Emergency: 9-1-1

National Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8

Call BC Crisis Line: 310-6789 (no area code needed)

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868

KUU-US Crisis Support Line (BC Wide Indigenous Toll Free Crisis and Support Line): 1-800-588-8717

About Us

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The BC OSI Clinic provides comprehensive clinical assessment and treatment services for referred residents of British Columbia and Yukon who are Veterans, members of the Canadian Forces (Regular and Reserve), and members of the RCMP with an operational stress injury (OSI). The Clinic also provides treatment to clients’ family members where appropriate.

To determine clients’ specific needs, the BC OSI Clinic performs a review of prior assessment and treatment information, along with a thorough current assessment.

The team involves clients in setting goals and making treatment decisions, giving them the opportunity to engage in evidence-based treatment tailored to their individual needs.

Clients will remain in active treatment and receive follow-up for their OSI as clinically indicated. If clients authorize the BC OSI Clinic, the clinic will also collaborate with and support family physicians and other health professionals involved in clients’ care.

Intake: Upon receiving a referral, clients are scheduled for a telephone or Zoom intake meeting with a nurse clinician. This session aims to gather background information and explore the reasons for seeking services.

Assessment: Once the referral is approved, clients may undergo a comprehensive psychological and/or psychiatric assessment. Following this, the client and clinician work together to create a personalized treatment strategy. Additionally, the clinicians are also trained in completing disability assessments.

Treatment & Support Assessment Groups: The BC OSI Clinic offers a diverse range of services including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, pharmacotherapy, and psychiatry consultation. Clients are assigned to a clinician or group to receive these services. Given the unique needs of each client, the clinic does not prescribe a fixed number of appointments for services.

Groups

We provide various specialized groups tailored for veterans, members of the Canadian Forces (Regular and Reserve), and members of the RCMP (active or retired). For further details about specific groups or to receive an information sheet, please contact the clinic via email. Kindly note that groups are offered on a rotational basis and may not always be available.

  • Life After Trauma Program:
    This educational and skills-based group focuses on understanding emotional difficulties such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, without requiring members to share personal trauma experiences. Sessions are held on Zoom once a week for 16 sessions.
  • SMART Recovery:
    This group offers effective support for those facing difficulties with alcohol or substance use, utilizing a structured 4-point system to transform harmful habits into healthy coping mechanisms. Sessions are held on Zoom once a week for 10 sessions.
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression:
    Members learn mindfulness skills and cognitive behavioral strategies to cope with depression and prevent relapse. Sessions are held on Zoom once a week for 8 sessions.
  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Insomnia:
    Combining mindfulness and CBT skills, this group helps manage chronic insomnia and associated emotional distress. Sessions are held on Zoom once a week for 8 sessions.
  • Women’s Healing Trauma Group:
    Offering a safe space for women to process trauma using Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), this group focuses on teaching coping skills and changing thought patterns related to traumatic events. Sessions are held on Zoom once a week for 14 sessions.
  • DBT Skills Group:
    Designed to teach everyday usable skills for managing emotions, crises, and relationships, this group enhances members’ quality of life. Sessions are held on Zoom once a week for 18 sessions.
  • DBT Plus + Group:
    For graduates of the 18-week DBT Skills program at BC OSI, this group deepens understanding and use of core skills through discussion, role plays, and additional material. Sessions are held on Zoom once a week for 15 sessions.

Clients must be referred to the BC OSI Clinic by Veteran Affairs Canada, Canadian Forces or RCMP. If you require any assistance obtaining a referral for our services, please contact our clinic

Regular and Reserve Members of Canadian Forces: Speak with your Medical Officer or Social Worker on the Base to discuss your concern.

Current members of the RCMP: Speak with your Health Services Officer or RCMP Psychologist.

Retired Canadian Forces or retired RCMP: Speak with Veterans Affairs Canada National Client Contact Centre at: English: 1-866-522-2122 French: 1-866-522-2022

To talk to a Peer Support Coordinator, call the Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) Program at 1-800-883-6094

This website is meant to provide general information and strategies. They are therefore not meant to be a substitute for individual treatment or therapy. Please consult with your healthcare provider or a member of our team for help specific to your needs.

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