Specialized services and support for Veterans and their families
Total value: $150.2 million
- The Government will open a new operational stress injury clinic in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the fall of 2015. In addition, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is expanding satellite services in nine locations throughout the country. There will be an investment of $18.1 million over six years, and the remainder will be provided over the life of the program.
- VAC established its first operational stress injury clinic in 2002 and since then, has added clinics to form a network of 10 specialized clinics across Canada.
- While funded by VAC, all of the clinics are operated by provincial health authorities. There are currently outpatient clinics in: Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Winnipeg, Manitoba; London, Ontario; Ottawa, Ontario; Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec; Québec City, Quebec; and Fredericton, New Brunswick.
- In addition to the outpatient clinic at Ste Anne’s Hospital, in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, there is a residential clinic offering inpatient treatment for complex operational stress injury conditions.
- OSI clinics provide assessment, treatment, prevention and support to Veterans as well as serving CAF members. Educational programs as well as individual, couple and family counselling are also available.
- Each OSI clinic has a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses, and other specialized clinicians who understand the experience and needs of Veterans. Together they work with the Veterans to improve their quality of life by identifying therapeutic activities and working toward realistic goals.
- Treatment options at each OSI clinic include one-on-one therapy sessions and group sessions to address anxiety, insomnia, anger and other issues that are occurring as a result of a mental health disorder.
- Services are based on current best practices and are customized to meet the individual’s needs. The team also works closely with health care providers or organizations in the community to help ensure follow-up is available when needed. Family members may also receive or participate in some of the services provided through the clinics.
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