As we face the growing wave of trauma in Israel, particularly following the events of October 7th, one question keeps coming back: How can we truly address the mental health needs of a population so deeply affected by war, violence, and loss?
The answer lies not just in providing more therapists or building more clinics, but in offering the right care with precision, understanding, and hope.
That’s exactly what the HOMIYAH program aims to do.
HOMIYAH was born in the aftermath of October 7th, a time when it became clear that our current mental health infrastructure would be overwhelmed by the influx of trauma patients. Founded by Professor Shlomo Mendlovic, Executive Director of Shalvata Mental Health Center, in collaboration with Columbia University’s Professor Yuval Neria, HOMIYAH is an innovative, modular training program designed to scale up trauma treatment while maintaining the highest standards of personalized care.
The concept of train the trainers lies at the heart of the program; it trains leaders who can return to their communities and teach others. This ripple effect allows the program to scale up rapidly, reaching more people without diluting the quality of care. Ido Lurie, the Head of the program in Israel explained, "We’ve officially trained 150 therapists across three cycles, but indirectly, we’ve trained over 1,000 therapists who are applying what they learned to treat trauma patients throughout Israel."
But it’s not just the numbers that matter—it’s the approach. Trauma, as Mendlovic explains, is not like an infectious disease where you can just prescribe antibiotics. "You have to tailor the treatment to each patient. It’s more like treating cancer—you can’t just give everyone the same treatment and expect the same results". This is the essence of HOMIYAH’s mission: finding the right treatment for the right person at the right time.
HOMIYAH is creating a data-driven approach. Not only for people who are diagnosed with PTSD but also addressing the broader population who have been impacted by trauma but don’t have a formal diagnosis.
Precision Over Habit
One of the things you quickly realize when you are in the field is that therapists, no matter how skilled or experienced, often fall back on what they are most comfortable with. Many therapists choose treatments based on their own training or preferences rather than what’s necessarily best for the patient. This isn’t out of neglect, but out of habit. It’s human nature to gravitate toward what we know.
This is where the brilliance of HOMIYAH’s protocol really shines. Rather than leaving it up to the therapist’s intuition, the program emphasizes data-driven, evidence-based decision-making. Using a custom-built platform, therapists can track patient progress in real-time, ensuring that treatments are adjusted based on outcomes, not just the therapist’s personal preference.
As Professor Yuval Neria put it, "The real challenge in trauma therapy is choosing the right treatment for the right patient. We can’t rely on blanket approaches; each person’s trauma is unique, and the treatment must reflect that." His words remind us that while many therapists may be trained in a variety of methods, it’s critical to know when and how to apply them. This is not something that can be left to chance or personal bias.
Tailoring Treatment in Times of Crisis
What makes HOMIYAH particularly timely is its responsiveness to Israel’s unique context. The program was developed just weeks after the October 7th attacks, and its protocol is designed specifically for the kind of ongoing, complex trauma we’re seeing now in the country. Trauma here is not a singular event—it’s layered, with new traumatic experiences compounding old ones. The ability to customize treatment plans for each individual is more important than ever.
Professor Mendlovic recently shared a personal story that brought this home for me. His son, a soldier stationed in Kissufim during the October attacks, witnessed horrific scenes but has yet to talk about what he experienced. "He tells me, ‘Abba, when I’m done with my army service, we’ll go to Ireland, rent a car, and I’ll tell you everything,’" Mendlovic said, underscoring the delicate balance required in trauma therapy. "The question of when and how to expose trauma is critical in PTSD therapy. If you push a patient to open up too soon, you can cause harm. But if you don’t encourage them to speak when it’s the right time, the therapy won’t progress."
This balance is something HOMIYAH is designed to address. Using evidence-based protocols, the program ensures that therapists have the tools to know when to introduce different methods, whether it's Exposure Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or something else entirely. The emphasis is always on matching the right treatment to the right patient, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Scaling with Care and Community
Another remarkable aspect of HOMIYAH is how it combines large-scale training with personalized care. The therapists trained through the program don’t just receive a one-off certification—they become part of a larger community that continues to learn and evolve. Every two weeks, all the trained therapists meet via Zoom to discuss cases, refine protocols, and share insights. This creates an ongoing feedback loop that ensures the program remains dynamic and responsive to the changing needs of the population.
Hila Attias Almagor, Operational Director of HOMIYAH, remarked that “the community aspect is critical. The therapists meet regularly, study cases together, and we can then adjust the protocols based on real-world experiences. It’s not just about training—it’s about creating a support network for therapists across the country." This sense of community is what allows HOMIYAH to scale without losing its personal touch.
In addition to the regular meetings, the program also includes a digital platform where therapists can input patient data, monitor progress, and receive guidance on next steps. This ensures that every decision is backed by data, not just gut feeling.
Hope for the Future
At the heart of HOMIYAH is the belief that trauma, no matter how severe, can be managed with the right tools and the right mindset. The program is not just about treating the wounds of the past—it’s about offering hope for the future. The therapists trained through HOMIYAH don’t just gain new skills—they leave with a renewed sense of optimism. Prof Mendlovic made us hopeful when he shared: "Our students don’t just learn techniques; they gain confidence that they can help. And when therapists have hope, they pass that hope on to their patients."
Yuval Neria echoed this sentiment, reminding us that the ultimate goal of trauma therapy is not just symptom reduction, but restoration of hope. "Trauma can steal a person’s future, but with the right treatment, we can help them reclaim it."
As Israel faces one of its most challenging periods, programs like HOMIYAH offer a path forward. Through precision, community, and hope, we are not only addressing the immediate mental health crisis but laying the groundwork for long-term healing.
