Jewish and Israeli mental health professionals report identity-related pressures

Jewish and Israeli psychologists and patients are reporting increased difficulties in finding safe spaces for mental health treatment following the events of October 7, 2023. Professionals have expressed feeling pressured to hide their identities, distance themselves from Israel, or remain silent about their affiliations to maintain professional acceptance.

Shelly Steinwurtzel and Jessica Zmood of Gesher Community Care noted that many Jewish and Israeli patients feel ostracized by clinicians. Conversely, therapists themselves have reported a trend of self-censorship due to fears regarding their personal or professional connections to Judaism and Israel.

In response to these concerns, more than 4,000 individuals and 80 organizations have sent a letter to the American Psychological Association (APA). The group is calling on the association to implement measures to safeguard Jewish and Israeli psychologists in their professional environments.