IsraRehab
Dr. Mark Semenov, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist licensed by the Israeli Ministry of Health since 2002. He graduated from the Sackler Faculty of Medicine at Tel Aviv University. He completed a psychiatry residency and is a certified specialist.
He has postgraduate training in addiction medicine, healthcare management, and emergency medical care. His practice focuses on addiction and dual diagnosis (substance use disorders with co‑occurring psychiatric illnesses). He provides assessment, medication management, medically supervised detox, relapse prevention, stabilization, and long‑term follow‑up. He works within a multidisciplinary team.
The psychotherapist specializes in treating addiction, emotional disorders, trauma, and behavioral difficulties. Holding a Master of Science in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy from the University of Derby, the doctor utilizes evidence-based modalities including CBT, Schema Therapy, DBT, and trauma-focused interventions. Clinical expertise covers substance use disorders, behavioral addictions, anxiety, depression, and dual diagnosis.
With extensive experience in crisis intervention, stabilization, and long-term rehabilitation, the doctor focuses on identifying underlying psychological mechanisms to foster emotional stability. Treatment plans are individually tailored to support patients through recovery, emphasizing resilience and relapse prevention.
Dr. Michael Krasnoshtein is a senior psychiatrist with over 27 years at Sourasky Medical Center. He leads the clinic's specialized Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) Unit.
The doctor is a distinguished psychiatrist with a career focused on treating a wide range of mental health disorders. Specializing in conditions such as panic attacks, agoraphobia, depression, schizophrenia, addiction, alcoholism, substance abuse, gambling addiction, and tobacco smoking, the doctor has made significant contributions to the field.
In 2010, the doctor's exceptional work was recognized with the prestigious title of Honored Doctor of Israel, highlighting a commitment to advancing psychiatric care.
Bipolar disorder treatment in Israel is safe and adheres to international psychiatric standards. High safety levels are maintained through Israeli Ministry of Health licensing and JCI accreditation at major centers. Facilities like Sourasky Medical Center utilize advanced, evidence-based protocols and specialized units for mood disorders.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While large public hospitals like Sourasky manage over 400,000 patients annually, private facilities like IsraClinic offer a faster alternative. Our data shows specialized private clinics often achieve measurable results within 1 to 1.5 months. This is particularly valuable as the public system may have wait times of 3 to 6 months for initial assessments.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that psychiatrists in major cities like Tel Aviv speak excellent English. They suggest confirming specific medication availability before arrival, as some newer agents might require prior authorization or private purchase.
Israel offers a comprehensive range of evidence-based treatments for bipolar disorder. These include mood stabilizers like Lithium and Lamotrigine. Specialized centers provide advanced interventions such as Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). Specialized clinics deliver these therapies under Ministry of Health guidelines.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli psychiatry emphasizes rapid stabilization through specialized units. Dr. Michael Krasnoshtein at Sourasky Medical Center manages a dedicated unit for both dTMS and ECT. This allows patients to transition between medication and advanced stimulation therapies within the same facility. This integrated approach often leads to positive results within 4 to 6 weeks.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that accessing advanced therapies like TMS or ECT is significantly faster in Israel than in many Western countries. Many find that starting with a public psychiatrist referral is the most efficient way to access subsidized medications like Lamotrigine.
Initial bipolar stabilization in Israel typically requires 4 to 6 weeks for optimal results. Patients usually undergo an intensive inpatient phase for 7 to 21 days for medication adjustment. Most specialized programs recommend a total stay of 1 to 1.5 months to ensure long-term stability before returning home.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from leading centers like Sourasky Medical Center shows a shift toward advanced neuromodulation to speed up stabilization. Dr. Michael Krasnoshtein leads a specialized unit utilizing Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) for affective disorders. This technology can often supplement traditional medication trials. It provides a biological alternative for patients who do not respond quickly to standard drug protocols. Choosing a facility with dTMS capabilities may offer a more comprehensive diagnostic and treatment path during the initial 4-week stay.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that private clinics often allow for quicker 1-week intensive stabilization compared to longer stays in public systems. Many travelers emphasize securing telehealth follow-up options before arriving to manage their long-term recovery from home.
