Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program (OSP): Free Therapy in Ontario
Feeling low? Struggling with anxiety? The Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program offers free, evidence-based therapy – available across Ontario, no referral required.
✓ Government of Ontario funded ✓ Evidence-based ✓ Clinician-delivered ✓ Part of the provincial mental health system ✓Available in-person and virtually ✓ Individualized approach to mental wellness support
You May Benefit If You're Experiencing
You can improve your mental wellness. We are here to support you! If any of the following sounds familiar, OSP might be the right fit for you.
Persistent low mood that doesn’t seem to lift
Loss of interest in things that used to matter
Excessive worry that follows you through the day
Panic symptoms – racing heart, shortness of breath, sudden dread
Trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much
Difficulty functioning at work, at home, or in relationships
OSP is designed to support depression and anxiety symptoms. If you're in crisis or experiencing severe symptoms, please call 9-8-8 or 9-1-1.
Healthcare providers can refer patients directly to OSP.
Who Can Access OSP?
What Is the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program?
OSP is a publicly funded provincial program providing free, structured mental health treatment to Ontario residents. It's delivered by trained mental health professionals and built on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - a structured, goal-focused approach. CBT is considered a first-line treatment for depression and anxiety.
What makes OSP different:
Free – no OHIP billing, no out-of-pocket cost
Stepped care model that matches support level to clinical need
Structured CBT-based treatment with measurable outcomes
Delivered through Ontario’s publicly funded mental health system
Local services available through OSP
BounceBack – Participants receive telephone coaching, with a mental health coach, cognitive behavioural therapy skill-building workbooks, and online videos.
Clinician Assisted Bibliotherapy (CAB) – Participants receive weekly, 30-minute telephone sessions with a Clinician, and are guided through a gold-standard cognitive behavioural therapy self-help workbook.
Individual or Group CBT-based Psychotherapy – Participants receive weekly one-hour sessions with a Clinician, in person or virtually.
Internet-based CBT (iCBT) – Participants receive an internet-based program focused on online, cognitive behavioural therapy modules with support from a Clinician through secure texting.
All services are available in-person and virtually, in multiple languages. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals – in urban or reserve settings – can access our Culturally Safe Pathway, providing care grounded in cultural safety and lived experience. You can also access services in French and Chinese.
How to Access Free Therapy in Ontario
Submit a self-referral
Complete the online form directly, or have a healthcare provider submit on your behalf.
Book an assessment.
Our team will contact you to schedule a brief assessment. Wait times may vary, but it will typically be within four weeks.
Matched to the right service
You’ll be connected to the OSP service that fits your needs.
Begin the program
Work with a trained mental health professional. Progress is tracked and care can be adjusted as needed.
Indigenous Culturally Safe Pathway
Culturally Safe Care for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples
You may be eligible for our Culturally Safe Psychotherapy services, available to those living in both urban or reserve settings.
Therapy is Free. Getting Started Takes Minutes.
This provincial program is publicly funded, clinically structured, and available to Ontario residents at no cost. Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region and South Simcoe is the first and only community agency selected to lead the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy program as a Network Lead Organization.
Eligibility: Ontario residents aged 18+, experiencing depression or anxiety symptoms.
Available in-person and virtually.
About CMHA's Role in OSP
Canadian Mental Health Association York Region and South Simcoe is the first and only community agency selected to lead OSP as a Network Lead Organization in Ontario. We deliver local services in partnership with Across Boundaries and HF Care, serving York Region, South Simcoe, North York, North Etobicoke, and Malton.
“Going through the program, I found it easy to talk to people who you’re not with every day. My coach provided a new perspective. The program was self-directed with scheduled check-ins – and that accountability made a real difference.”
– Heather, OSP Client
Canadian Mental Health Association, in partnership with Across Boundaries and HF Care provides local Ontario Structured Psychotherapy services to residents of York Region, South Simcoe, North York, North Etobicoke, and Malton.
Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region and South Simcoe is the first and only community agency selected to lead the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy program as a Network Lead Organization.
Get Started
Questions before you self-refer? Email osp-referral@cmha-yr.on.ca or call 1-866-345-0224.
Services in French are coordinated through The Royal Mental Health Centre. For teens aged 15–17, BounceBack Ontario is available – no caregiver or provider permission required.
Adult (18+)
To sign up for free Ontario Structured Psychotherapy services, complete the online self-referral form or speak to your health care provider who can submit a referral on your behalf. Please note that this program is only available to Ontario residents.
Services in French will be coordinated by our partners at The Royal Mental Health Centre.
Teens (15-17)
If you are between the ages of 15-17, sign up for the FREE and confidential BounceBack Ontario program. Please note, you do not need permission from a caregiver or health care provider to access this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is therapy really free?
Yes. OSP is fully funded by the Government of Ontario. There are no fees, and no cost to you.
Q: Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. You can self-refer directly through our online form. A healthcare provider can also submit a referral on your behalf, but it is not required.
Q: Can I access therapy if I don't have a family doctor?
Yes. OSP accepts self-referrals. Not having a family doctor is not a barrier to access.
Q: Can I access therapy if I don't have a family doctor?
After submitting your referral, our intake team will contact you to schedule an assessment within five business days.
Q: Is this covered by OHIP?
OSP is not billed through OHIP. It’s a provincially funded program delivered through community organizations. There is no charge to you regardless of OHIP status.
Q: What if my symptoms are severe?
If your needs are more complex, our team will help to connect you to more appropriate support.
Q: Is this confidential?
Yes. Your information is protected under Ontario’s privacy legislation. Our team will explain the specifics – including any limits to confidentiality – during your assessment.
Q: What if I need crisis support?
Please refer to the crisis section above. OSP is not equipped to provide emergency or crisis intervention.
Client Success Stories
Read how the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program has helped people across our region.
Read stories
Information for Health Care Providers
Are your patients feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed? Refer your patient today!
Learn More