The idea of Machon Dvir was formed in the early-mid 2010s. Dr. Shmuel Harris, then the head of psychiatric services at Hadassah Mt. Scopus Hospital, and Dr. Tzachi Fried, then a clinical psychologist in private practice, found that they were collaborating on increasing numbers of complex and high risk cases among the anglo population in Israel. They were frustrated by the lack of intensive therapeutic resources for this population. Such patients did not require hospitalization or residential care, but their treatment required more than the public or private system could provide. 

Recognizing the need to fill a gap in the provision of high-quality mental health care, Machon Dvir was founded in 2016. DBT was chosen as the treatment model due to its demonstrated effectiveness with high-risk and complex populations and because of our identification with its core principles. 

As the service grew quickly over the years, Dr Harris left his position at Hadassah and Dr. Fried closed his practice in order to focus their efforts full-time on the mission of Machon Dvir. Currently our staff consists of seven clinicians and a clinical intern across two locations. We have run trainings in DBT and the treatment of complex patients for the mental health community, and maintain an active research program for the benefit of the community and those seeking treatment.