Eating Disorders - Treatment and Support Options in Israel

An eating disorder refers to a number of psychological disorders related to insufficient food intake or overeating. Individuals suffering from them may have difficulty admitting that they have a problem before seeking help.

Coverage and provision of services for eating disorders are essentially the same as any other psychological disorder.

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Where to start when seeking coverage and treatment for an eating disorder:

• Discuss the steps to finding treatment with your family doctor.
• You may need to see a diagnostic psychiatrist or psychologist to receive a referral and coverage for specific treatments.
• Make an appointment with a kupah social worker at your local clinic for additional guidance.
• Get hafnaya & hitchayvut when needed.

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Where can I get treatment?

• Speciality clinic within the kupah. (Hafnaya required)
• Speciality clinics outside the kupah, but that work with your kupah. (Hafnaya & Hitchayvut required)
• Private clinics.
• There are both in-patient and out-patient clinics available, depending on the severity of the patient's condition. Someone with a severe eating disorder and other mental illnesses will be hospitalized.
• Care is generally provided by a multi-disciplinary professional team comprised of doctors, mental health professionals, dietitians, and other professionals.
• Updated listings of treatment facilities with which the kupah is affiliated should be requested directly from the kupah.
• The Israeli Association for Eating Disorders (IAED) website has a comprehensive listing of public and private facilities specializing in treatment of eating disorders (in Hebrew).

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Support Organization for Eating Disorders:

• Israeli Association for Eating Disorders (IAED)
• Women and Their Bodies