Reservist Specialists Warn of Gaps in Military Mental Health Care

Reservists, including mental-health specialists, warn that IDF and Defense Ministry support has not kept pace with demand after prolonged fighting. They say thousands of discharged reservists seek treatment or workshops abroad through private nonprofits, and call for closer coordination and oversight of outside providers. The IDF says it has expanded clinics, staffing and treatment options, alongside a round-the-clock hotline and support after operational deployments. It says the Combat Stress Reaction Unit has treated more than 5,000 new patients and also serves discharged personnel. The military says civilian treatment is shared with other agencies and its legal authority outside that unit is limited.