Published Date
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) is proud to announce it is expanding the availability of its Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program (formally known as the CBT Demonstration Project) to the regions it serves.
Ontario Shores first implemented the initiative in 2017 along with three other mental health hospitals in the province in collaboration with the Ontario Government’s Ministry of Health. The goal of the program was to expand the availability of psychotherapy services to Ontarians who suffer from depression and anxiety.
“We are excited to be working with the Ministry of Health and our partners to expand this much needed program across Ontario,” says Karim Mamdani, President and CEO. “Now more than ever, we are seeing how vital it is that individuals who are struggling have access to the high-quality mental health treatment they need when they need it.”
The program provides evidence-based, short term cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and related approaches to care for individuals living with depression, anxiety and anxiety-related problems.
The services range from self-administered strategies with the support of a coach or therapist to weekly, one-on-one or group therapy using a stepped care approach to ensure patients are receiving the most appropriate level of care for their diagnosis.
During the three year pilot phase, Ontario Shores developed community partnerships with numerous agencies including community mental health centres, indigenous communities, primary care centres, colleges and universities. Referrals for the program were only accepted through these partnerships, offering services to individuals connected to one of these community centres.
With ongoing investment from the Province to ensure this type of evidence-based care is accessible, Ontario Shores is expanding its reach of the OSP program to everyone over the age of 18 across its service area.
“As a clinician, we see firsthand how great the OSP program is for people living with mental illness. Every day we witness the degree of change that can help patients gain a good quality of life in a short period of time,” says Andrea Layne, Social Worker, Training and Consultation Lead, Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program (OSP).
“The OSP program allows patients to implement the skills they learn throughout the program with the end goal focused on helping them feel empowered and proactive on their own. I’m proud to be part of an organization that advocates to ensure care is accessible to everyone.”
Since the program’s launch, Ontario Shores has served almost 3,000 individuals living with mental illness.
How to Access this Service
Referrals are accepted from family physicians, nurse practitioners and mental health professionals using the referral form found at www.ontarioshores.ca or through our Central Intake Department at 1.877.767.9642.
Ontario Shores primarily serves East and Northeast Toronto and the surrounding municipalities of Durham Region, York Region, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, Northumberland and Peterborough Counties.
About Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences:
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) is a leader in mental health care, providing a range of specialized assessment and treatment services for people living with complex mental illness. Patients benefit from a recovery-oriented environment of care, built on compassion, inspiration and hope. Ontario Shores engages in research, education and advocacy initiatives to advance the mental health care system.
For more information, please contact:
Andrea Marshall
Director, Communications, Volunteers and CEOD
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
905-430-4055 ext. 6581 or Cell: 905-439-0224
@email
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