Ontario expanding mental health services in the northeast

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The Ontario government says it is now offering more mental health services in northeastern Ontario and every other region of the province through an expanded Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program.

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For the first time, adults across the province who have depression, anxiety and anxiety-related concerns can connect to free cognitive behavioural therapy and other related services. This program ensures that all Ontarians have more convenient access to mental health care closer to home.

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“Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health challenges Ontarians are facing,” Health Minister Sylvia Jones said in a release. “On World Mental Health Day, I’m proud to say that with over 100 OSP service delivery sites across the province and a range of treatment options available, our government is ensuring people have access to free, confidential and connected mental health services when and where they need them.”

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Since the initial launch of four locations in 2017, Ontario has significantly expanded the OSP program to full provincial coverage as part of the Roadmap to Wellness, the province said. Now, people can conveniently connect to services at more than 100 locations across Ontario that are now fully operational.

The program is delivered through nine regional networks of mental health providers that include local hospitals, community organizations and health care providers at different service delivery site locations.

To date, the province said more than 66,000 people have enrolled in the OSP program and all regional networks are accepting new clients. More than half of those who completed high-intensity treatments had significant reduction in their symptoms, helping them lead happier and healthy lives, the government said.

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Health Sciences North in Sudbury leads northeastern Ontario’s regional network. Adults interested in enrolling in the OSP program can self-refer directly through Health Sciences North or their health-care provider can refer them.

Through the program, those 18 and older have access to free self-led or therapist-led mental health services. Self-led resources help clients build coping skills through workbooks, videos and phone conversations with a trained coach.

Therapist-led services provide cognitive behavioural therapy to teach clients how to change patterns of thinking and behaviour to better deal with difficult emotions and situations.

Trained mental health professionals support the sessions to ensure clients can get the care they need, whether they’re in one-on-one or group therapy.

The program has also expanded to include online cognitive behavioural therapy and clinician-assisted bibliotherapy to make it more convenient for people to access the care they need.

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