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Mental health services news from Ontario and Canadian Government 

Mental health services news from Ontario and Canadian Government Ontario Government expands Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program (OSP) to adults province wide. Adults across the province who have depression, anxiety and anxiety-related concerns, can now connect to free cognitive behavioural therapy and other related services, closer to home. People can connect to services at over 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. Through the program, individuals aged 18 and over 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. All sessions are supported by trained mental health professionals 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 (CBT) and clinician-assisted bibliotherapy (CAB) to make it even more convenient for people to access the care they need. Adults interested in enrolling into the OSP program can self-refer directly through Ontario Structured Psychotherapy program in their area or can be referred by their health care provider. 

9 Regional Ontario Structured Therapy

Networks CENTRAL 

https://www.waypointcentre.ca/programs_and_services/ontario_structured_psychotherapy

https://carepointhealth.ca/osp/

https://cmha-yr.on.ca/get-support/osp/

TORONTO 

https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services/ontario-structured-psychotherapy-osp-program

WEST 

https://www.ospwest.ca/

EAST 

https://www.theroyal.ca/osp

https://www.ontarioshores.ca/services/ontario-structured-psychotherapy-program

NORTH 

https://hsnsudbury.ca/en/Services-and-Specialties/Mental-Health-and-Addictions/Ontario-Structured-Psychotherapy-Program

NORTH WEST 

https://sjcg.net/services/mental-health_addictions/OSPP/main.aspx

The Canadian and Ontario Governments are continuing to support the mental health and wellness of farmers and their families. The Farmer Wellness Initiative, the In the Know program and the Guardian Network will continue to be available to everyone who needs them. These initiatives are designed to meet the unique mental health needs of farmers and their families and are delivered by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division.

The Guardian Network is made up of trained, adult volunteers who are likely to be in contact with farmers through their work, volunteer activities, or place in their community. CMHA Ontario trains and supports Guardians by equipping them with the strategies and tools needed to identify when someone is struggling with their mental health and direct them towards appropriate resources.

• In the Know is a mental health literacy program designed specifically for farmers, their families, and those who are involved in and/or support the agricultural sector. Participants cover topics such as stress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and learn how to start a conversation about mental well-being during this three-hour, free workshop.

Remember if you are looking for other mental health services or other types of community services, the 2-1-1 helpline is always here to help you find options for your situation.

What is 2-1-1?

2-1-1 is a free helpline for information on community and social across Ontario. Dial the three-digit phone number to reach us 24/7. The 2-1-1 helpline is the easiest way to find community, health and social services in Ontario. These services are here to help you and your family and improve your life.

How does 2-1-1 work?

When you call 2-1-1 you speak to a Community Navigator. You can also tell us your situation and our Community Navigator will ask you questions. These questions help us understand what types of services you are eligible for. They search our database to find resources for you. The Navigator will provide you with information about these services.

Where is 211 available?

2-1-1 is available everywhere in Ontario. If you cannot dial 2-1-1, you can use our toll-free number 1-877-330-3213.

What are 211’s hours of operation?

The helpline is answered 24/7, 365 days a year. We can provide interpretation in over 150 languages. Chat, text and email services are available Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Reference Booklets (Anxiety)

What is Depression https://mdsc.ca/edu/what-is-depression/ Information on Depression and Anxiety in booklet form

What is Bi Polar https://mdsc.ca/edu/what-is-bipolar-disorder/ 

Cannabis and You https://mdsc.ca/cannabis-and-you/ 

Information on Cannabis in booklet form Depressionhurts.ca  website https://depressionhurts.ca/en/ 

Website on depression of MDSCs – this contains worksheets and guides for individuals to review prior to working with their Doctor.

Medications and You https://mdsc.ca/medications-and-you/ Information on Medications Operational Stress Injuries and other Traumatic Stress Therapies and Treatments for Veterans https://mdsc.ca/edu/operational-stress-injuries-and-other-traumatic-stress-therapies-and-treatment-for-veterans/ 

Information on PTSD in booklet form Quick Facts https://mdsc.ca/edu/quick-facts-on-mental-illness-addiction-in-canada/ Mental Health and Addiction in Canada booklet – statistics on Canadian Mental Health and Addictions in Canada and substance use

Information on PTSD in booklet form Quick Facts https://mdsc.ca/edu/quick-facts-on-mental-illness-addiction-in-canada/ 

Mental Health and Addiction in Canada booklet – statistics on Canadian Mental Health and Addictions in Canada and substance use What Better Sleep Feels Like: A guide to maintaining wellness https://secureservercdn.net/166.62.108.229/g2y.e38.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/What-Sleeping-Better-Feels-Like-English.pdf 

Sleep Guide (booklet) – recommendations on what better sleep looks like Other Resources Sleep survey – what Canadians are saying https://depressionhurts.ca/en/mental-health-resources/what-sleeping-better-feels-like/ 

Canadian Sleep survey report from the fall of 2021 On our main website page, and this section contains reference material for coping with depression, anxiety, with some recommendations in one page format, easy to digest Depression in the Workplace https://depressionhurts.ca/en/mental-health-resources/depression-in-the-workplace/

Workplace training / education program on depression What Better Feels Like https://mdsc.ca/what-better-feels-like/ Video format – recognizing the signs of recovery. We talk about not feeling ‘well’ – but how do you know when you’ve turned the corner?

The MDSC Forum https://mdsc.ca/forum/ The Mood Disorders Society of Canada Discussion Forum is a way of bringing people together on-line, who share a common concern, interest, or issue.

By joining the MDSC Discussion Forum you can ask questions, read about how others are living with and managing mood disorders, connect with people by sharing your experience and offering your support — all from the privacy, and comfort of your own home and on your schedule.

This forum does not replace Doctors advice. All my best, Deb Debbie Turner – MPM, PMP®, Cert. APM (She/Her) National Senior Program Manager, Mood Disorders Society of Canada Phone:  705-341-6366 deb@mdsc.ca

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