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

Frequent Asked Questions

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An operational stress injury (OSI) is any persistent psychological difficulty resulting from operational duties performed while serving in the Canadian Armed Forces or as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

It encompasses a range of health problems, including anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, substance use, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions that may vary in severity but can all interfere with daily functioning.

Operational stress can stem from various experiences. While active combat is a well-known cause, other events associated with the risks and demands of serving in the military or RCMP can also lead to such injuries. When these experiences significantly disrupt a person’s life, they result in an OSI. In addition to psychological effects, OSIs can produce physical symptoms like upset stomach, headaches, and sleep disturbances, and can exacerbate existing chronic pain. Furthermore, an OSI can negatively impact personal relationships and social interactions, further affecting overall well-being.

Clients must be referred to the BC OSI Clinic by Veteran Affairs Canada, Canadian Forces or RCMP. We are unable to accept self-referrals.

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

  • Individual evidence-based trauma therapy (e.g., Cognitive Processing Therapy [CPT], Prolonged Exposure [PE], Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing [EMDR])
  • Individual evidence-based therapy for operational stress injuries (e.g., depression, anxiety, etc)
  • Group Therapy (7 different topics – see group page here)
  • Couples Therapy
  • Support for family members/therapy with a partner or child of a current RCMP/Military client

Given the high demand, waitlists can be up to 6 to 8 months for individual services. Group waitlists tend to vary depending on when particular groups are offered throughout the year. The BC OSI Clinic will try to make every effort to see all clients as quickly as the clinic can.

Due to long waitlists, you may wish to find a treatment provider in your community. Additional resources for finding a community provider include:

Find a Registered Psychologist and Find a Counsellor

These directories offer a search engine for a psychologist/counsellor with filters such as location and treatment modality.

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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