Beyond trauma: knowledge and training gaps among mental health professionals in the aftermath of October 7th 2023

Abstract

Background: Israel experienced a sharp increase in the prevalence of trauma-related disorders after October 7th 2023. Although efforts have been made to train mental health professionals in trauma-related care, it is not clear whether this training is sufficient to address the multifaced and complex needs of patients inflicted by trauma. This study aimed to assess mental health professionals’ subjective experience of trauma-related knowledge as well as their training needs across trauma-related domains. Methods: Mental health professionals (N = 264) completed an online survey assessing their perceived knowledge of trauma-related diagnoses and their training priorities for trauma-related treatment. The sample included psychologists, social workers, art therapists, and psychiatrists working in the public and private sectors. Results: Mental health professionals were more knowledgeable regarding posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD, MD = 0.98 to 2.27, p