So, you’re planning on moving to Israel - mazel tov! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get your psychology license recognized and functional in the Holy Land.
This is the process for someone that already has their license in America. It is possible to do your post-doc in Israel but it does take about 3 years longer to complete and you must take a licensure exam that is known to be very difficult.
After you’ve obtained your license in the U.S., there are two steps in this process: registering for Pinkas Hapsychologim (Psychology Registry) and for your Mumchiyot.
Pinkas Hapsychologim
You must submit the following: Teudat zehut or your Social Security number in Israel, a copy of your transcripts and diplomas, two passport photos, and a confirmation from your university that your doctorate was written in the framework of a School of Psychology.
You also must fill out a questionnaire with your demographic information. The questionnaire is included with the link below.
Everything must be sent through registered mail to the Medical Professions, Licensing Department, Misrad HaBriyut, 39 Yermiyahu St, PO Box 1176, Jerusalem 9446724.
Everything must be notarized in Israel.
This process should take about 3 months to complete.
Mumchiyot
This verifies that you have finished all of your education and can practice in Israel.
You must fill out this questionnaire: https://www.nbn.org.il/source_files/medex2022/Translated-questionnaire-fillable.pdf
Bring letters of recommendation and letters from your supervisors that confirm what you wrote on the questionnaire. They should include their title and license number on their letters as well.
Bring your syllabi and course descriptions from your college (it could be from the past or the present as long as it is from your college).
Bring your training certificates and proof of the tests you administered.
These documents must be notarized in Israel as well and sent to the Council of Psychology, Misrad HaBriyut, 5 HaRabi MeBachrach St, Tel Aviv-Jaffa 66849.
This process should take about 6 months to complete.
Good luck and welcome to Israel!
Frequently Asked Questions
By Ilana Knoll
Q:Â
How does Israel look at and treat licensure?
A:Â
Countries outside of the US do not necessarily treat licensure in the same way. In the US, there is an assumption that people must be licensed before they can work anywhere. In Israel, psychology and social work are protected terms, but psychotherapy is not, so many anglo therapists do not ever become licensed and work as psychotherapists.Â
You can get malpractice insurance in Israel once you are licensed, but there is also a way to get malpractice insurance in Israel without a license, and you should speak with your American malpractice insurance, because they will typically cover most issues (aside from sending an actual lawyer to court for you in Israel). However, non-licensed psychologists would need to be clear with clients that you are not an Israeli licensed psychologist.Â
There are many medical professionals (psychologists and other fields) who never get licensed in Israel and also never work in Israel, working exclusively via telehealth for companies that do that or privately. However, in order to work in the public sector (schools or hospitals, etc.) then you will need Israeli licensure.Â
Some psychologists explain that it can be quite restrictive if you choose to not go the licensing route. Sometimes schools, hospitals, funding organizations, etc. can first ask for a license number, as these organizations are not allowed to work with non-licensed psychologists.Â
Q:Â
Is there any way to start the process of registering before I officially make Aliyah?
A:
Yes, if one were to attend NBN medical conferences, they have representatives from Misrad Habriut (health ministry) that can start the process of registering as a psychologist (step 1). Once you step off the plane and get your Teudat Zehut, you can send in your number and be registered quickly.Â
While you’re in America it is helpful to gather all the paperwork that you need for registering, even if you don’t submit these documents right away, since if you don’t have access to a Nefesh B’Nefesh conference it might take some time to gather all of your documentation.Â
Typically, people want to get started in this process before they are officially living in Israel so they don’t have a lag in income. It is also important to keep in mind that a lag in working can be beneficial in some ways, as it allows you time to adjust. You can also get financial assistance if you’re not working. Additionally, you can continue working in America as you figure out where exactly you want to be in Israel or you can actually start working just without a license (see previous Q&A).
Q:
Can you complete a postdoc in Israel?
A:
As long as the licensing board of your state allows for virtual supervision, you can do a virtual postdoc. According to the NYS licensure board, you are able to complete your postdoc hours anywhere in the world, as long as your supervisor can legally work in that jurisdiction and sign off on your hours. This may be tricky in Israel because of the supervisor status requirement, therefore oftentimes, Americans choose to virtually see American clients exclusively. A postdoc in Israel definitely can be done!
Q:
Which syllabuses from schooling do I need to submit with my documentation for licensure in Israel?
A:
All syllabuses after a masters level need to be submitted. It is recommended to store all of those in one accessible place as you take your courses.
Q:
I have a certification in school psych and a PsyD in school-community psych. Is school psych a speciality?
A:
Yes, educational psychology would be your speciality.
Q:
What should be written in your letters from supervisors?
A:
This is detailed on the website, so make sure to check. They will likely want to know your supervisor's role, what your role was, and the breakdown of your hours by assessment, clinical individual group etc.
Disclaimer: This information is all from our own knowledge and experience. Please confirm with the appropriate boards and committees with the most updated and official information.