Patients must provide comprehensive medical records to Israeli facilities to ensure safety and treatment continuity. Your home psychiatrist typically manages the transition by providing a clinical handover. Sharing history helps specialists at centers like Sourasky Medical Center avoid redundant testing and refine medication protocols.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli psychiatry emphasizes rapid stabilization, with clinics like IsraClinic targeting results within 1.5 months. Our data shows that top specialists, including Dr. Michael Krasnoshtein, often lead specialized units for advanced therapies like Deep TMS. This high level of specialization means your home psychiatrist's detailed notes on past medication failures are more valuable than general therapy summaries.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing physical copies of records rather than waiting for digital transfers. They note that having a one-page summary of all previous medications and side effects is essential for intake.
Patients on lithium in Israel undergo regular blood monitoring to manage the narrow therapeutic window. Standard checks include lithium serum levels, kidney function, and thyroid performance. These tests ensure the medication remains effective while preventing toxicity and long-term organ damage in clinical settings.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many focus only on blood levels, leading Israeli specialists like Dr. Michael Krasnoshtein emphasize baseline screenings. Source data from Sourasky Medical Center shows that pre-treatment ECGs and kidney panels are standard. This proactive approach at JCI-accredited centers helps identify pre-existing risks before the first dose is administered.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that staying consistently hydrated and maintaining a steady salt intake helps stabilize levels. Many find that mild hand tremors or `brain fog` are manageable by adjusting dose timing with their doctor.
Language and cultural barriers rarely impact treatment quality in Israel because the healthcare system is designed for international patients. Major centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) employ multilingual staff and provide official translation services. Most psychiatrist specialists are fluent in English and often hold Western medical credentials.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that specialized private clinics like IsraClinic in Tel Aviv are better suited for Western patients. These facilities focus exclusively on psychiatry and psychotherapy based on psychoergonomics. While large public hospitals are excellent, private clinics often remove the blunt communication style typical in Israeli public medicine. This approach leads to positive results in just 1 to 1.5 months.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli doctors are very direct when discussing medication and symptoms. It is helpful to prepare for a culture where family involvement is often expected during the treatment process.
Medical tourists can receive electroconvulsive therapy in Israel under strict safety protocols. Patients undergo cardiac clearance, neurological screening, and informed consent. Treatment involves general anesthesia and muscle relaxants. Specialized centers like Sourasky Medical Center provide 24-hour post-procedure observation to monitor cognitive recovery and stable vitals.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli psychiatric protocols often exceed standard international requirements by mandating 24-hour hospital observation after each session. This is standard at multidisciplinary facilities like Sourasky Medical Center, which handles 400,000+ patients annually. Choosing a large hospital over a standalone clinic ensures immediate access to diverse specialists if cardiac or neurological concerns arise during anesthesia.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli facilities maintain high Western standards with English-speaking staff. They emphasize the importance of arranging local follow-up care before returning home to prevent relapse.
Israel is a premier neurosurgery hub due to its fusion of high-density medical innovation and elite surgical expertise. Top facilities like Sheba Medical Center integrate AI-guided navigation and real-time intraoperative MRI. Specialized centers report 98% success rates for complex procedures including awake craniotomy and movement disorder treatments.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a clear divide between public and private options in Israel. Private centers like Assuta Medical Center perform over 92,000 operations annually and allow patients to select their specific lead surgeon. This is a vital advantage for complex cases where a specific expert like Dr. Eli Ashkenazi is preferred for his 1,000+ spine surgery record.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing original imaging on a USB for local review to streamline the surgical plan. They also note that private packages often include hotel coordination and airport transfers, making the logistics much smoother.
