Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program

The Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program offers a free continuum of outpatient cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) services to adults (18+) experiencing depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, posttraumatic stress, or difficulties coping with stress. A formal diagnosis is not required. Services offer different methods of delivery for different needs. CBT teaches practical coping skills to manage difficult thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Clients are asked to practice new skills learned between sessions. 

CAMH coordinates the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program for the Toronto region. In collaboration with our partner organizations, we provide mental health services and improve access to care.

For OSP services in other areas of Ontario please visit: Depression and Anxiety-Related Concerns – Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program | Ontario Health

Discover support and relief through the OSP Program, a compassionate and valuable service for adults (18 years and older) dealing with depression, anxiety, and related challenges.

Who is eligible for OSP?

• Adults (18 years and older) who live in Ontario. 
  This program welcomes clients from a wide diversity of clients
  
  Note:  Youth (age 15-17) can get free mental health and skill-building support for low mood, depression, anxiety, stress or worry through the BounceBack program, which is managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association. Youth or their health care providers can learn more fill out a referral form for the BounceBack program here: https://bouncebackontario.ca/teens

Exclusions

• High risk of suicide, a recent suicide attempt (past 3 months), or high risk of harm to others. Safety and crisis supports outside of OSP should be prioritized. 
• Self-harming behaviours that are the main focus of clinical attention
• Symptoms of mania, hypomania or a psychotic disorder that are not well controlled
• Symptoms of a personality disorder or emotion regulation difficulties that are the main focus of clinical attention
• Significant difficulty with cognitive understanding or memory (clients need to be able to understand and reflect on their thoughts and feelings)
• Seeking medication management only; OSP does not offer psychiatry services
• Problematic substance use that would interfere with attendance and engagement in CBT
• Eating disorder symptoms that are the main focus of clinical attention

How to Refer for OSP

SELF-REFERRAL
​If you have reviewed the questions above and think OSP would be a good fit for you, please click the button below. If you need assistance, please call (416) 535-8501 Extension 36777.

HEALTH CARE PROVIDER REFERRAL
Physicians and other mental health care providers can submit a referral electronically through Access CAMH. Please review the important details below before submitting a referral. CAMH’s referral form is also available through the Ocean eReferral Network.

Important: 

• Indicate that the request is for "cognitive behavioural therapy" or "OSP" within the reason for referral. 
• Please review the eligibility criteria in detail before submitting the referral
• Referrals for non-OSP services (e.g. psychiatric consult, geriatric mental health services and complex care and recovery) require a physician referral.
  
  

What happens after a referral is submitted?

Once a referral is submitted, ACCESS CAMH will contact the patient with information about next steps. If cognitive behavioural therapy is appropriate, patients can expect to meet with clinicians to discuss services that best meet their needs. If cognitive behavioural therapy is not a suitable treatment, we will share recommendations for alternative options with the patient and referring care provider.

About the OSP program

What services are available through OSP?

1. Self-led resources guided by a coach or clinician. These services provide fast access, and are convenient, self-paced, and available online and/or by phone. Click here to learn more about available options.
2. Group or individual cognitive behavioural therapy (offered in-person or virtually)
   
   

What are the expectations for participating in OSP?

The strategies taught in our program require some commitment, including: 

• completing short questionnaires at each session to support your treatment and monitor your progress; 
• keeping track of your anxiety or depression-related thoughts and behaviours;
• reading about strategies and practicing them;
• meeting with a coach or therapist.