Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program
Waterloo Region

The Counselling Collaborative of Waterloo,  in partnership with the Centre for Family Medicine FHT, is pleased to be the service delivery sites for the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program in Waterloo Region. Spanning the two Ontario Health Teams in our region, KW4 OHT and Cambridge North Dumfries OHT, we are able to offer the OSP Program wherever you live in the Region.

What is OSP?

The Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program (OSP) is a free counselling program funded by the Province of Ontario. 

The program is based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) which helps you to understand the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It is a well established approach known for its positive therapeutic outcomes.

An OHIP card is NOT required to participate in this program.

For more information,  go to  https://www.ospwest.ca/ .

Who is eligible?

The program is intended for adults (18+) who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression.  

You may attend in-person sessions, at an agency of your choice, or receive services virtually.

Virtual sessions may be offered by a therapist outside our Region, depending on wait times.

Click here for more information.

 

How do I get into this program?

There are several pathways into OSP.

All referrals for south-western Ontario (including Waterloo Region) are handled by St Joseph’s HealthCare Hamilton.  

  1. You can talk with your health care provider  who can submit a referral for you.
  2. You can complete your own self referral form You can read more about this in detail by  going to https://www.ospwest.ca/mental-health-support/self-referrals
  3. You can contact OSP West by telephone at 1-833-944-9966
  4. You can contact our Centralized Intake for information, 519-804-1097 
 
Please note that there will be a 4 to 8 week delay (or longer, depending on the volume of referrals)  before you hear from an Intake specialist from St Joseph’s HealthCare.

What can I do while I am waiting?

It can be difficult when you make a decision to get counselling and hear that there will be a wait until you can see a therapist.

We understand that!

While you are waiting, you can attend any of our Walk In Clinics (see our Home Page for details). You can also check out our Mental Health Resources page for other supports and programs.

If you are in crisis, please contact 1-844-HERE247 (1-844-437-3247) anytime, day or night.

 

Meet Our OSP Therapists, Bianka and Kara....

Hi, I'm Bianka

I’m delighted to be part of the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program in Waterloo Region. I have noticed the positive impact that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has on the day to day lives of the people who have been reaching out to OSP. I’m thrilled to be part of the healing and growth that comes from this work.

 If you are struggling with anxiety- or depression-related issues, connect with the Intake Team in Hamilton. If you want in person sessions, you will be connected with me or my fellow OSP-WR co-worker, Kara. We are happy to meet with you at any of our participating organizations. If you prefer virtual sessions, you might be paired with either Kara or myself, or a therapist outside of Waterloo Region. 

You can rest assured that you are in good hands, regardless of which therapist in OSP West supports you.  We work as a team so we know each other well.  I am confident you will  be matched with an excellent therapist.  

....and I'm Kara.

I’m so excited to be part of the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program in Waterloo Region. I am passionate about being able to provide affordable therapy because I believe mental health care should be available for everyone. 

It’s also important to me that the treatment we are providing is evidence-based. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is well-researched and is considered the “gold star” treatment for several different issues. 

 If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, connect with the Intake Team in Hamilton . If you want in person sessions, you will be connected with me or my fellow OSP-WR co-worker, Bianka. 

We are able to meet with you at any of our participating organizations. If you prefer virtual sessions, you might be connected with us or a therapist outside of Waterloo Region. Not to worry, though, we are all really well-trained and ready to meet with you.

We are looking forward to connecting with you!