Israeli neurosurgeons treat a full spectrum of conditions ranging from brain and spinal tumors to complex functional disorders. Specialized centers utilize advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, deep brain stimulation, and intraoperative MRI to manage epilepsy, Parkinson disease, and cerebrovascular pathologies with high precision.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli hospitals often combine specialties to handle complex cases. At Sourasky Medical Center, neurosurgeons like Dr. Zvi Lidar bridge neurosurgery and orthopedics for spinal care. This multidisciplinary approach allows clinics to perform 34,000+ operations annually. Choosing a facility with this crossover expertise often leads to more comprehensive treatment plans for degenerative diseases.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the ability to access specialized treatments like fluorescence-guided surgery for tumors which are often unavailable elsewhere. Many note that the staff is fluent in English and provides clear communication through teleconsultations before traveling.
Israel is home to world-renowned neurosurgery centers like Sourasky Medical Center, Sheba Medical Center, and Hadassah Medical Center. These facilities are globally ranked for treating complex brain tumors, spinal disorders, and movement diseases. They utilize advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, robotic systems, and intra-operative MRI.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that while most patients focus on Tel Aviv, Rambam Medical Center in Haifa offers unique expertise in neuro-trauma. It operates a specialized neuro-ICU and serves nearly 1 million patients annually. This makes it an essential choice for complex post-trauma brain surgeries that requires intensive recovery support.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to start consultations early. They often highlight that the precision and follow-up care for complex brain tumors exceeded their expectations. One patient emphasized how quickly they could connect with top professors for second opinions during critical neurosurgical cases.
Israel's leading neurosurgeons include Prof. Zvi Ram, Prof. Shlomi Constantini, and Prof. Itzhak Fried at Sourasky Medical Center. These specialists hold leadership roles in the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) and the World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (WSSFN). They utilize advanced intraoperative mapping and robotic systems.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky and Sheba indicates a strong correlation between high surgical volumes and patient safety. For example, Sourasky performs 34,000+ operations annually with a 90% oncology success rate. Patients seeking complex tumor removals should prioritize centers like these where surgeons perform hundreds of specific cases each year.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of finding a surgeon who specializes specifically in your condition rather than a generalist. Many note that high-volume centers provide better access to English-speaking staff and coordinated care for international visitors.
International neurosurgery patients in Israel must provide comprehensive medical records including recent MRI or CT scans translated into English. Admission requires a clinical review by specialists to confirm treatment feasibility. Hospitals often mandate full advance payment or a significant deposit before confirming surgery dates or issuing visa support letters.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top Israeli facilities like Sheba Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center handle massive patient volumes, exceeding 1,000,000 people annually. This high demand means clinics prioritize complex or rare cases over routine procedures. Patients with unique or high-risk conditions often receive faster admission approval than those seeking standard treatments available elsewhere.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that having all imaging results ready in English is essential for quick scheduling. Many emphasize that while the medical care is excellent, coordinating around Shabbat closures is necessary to avoid unexpected diagnostic delays.
A standard stay for neurosurgery in Israel ranges from 10 to 14 days for uncomplicated cases. Patients undergoing complex procedures like brain tumor removal or deep brain stimulation often require 4 to 6 weeks. This timeline covers pre-operative diagnostics, the surgical procedure, and essential post-operative monitoring.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky Medical Center shows they treat over 400,000 patients annually with high success rates. Clinics with such high volumes, like Hadassah or Assuta, often have streamlined discharge protocols. This helps international patients transition to hotel-based recovery faster while maintaining access to top specialists.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is vital not to rush home too early. Some travelers extended their stay to 3 weeks due to swelling or to ensure they received final surgeon clearance before flying.
