The Health Ministry reported that it had received thousands of calls to its emotional support hotline during Iran's continued assault on Israel.
Israelis take cover in a public shelter in Jerusalem, during a ballistic missile attack fired from Iran into Israel June 13, 2025. (photo credit: NOAM REVKIN FENTON/FLASH90)ByDR. ITAY GALJUNE 15, 2025 19:33Updated: JUNE 15, 2025 19:37Israel’s Health Ministry reported receiving over 4,700 calls to emotional support hotlines as of Sunday evening, as Israel’s health establishment battles a wave of mental health crises, in addition to the wave of ballistic missiles fired by the Islamic regime in Iran.
The ministry also reported hundreds of calls to local mental health institutions and healthcare provides. In response, Health Minister Uriel Busso’s office has enacted emergency protocols, expanding access to the ministry’s services during all hours of the day and setting up additional hotlines and command rooms across Israel.
In accordance to directives issued by the IDF’s Home Front Command, every health institution in the country has opened its shelters to the public in case of a siren.
In addition, the ministry has launched expansive emotional support services through remote Zoom therapy sessions, immediate psychological evaluations, and a coordinated “anxiety protocol” carried out free of charge to those present at sites of missile impacts.
Delegations from the Health and Welfare ministries are sent to sites of impacts in cities such as Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Bat Yam to provide initial mental aid, and connect those in need of further treatment to local support networks.
IDF Home Front Command Search and Rescue teams conducting rescue operations at missile impact sites in central Israel, June 15, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)What do the new anxiety protocols entail?
These protocols are being carried out with the intent of limiting immediate mental health crises and long-term effects of post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) among the Israeli populace.Service at rehabilitation centers across the country remains unchanged, in accordance with the evolving security situation. The ministry ordered the expansion of digital services for patients who wish to remain in their homes.
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