OSP is a new provincial program offering free, short-term, evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to adults in Ontario (aged 18 years or older) experiencing depression, anxiety, and anxiety-related concerns, including:

• Depression and low mood
• Generalized anxiety and worry
• Social anxiety and performance fears
• Unexpected panic attacks and agoraphobic fears
• Health anxiety
• Obsessive-Compulsive concerns
• Post-traumatic stress
• Specific fears
• Other anxiety and stress related problems (e.g. work stress, test anxiety)

OSP includes CBT-based services ranging from self-led strategies including BounceBack, internet-based CBT, and Clinician-assisted Bibliotherapy, to weekly, one-on-one or group therapy. Treatment is matched to the level of care that best meets an individual’s needs. Most people start with self-led, clinician-supported CBT. The images below show the types of care offered and provide more detail about each of the self-lead, clinician-supported CBT options available. 

OSP will not meet the needs of everyone. It is not suited to individuals with:

• Active suicidality and/or a suicide attempt in the past six months, and/or current self-harming behaviour, and/or those at high risk to harm self/others, or at significant risk of self-neglect
• Complex/severe mental health concerns (i.e. mania/hypomania, psychosis, personality and/or eating disorders)
• Problematic substance use currently or within the past three months and require specialized concurrent disorders treatment
• Moderate/severe cognitive impairment; or impairment due to developmental/learning disability
• An interest in medication management only

OSP service is delivered through community-based sites such as community mental health agencies and primary care practices. The program is designed to support and better coordinate community-based care that appropriately meets the mental health needs of clients, closer to home. 

Questions about OSP West? Contact us.