Getting Your License Approved in Israel - Part 2

Chaya Lieba Kobernick, PsyD
Apr 21
3 min read

Updated: Apr 23

So You’re Thinking About Making Aliyah as a Psychologist…

At some point, we all hit the same wall.

You start hearing words like: Pinkas… hitmachut… kupah…

And you realize:

You don’t just need to move countries. You need to learn a whole new system.

This glossary is here to help you get oriented quickly, practically, and without the overwhelm.

A Practical Glossary for Psychologists Making Aliyah

Core Licensing & Training Terms

Pinkas (פנקס הפסיכולוגים) The official Psychologists Registry in Israel. You must be registered here to legally call yourself a psychologist.

Hitmachut (התמחות) Internship/residency period required for specialization (similar to postdoc/internship in the U.S.).

Mumchiyut (מומחיות) Specialist licensure (e.g., clinical, educational, rehab). This is the second stage after basic registration.

Work Settings & Systems

Kupah / Kupot / Kupat Cholim (קופת חולים) Israel’s public healthcare system (similar to insurance networks, but centralized and government-regulated). Includes: Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, Leumit.

Shapach / Sheirut Psichologi (שפ״ח) Municipal psychological services, typically working with schools and children.

Shirut Tziburi (שירות ציבורי) Public sector work (schools, hospitals, government services).

Sapak (ספק) A provider contracted with a system (e.g., Ministry of Defense or Kupah).

Shikum (שיקום) Rehabilitation (relevant for neuropsych / rehab track)

Rav Kavua / Referral System (הפניה) Referrals through kupot or systems - key for understanding how clients actually reach you

Bureaucracy & Process

Tofes / Tofasim (טופס / טפסים) Forms. You will hear this word constantly.

Ishur (אישור) Approval (e.g., degree recognition, licensing approval).

Teudat Zehut (תעודת זהות) Israeli ID number.

Misrad HaBriut (משרד הבריאות) Ministry of Health - the body responsible for licensing psychologists.

Good Standing Letter (עודת יושר) Document from licensing body confirming no ethical violations (VERY relevant practically)

Notary / Notarization (אישור נוטריוני) Required authentication for documents submitted to Misrad HaBriut

Professional Structure Differences

“Basic Psychologist License” First stage - allows you to be registered as a psychologist.

“Specialist License” Second stage - determines your specialty area (clinical, school, rehab, etc.)

Important difference: Israel evaluates:

your coursework
your training
your experience

NOT your license or your title (e.g., PsyD, PhD, etc.)

Financial & Work Terms

Bituach Leumi (ביטוח לאומי) National Insurance (similar to Social Security)

Mas Hachnasa (מס הכנסה) Income tax

Osek Patur / Osek Mursheh (עוסק פטור / מורשה) Freelancer/business status (tax categories for private practice)

Ma’am (מע״מ)

VAT (18%) - tack that on to every private pay session

Clinical & Cultural Realities

“Working in Hebrew” Not required for licensure, but essential for integration and many jobs

Public vs Private Tension

Public = integration, training, lower pay
Private = higher pay, less system integration

Most successful clinicians: do both

“Therapist vs Psychologist” (unofficial distinction) In Israel:

“Psychologist” = legally regulated
“Psychotherapist” = loosely used, not regulated

Transition Terms

Aliyah (עלייה) Immigration to Israel

Oleh / Olah (עולה / עולה) New immigrant

Ulpan (אולפן) Hebrew language program (sometimes specialized for professionals)

Helpful Resources

Psychologists Coming Home Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5egL2Y6gr6c
Psychologist Registration (Pinkas): https://www.gov.il/en/pages/licensing-medical-psychology
Criteria for Overseas Degrees:https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/guide/licensing-medical-psychology/en/subjects_medical-professions-licensing_files_Psyc%20conditions%20for%20registration%20of%20overseas%20students_abroad_EN.pdf
Internship & Specialization: https://www.gov.il/en/pages/licensing-medical-psychology-expert
MedEx Event: https://www.imap.org.il/event-page/medex-new-jersey/
Getting Licensed in Israel Guide: https://www.thecbtdbtcenter.com/post/getting-your-license-approved-in-israel

Key Takeaways

There is no simple license transfer. Every application is reviewed individually.
Israel evaluates your training and experience, not your degree or title
Hebrew isn’t required for licensure, but it will shape your career options
Most psychologists build hybrid careers (public + private, or Israel + U.S.)
Income, even in private practice, is often significantly lower than in the U.S.
Integration into the Israeli system often matters as much as clinical skill