Art groupsAt the Mental Health Center
About the Art Department
Engaging in art has been proven to have a very positive effect on the mind, and facilitates healing for those suffering from various mental problems. The ability to disconnect from the intrusive thoughts and inner storms for even a few hours, along with the concentration in doing and using different skills and senses – can work wonders.
The Art Department of the Mental Health Center was established in 2019. In the first period, the activity was carried out using a trolley that was passed between the various departments in the building, and the therapist invited the patients to do a little creative work. The activity, led by an expert in rehabilitative art, gained momentum and developed at a rapid pace until art room where the activities take place today was opened.
Art room
The studio is well equipped and decorated, and currently provides a service to all departments and wards at the Mayanei HaYeshua Mental Health Center. The room, which is active every day from morning until evening, is equipped with all the required art materials. It has pleasant work spaces, and is equipped with almost every material imaginable.
Most activities in the room are in small group settings, where the group members have something in common, or have a similar background. Among the groups: those coming from one of the clinics or hospitalization departments; groups of former inpatients who continue to come to the art room; groups of workers in restorative employment; families treated in the “Green House”; and more. In some cases and according to the need, the activity takes place on the ward and not in the art room when the patients are unable to reach it. One-to-one sessions are also available.
The room also provides activities for men, and on Tuesday all the groups are men’s groups.
Art room
The range of creative options is extensive, and includes painting, knitting, embroidery and more. The men’s groups will usually engage in clay or ceramic sculpture. The progress is individual, and when it comes to hospitalized patients who stay at the center for an extended period of time, they will also be able to choose long-term work and even continue work on them on the ward.
During the creation, a discourse is always created within the group, and it is natural for the participants to talk about their past struggles or the healing process. The inclusive and non-judgmental approach (where the moderator is literally “one of the group” and takes part in the discourse) brings great relief to the participants. In family therapy sessions, participants prepare a collaborative piece of work, in which each member of the family makes an important contribution.
Alongside the physical creations, the staff also integrates graphic design training by professionals for those who are interested, at the computer stations specially established for this purpose.
The psychiatric outpatient clinics at Mayanei HaYeshua Medical Center serve patients from across the country.
Members of Clalit and Maccabi Health Services must present a referral from their treating physician or family doctor.
Members of Meuhedet and Leumit Health Services must obtain Form 17 (financial authorization), and patients referred by the Ministry of Defense must present a treatment authorization form.
Arrangements are also available with various private medical insurance providers.
Patients without the required authorization will be charged according to the hospital’s standard rates.