Israeli neurosurgery uses robotic guidance, real-time 3D imaging, and incisionless technologies to minimize physical trauma. Systems like Mazor Robotics provide sub-millimeter precision for spine implants. MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treats tremors without incisions. These advanced tools ensure high accuracy and reduce recovery times.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli clinics like Sourasky or Hadassah integrate proprietary Israeli-born technologies like Surgical Theater before they hit global markets. Our data shows these centers often use VR flight-through models for pre-surgical planning. This allows surgeons to rehearse complex cases, which is a key factor in their 90% success rates.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that technologies like the Gamma Knife allowed them to return home in days rather than weeks. Many move from traditional 10cm incisions to cuts under 2cm when using robotic-assisted systems.
Israel is a global leader in neurosurgery due to its integration of proprietary medical innovations and internationally trained specialists. High-capacity centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) perform over 34,000 annual surgeries. Patients access advanced techniques like awake craniotomy and MR-guided focused ultrasound.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgery stands out because of the high concentration of dually certified experts. Many top surgeons, such as Dr. Zvi Lidar, are certified to practice in both Israel and the USA. This ensures that patients receive American-standard surgical care while staying in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Our data shows that private centers like Assuta offer significantly faster access to these specific specialists compared to the public system.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to confirm a surgeon's specific volume of cases for your exact condition. They also value the ability to get expert second opinions quickly through online consultations with world-renowned professors.
Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) are among the best neurosurgery hospitals in Israel. These JCI-accredited facilities perform thousands of operations annually. They utilize advanced technologies like CyberKnife and intraoperative MRI to treat complex brain tumors and cerebrovascular lesions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top Israeli centers like Sourasky and Hadassah perform over 40,000 total operations yearly. This high volume allows surgeons to maintain a 90% success rate even in complex oncology cases. Patients seeking robotic spine surgery or deep brain stimulation should focus on these high-capacity municipal centers for the most experienced teams.
Patient Consensus: Patients appreciate that some hospitals quickly coordinate consultations even during regional strikes. Families of pediatric patients especially value surgeons trained at prestigious international institutions.
Israel's leading neurosurgeons include Professor Zvi Ram, Professor Shlomi Constantini, and Professor Itzhak Fried at Sourasky Medical Center. These experts specialize in awake craniotomy, pediatric brain tumors, and functional mapping. Most hold JCI accreditation and international fellowships from institutions like Johns Hopkins and Yale.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top-tier Israeli neurosurgeons, such as those at Sourasky Medical Center, often hold dual board certifications in Israel and the US. This unique crossover ensures patients receive American-standard protocols. These specialists typically manage over 34,000 annual operations, providing high-volume clinical experience that smaller private clinics cannot match.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that highly qualified doctors like Professor Shlomo Constantini provide satisfactory answers quickly. People emphasize that outcomes often depend on the hospital’s integrated resources rather than just a doctor's prestige.
Israel is a global leader in neurosurgery, treating complex brain and spinal conditions using robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques. Highly specialized units at JCI-accredited centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) and Hadassah Medical Center focus on neuro-oncology, pediatric neurosurgery, and functional procedures.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgical departments often function as rapid-response hubs for international patients. Data shows that large centers like Sourasky, which serves 1,800,000 patients annually, can organize expert video consultations in a very short time. This speed is critical for neuro-oncology cases where starting treatment a few days earlier significantly impacts outcomes.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli teams often accept high-risk cases that other hospitals decline. They emphasize the importance of using local coordinators to manage travel logistics or potential local disruptions during their two-week stay.
International patients traveling to Israel for neurosurgery require a valid passport, an entry permit or medical visa, and a formal hospital invitation. You must provide recent MRI or CT scans in DICOM format and detailed medical summaries. Proof of private health insurance and financial stability are also mandatory for border entry.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top neurosurgeons at Hadassah Medical Center and Sourasky often request records 4–6 weeks before arrival. Submitting these early prevents appointment shifts. High-volume centers with over 30,000 annual operations have dedicated portals for secure DICOM file uploads. Using these ensures your surgeon reviews high-quality images before you land in Tel Aviv.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing physical copies and digital backups of all scans on a USB drive. They also note that private insurance needs pre-authorization specifically for neurosurgery to avoid payment delays at the clinic.