The government approved a proposal on Sunday to streamline the licensing and integration process for qualified psychologists who make aliyah and want to practice in Israel.

The joint proposal, put forth by Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer and Health Minister Haim Katz, was designed to broaden recognition of foreign academic degrees, professional training, and clinical experience in psychology while maintaining Israel’s professional licensing standards.

Under the approved proposal, the Health Ministry will establish new guidelines for its registration and professional committees to better account for variations in psychology training programs and certifications from other countries.

To accredit additional specializations held by immigrant psychologists, the committees will also work to ensure that certifications attained abroad meet legal and professional standards equivalent to those upheld in Israel.

According to a press release about the initiative, the move will enable psychologists to integrate more efficiently into Israel’s healthcare system without compromising the quality of training and the professional experience necessary to ensure the safety of patients seeking psychological care.

Since the start of 2026, approximately 50 psychologists from around the world have expressed interest in making aliyah and practicing in Israel. The proposal will enable psychologists to begin the licensing and accreditation process before their arrival.

Sofer emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that “the State of Israel needs mental health professionals now more than ever.”

“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,” he added, stating that the initiative will help “strengthen the healthcare system by enabling psychologists to utilize their training here in Israel."

Katz additionally noted a shortage of mental health professionals practicing in Israel, praising the initiative for “strengthening mental health services and expanding the care available to the public."

He stated that the shortage “mandates us to remove barriers and allow high-quality personnel to integrate into the system.”

“The decision we approved today enables psychologists to practice the profession for which they were trained and qualified, by recognizing their experience without compromising on professional standards,” Katz concluded.

The proposal is part of a broader effort led by the Aliyah and Integration Ministry to encourage Olim (new immigrants) in regulated professions to enter the Israeli workforce.

The ministry recently expanded its Physicians Administration and has successfully integrated more than 1,000 immigrant physicians into Israel’s healthcare system in the past two years. The physician integration efforts were made in collaboration with the Health Ministry, the Jewish Agency, and Nefesh B’Nefesh.