Psychotherapy (Ontario Structured Psychotherapy)

In Ontario, adults with depression and anxiety-related conditions can access publicly funded, evidence-based, short-term, cognitive-behavioural therapy and related services to help manage their conditions. These services include guided self-help resources supported by a coach or therapist, and cognitive-behavioural therapy either in-person or virtually.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy is a structured, time-limited therapy that is problem-focused, goal-oriented, and teaches practical strategies and skills.
• There is strong evidence that cognitive-behavioural therapy is effective in treating people with problems related to anxiety and depression, by challenging unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaving.
• Cognitive-behavioural therapy and related services can be accessed through the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program for the following conditions:
  • depression and low mood
  • generalized anxiety and worry
  • health anxiety
  • obsessive-compulsive concerns
  • other anxiety and stress-related problems
  • posttraumatic stress
  • social anxiety and performance fears
  • specific fears
  • unexpected panic attacks and agoraphobic fears

Services Available in OSP

Individuals aged 18+

• Individuals aged 18+ have access to different services for depression, anxiety, and anxiety-related conditions.
• Services include:
  • Guided self-help resources: This includes a skill-building program delivered over the phone with a trained coach and through online videos. The program, called BounceBack, is designed to help individuals manage low mood, depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Additional guided self-help resources (including internet-based CBT) are coming soon.
  • Psychotherapy: This includes in-person or virtual CBT delivered by a clinician in either an individual or group format.
• Services are matched to the level of care that best meets an individual's needs.

Individuals under 18

• Individuals under 18 may be able to access other services including:
  • Guided self-help resources: The BounceBack program is available by telephone for youth aged 15-17
  • A referral or self-referral can be made to the BounceBack program by completing an online form. This referral will be automatically sent to the BounceBack program for consideration.

Resources

• Referral Form
• OSP Provider Handout
• OSP Client Information
• OSP Frequently Asked Questions

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The Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program is overseen by the Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence at Ontario Health.

The expansion of the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program is a key commitment in Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness, which focuses on improving mental health services for communities across Ontario, and supporting patients and families living with mental health and addictions challenges.