QUESTIONS ABOUT COUNSELING AT MACHON L'MISHPACHA

Who can request counseling?
Individuals, couples and families who are facing difficulties, dilemmas, transitions or questions.

Will I need a referral from a health care professional or agency?
No.  While we receive referrals from other organizations and professionals including doctors, psychologists, attorneys, and social services, no formal referral is required.

How can I request counseling at the Family Institute?
If you are interested in counseling services, contact our main office at 02-654-4600 (Sunday to Thursday 9:00 - 14:00) and request to speak to the Intake Coordinator.  Members of our Intake staff are specially trained to receive calls and take information in a professional and sensitive manner.   

After you have given preliminary details about your request for counseling, along with basic personal information (name, age, address, etc.), one of the Family Institute's therapists will contact you to schedule a first appointment.

How long will it take for the counseling to begin?
Ordinarily, once you have given your information, you should expect to receive a call from your therapist within one week.  

What is the cost of therapy?
The subsidized fee at the Family Institute is a nominal 100 NIS per session.

If the nominal 100 NIS fee presents a financial hardship a client can apply for a fee reduction and will be given a form to fill out.  If your fee is reduced in accordance with the information you provide, the 100 NIS paid at the initial session will be applied towards future sessions based on the adjusted fee.

The Family Institute will work with you to arrive at an affordable fee, so that you can come for therapy.

Who provides therapy?
Our clinical staff generally consists of therapists with a Masters degree or equivalent in a field of mental health (such as Social Work, Psychology, or Clinical Sociology). Therapists work under the supervision of highly qualified and seasoned clinical supervisors within the framework of advanced postgraduate training.

Therapists at the Family Institute's clinic are Torah observant and are committed to providing the highest standard of confidential and professional counseling services.

What population does the Family Institute serve?
The Family Institute clinic provides counseling for all segments of the Israeli population, being especially sensitive to the unique needs of the Dati/Haredi community.

What type of therapy does the Family Institute offer?
The Family Institute provides individual, couples and family therapy, as well as special services for children, adolescents and victims of domestic abuse or trauma.

How do I determine what type of therapy is appropriate for me and my family?
When you first call, the Intake Coordinator will discuss with you the most appropriate approach for your needs.  Additionally, the initial meetings between you and your therapist can be used to assess and discuss how best to approach your specific issues, and to form a treatment plan.

What about confidentiality?
Our clients' privilege to confidentiality is one of our highest priorities.    The Family Institute is committed to providing you with every measure of confidentiality allowed by law.

In what languages is therapy offered?
In addition to Hebrew and English, we offer therapy in Yiddish, Spanish, and French.  

Does the clinic work under rabbinic supervision?
Yes.  The Family Institute is committed to providing mental health services strictly within the framework of Halacha. HaRav Dovid Ostroff, shlita, an esteemed scholar and talmid of many of the gedolim of our generation, is the Family Institute's rabbinic advisor. He plays a critical role as the Halachic liaison between the Family Institute and the great rabbinic authorities of Eretz Yisrael.

How long does therapy last?
The length of therapy varies based on the unique needs of each client.  Clients, in collaboration with their therapists, most often determine the optimal period of treatment.

Where is the Family Institute located?
The Family Institute is situated on the campus of the Neve Yerushalayim seminary in Har Nof.   Our address is Rechov Beit Yitzchak, next to Rechov Hakablan 10.  The 15, 2, 33 & 60 bus lines all make stops within short walking distance of our clinic.

For further information or to make a referral:
Contact The Family Institute at 02-65-44-600 (Sunday to Thursday, 9:00  -14:00)