What is OSP?

Adults in Ontario with depression and anxiety can access free, short-term, evidence-based cognitive-behavioural therapy and related services through the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program.

All services in OSP are informed by cognitive-behavioural therapy approaches and are matched to the level of care that best meets a person's needs. Cognitive-behavioural approaches focus on practical strategies and skills to manage problems that happen in everyday life. These approaches can help you change the way you feel, think and act.

OSP services are designed to help with:

• 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

OSP services in Northwestern Ontario are delivered through a network of organizations led by St. Joseph's Care Group. Different supports are available to meet your needs:

• You will likely begin with the self-led resources guided by a coach or clinician.
• You will complete regular questionnaires to track your progress and inform your treatment.
• If needed, you may move to individual or group psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy

• In-person or virtual cognitive-behavioural therapy in a one-on-one format.
• You will be matched with a therapist for 10-12 sessions held weekly for 50 minutes.
• Psychotherapy services are delivered in English and French. Interpretation for additional languages can also be provided.

Program Eligibility

• Aged 18+ (similar services are available for Youth age 15-17, click here to learn more.)
• Living in Ontario
• Have a primary concern of depression, anxiety or anxiety-related conditions (e.g., obsessive-compulsive concerns, post-traumatic stress)
• Able to actively engage in OSP treatment

How to Access the Program

You can access OSP by completing our self-referral/application form. Referrals can also be completed by healthcare providers.

Your referral will be reviewed to make sure that we have all the required information and to check if OSP services can meet your needs.

You will receive a call from St. Joseph's Health Centre to gather additional information and share next steps including potentially scheduling an assessment appointment. Sometimes services that better meet your needs may be recommended.

During your assessment, the assessor will work with you to identify your main mental health concern and which OSP service best fits your needs.

Click here for the Application Form!

Please note the OSP program does not provide mental health crisis or immediate services. If this is a crisis, help is available:

• Call 911
• Call or text the Suicide crisis helpline at 988 (English and French)
• Visit your nearest emergency department
• Crisis Response
• Thunder Bay: 807-346-8282
• District of Thunder Bay: 1-866-888-8988
• Text: 807-346-8282

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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.