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.

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 will be 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. 

Direct referrals to OSP West are currently available for all areas and service options within the West region, with the exception of in-person services in Chatham Kent and Huron Perth, which will launch in fall 2023.  

Questions about OSP West? Contact us.