Operational Stress Injury Clinic
Overview
The Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic is a specialized outpatient program that exclusively serves Veterans, current Canadian Forces members, and eligible members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Services may also be offered to family members of these clients.
The clinic is located at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre and is fully funded by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).
Our goal is to help people improve their quality of life through a better understanding of the impact of severe stress and by enhancing coping skills.
We do this by providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for OSIs, such as evidence-based psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and evidence-based trauma treatment. The Clinic also conducts research, both independently and within the network of other OSI Clinics.
About Operational Stress Injuries
An operational stress injury (OSI) is any persistent psychological difficulty resulting from operational duties performed while serving in the Canadian Forces or as a member of the RCMP
OSI is used to describe a broad range of issues which include diagnosed medical conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, as well as other conditions that may interfere with daily functioning.
The symptoms and the injuries themselves vary according to the individual and the nature of their experience. Difficulties may occur during combat duties, after serving in a war zone, in peacekeeping missions, or following other traumatic or serious events not specific to combat.
It is normal to experience some form of distress after being exposed to a traumatic event, however, for some individuals the stress persists. Fortunately, help is available for those struggling with an OSI. Studies show that the earlier help is sought, the better one’s recovery can be.
Our Services
The Ottawa OSI clinic provides the following services:
- Comprehensive Assessment of operational stress injuries;
- Treatment of OSIs through individual therapy, pharmacotherapy, evidence-based trauma treatment, couples and group therapy, and health education; and
- Education to veterans, military members, and their families, as well as to other professionals and the general public
Our Catchment Area
The Ottawa OSI Clinic is mandated to provide services to Ottawa, Gatineau, Peterborough, Pembroke, Petawawa, North Bay, Kingston, Cornwall and Nunavut.
For more information about the Ottawa OSI, please call 613.722.6521 ext 6270, or visit the Programs & Services section of the ROMHC website at www.rohcg.on.ca, which features additional OSI Clinic details, including Frequently Asked Questions
