allow them to begin the licensing and accreditation process even before they arrive.

strengthening mental health services and expanding the care available to the public.

— Haim KatzHealth Minister Haim Katz praised the initiative for its potential impact on mental health services.

Both ministers highlighted the critical need for mental health professionals in Israel. "The State of Israel needs mental health professionals now more than ever," stated Sofer. He emphasized that "Aliyah brings with it high-quality, experienced human capital, and it is our duty to remove unnecessary barriers." Katz echoed this sentiment, noting the shortage of mental health professionals and praising the initiative for "strengthening mental health services and expanding the care available to the public." He added that the decision "enables psychologists to practice the profession for which they were trained and qualified, by recognizing their experience without compromising on professional standards."

mandates us to remove barriers and allow high-quality personnel to integrate into the system.

— Haim KatzHealth Minister Haim Katz stated the necessity of removing barriers for qualified personnel.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog