About the Sexual Behaviour Clinic
The Sexual Behaviours Clinic (SBC) is a clinical, teaching, and research centre specializing in evaluating and treating individuals with distressing or high-risk sexual interests. The clinic supports behaviour management, risk reduction and early intervention in a confidential and nonjudgmental setting.
The goals of the Sexual Behaviours Clinic are to:
- Reduce or eliminate problematic sexual thoughts and behaviours
- Support the development of healthy and legal sexual interests
- Reduce stigma that prevents individuals from seeking help
A referral from a health care provider is required.
Eligibility
The Sexual Behaviour Clinic provides services for individuals with problematic sexual interests or behaviours. This includes people who are justice-involved and those who have not offended but are concerned about their thoughts or behaviours. Treatment is also available for individuals at risk of legal consequences related to their sexual behaviour.
Problematic sexual interests are those that cause significant personal distress, impair daily functioning, or present a risk of harm to oneself or others. This includes, but is not limited to, sexual interest in children, non-consenting individuals or other behaviours that may raise clinical concern.
Individuals are encouraged to seek treatment if they are experiencing distress related to their sexual interests or behaviours—especially if these have led to harmful or illegal actions, or if there are concerns about loss of control.
Services offered
The clinic provides assessment and treatment to manage these issues and improve coping skills.
Recognizing that stigma can delay treatment and increase risk, the SBC fosters a nonjudgmental, professional environment. The program also encourages individuals to seek treatment proactively.
Most patients begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand the nature and severity of their concerns.
Treatment plans are structured using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and the Good Lives Model (GLM). Care may include individual and group therapy, as well as referrals to additional programs or providers as needed. The focus is on building psychosocial skills, supporting behaviour change and promoting long-term risk reduction.
Care is delivered by an interdisciplinary team that may include psychiatrists, social workers, court assistants and researchers. Treatment approaches are reviewed regularly and adapted based on clinical need.
As a condition of acceptance into the SBC, patients must have a health care provider who will oversee their care once they are discharged.
The Sexual Behaviour Clinic supports spouses and family members of individuals who may be at risk of legal consequences related to their sexual behaviour. Support is provided by a social worker and focuses on helping families understand the treatment process and manage the challenges that may arise.
The Sexual Behaviour Clinic is recognized for its academic and clinical leadership and has received the American Psychiatric Association’s Gold Award for excellence in teaching and research.
With patient consent, information from assessments, treatment, and outcomes may be used to support research on atypical sexual interests and contribute to the development of new treatment approaches.
Referrals
Most referrals come through court-ordered assessments; however, health care providers may also refer by completing the Central Intake Referral Form and Violence/Aggression Assessment Checklist. Please fax the completed referral form and checklist to the Central Intake Team at (613) 798-2976.
Referrals are accepted at any stage of the legal process, including post-arrest, pre-sentencing or following release into the community.
All referrals are screened for eligibility. If eligibility criteria are met, the referral proceeds to a final review. Referrals that are accepted will be assigned to a physician, and the patient will be contacted to schedule an assessment. Referrals that do not meet the criteria will be declined.
Note
A referral will only be accepted if the individual has a health care provider who can provide follow-up care.
Treatment made possible by research
Learn how our teams are connecting research and treatment to advance knowledge and improve outcomes.
