Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program

Treatment for people with depression, anxiety, and anxiety-related conditions

In Ontario, adults with depression and anxiety-related conditions can access publicly-funded, evidence-based, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and related approaches to help manage their conditions. CBT is a structured, time-limited therapy that is problem-focused and goal-oriented and teaches practical strategies and skills.

CBT and related approaches 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

What services are available through OSP?

Individuals aged 18+ with depression and anxiety-related conditions will have access to different services in the OSP program. The service or services recommended will depend on what’s most appropriate for their needs, with most clients starting with self-administered strategies.

Guided self-help resources: The BounceBack program is available by telephone
Psychotherapy: Individual and/or group CBT sessions are delivered in person or online

Am I eligible for OSP?

Please review the eligibility criteria listed on the referral form to learn if this program may be right for you or your clients.

How to access the program?

Psychiatrists, primary care providers (family doctor, nurse practitioner), or other health care professionals, can refer clients. Alternatively, clients may self-refer. In your area, referrals are coordinated by the Royal, and services are delivered in a wide range of community settings. This includes primary care, community mental health agencies, family services organizations, community health centres, and the Canadian Mental Health Association for the BounceBack program.

If you are a client, you will need to complete a referral form on AccessMHA.ca. This will give you access to coordinated mental health and addictions services in eastern Ontario, including the OSP program. On AccessMHA.ca, you will be able to book yourself into a screening appointment, at which time you will be contacted by an AccessMHA staff member to get you started.

If you are a psychiatrist or primary care provider (family doctor, nurse practitioner), you will first need to complete the AccessMHA referral form through the Ocean portal on your Electronic Medical Record or visit here. AccessMHA is the single point of entry for access to mental health and addictions services in eastern Ontario, including the OSP program. Clients will then be contacted by an AccessMHA staff member to get started.

If you have any questions about the referral form, please contact The Royal at +1 (877) 527-8207.

What happens after the referral is submitted?

Once the referral is received, the client will be contacted by telephone to gather additional information for screening purposes. If, following that screening, it is determined services may be appropriate, the client will be booked an appointment for a Clinical Intake and Triage assessment. The assessment will determine whether the program is a good fit for the client’s needs and which service is most appropriate for them to start with. The client's status will be shared with the referring provider and, if OSP cannot meet the client’s needs, then more appropriate services will be recommended, if possible. The client will hear back from the Canadian Mental Health Association if the BounceBack program is the most appropriate service to start with.

What about ongoing monitoring?

Clients are regularly monitored to ensure they are reaching standard program outcomes and that the program continues to meet their ongoing needs. Clients will be transitioned to other services within OSP or provided direction to services outside of OSP as needed. Clients and their primary care providers are informed of the client’s treatment and outcomes.

Those 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.
Internet-based CBT (iCBT): Therapist-assisted CBT is available online via smartphone or tablet for youth and adults aged 16+