Shaarei Tzedek opens ketamine-based treatment center for October 7 trauma victims

Shaarei Tzedek Hospital and the Jerusalem Foundation launched the "Shaarei Nefesh Center - for Treatment with Integrated Psychotherapy and Substances" for treating people with trauma-related mental illness today (Tuesday), with a focus on those suffering from trauma from October 7 and the war.

Shaarei Tzedek said that "the Shaare Nefesh Center began its operations about six months ago within the Shaare Zedek campus, with the support of the Jerusalem Foundation and thanks to an anonymous donation stemming from a deep understanding of the need to promote advanced mental health treatment approaches within Israel’s public healthcare system, and in light of the urgent need to expand therapeutic responses to the mental health conditions of Jerusalem residents and surrounding areas."

According to the hospital, "the center provides fully subsidized treatments for PTSD and depression, including trauma-focused psychotherapy combined with ketamine. So far, the center has treated dozens of soldiers, civilians, and volunteers from rescue organizations who were affected by the war, and it continues to expand its operations to provide care to many more in need.

"The uniqueness of the Shaarei Nefesh Center lies in its innovative treatment method—ketamine therapy for PTSD patients. Ketamine, a well-known anesthetic widely and safely used in the medical field, has been researched and utilized for over two decades for mental health treatment, with studies demonstrating its positive impact on psychotherapy processes for trauma-related conditions."

Israel has been struggling to cope with the large numbers of PTSD and trauma-related suffering throughout the country - especially among soldiers and rescue personnel - due to the harsh experiences of October 7 and the war. While multiple government bodies including the Health Ministry have formally acknowledged the need for improved mental health, many complain that little has come of this in terms of funding and therapeutic personnel to help sufferers.