Netanel Zingboim, clinical psychologist and founder of the Zigmond app, stated: "The events of October 7 and their aftermath have highlighted the severe distress in the mental health sector, including budget shortfalls, insufficient staffing, and significant challenges in treating those who have experienced horrific traumas and are suffering from PTSD, requiring immediate care. The system cannot currently handle the volume of victims from the massacre, reservists, and evacuees from the border areas. Beyond these, the entire country is experiencing ongoing trauma. Experts from the Zigmond app are stepping in to fill this gap and provide rapid psychological treatments. No more nerve-wracking waits for an appointment with a psychologist, which often isn't available for several months, and not necessarily close to your place of residence."
Experts from the Zigmond app seek to assist municipalities and councils in promoting immediate, economically feasible, and geographically accessible mental health treatments. This is done using a user-friendly app in collaboration with municipal and council bodies.
The connection to Zigmond is not location-dependent – it is relevant across the entire country. A pool of 750 available psychologists awaits patient matches through the app. The treatment is, of course, individual and personal, one-on-one in a clinic, just as traditional psychological treatment is known.
The Zigmond platform was established following the combat experience of its founder, Netanel Zingboim. During his military service in the Egoz Unit, he served as a sniper and demolitions expert, fighting in the 2014 "Operation Protective Edge," where he experienced a near-death situation and saw his friends wounded and some killed beside him. At that time, the military systems and support for the fighters did not emphasize PTSD. This experience shaped his worldview and led him to study psychology. Years later, after earning two degrees, he founded the Zigmond platform, which comprises a website and an app offering connections to approximately 750 psychologists. These professionals are matched to each individual based on preferences, geographical location, frequency and urgency of treatment, and budget considerations. The algorithm can also suggest therapists covered by health insurance funds. The significant advantage – immediate availability, unlike the typical waiting times of a year and a half to two years for appointments through health funds.
Municipalities and councils interested in more information are invited to contact via the following platforms:Zigmond Website or Phone: 053-3025849