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National Centre for Operational Stress Injuries (NCOSI)

In cooperation with its partners, the National Centre for Operational Stress Injuries (NCOSI) ensures the development, delivery and coordination of clinical mental health services. The NCOSI also contributes to the advancement and transmission of knowledge and practices regarding clinical services, particularly in the field of operational stress injuries (OSIs). Clinical services are based on best practices and part of the wide range of services provided by Veterans Affairs Canada to Veterans, other clients and their families across Canada.

Organizational Values

• Client well-being - We are attentive and responsive to our clients’ needs.
• Commitment to the best - We actively pursue opportunities to improve our abilities and services.
• Respect - We acknowledge the value of individuals and we are committed to treating them with dignity.
• Integrity - We act with honesty and fairness.
• Partnership - We succeed by working together with our partners.

NCOSI activities are divided into three sectors:

• Clinical Expertise Sector
• Network Development and Coordination Sector
• Clinical Services Sector

Clinical Expertise Sector

Through training, continuous education, research and partnerships, we develop and promote professional competencies and best practices related to mental health, particularly in the field of operational stress injuries (OSIs). The Clinical Expertise Sector also:

• contributes to the scientific advancement in the field of OSIs;
• acts as a source of expert advice for complex case management and for policy development; and
• increases public knowledge and awareness in the area of OSIs.

Network Development and Coordination Sector

This group develops and coordinates specialized mental health clinical service delivery. Through its network of operational stress injury clinics across Canada, the group manages clinic performance and ensures access to a vast range of clinical programs that meet the needs of clients with OSIs. It also provides for the optimal delivery of these programs and services.

Clinical Services Sector

This sector provides care and services to clients of Veterans Affairs Canada through the:

• Ste. Anne Operational Stress Injury Clinic
• Inpatient Stabilization Program for Operational Stress Injuries
• Residential Treatment Clinic for Operational Stress Injuries

To access clinical services for operational stress injuries

Clinical services for operational stress injuries are specialized. Clients need a referral which can be made by :

• the Veterans Affairs Canada district office nearest you, if you are a Veteran or other eligible client, including RCMP members who receive a VAC disability pension;
• the Canadian Forces base medical services, for active members; or
• the Royal Canadian Mounted Police occupational health unit, for active members.

Ste. Anne Operational Stress Injury Clinic

This outpatient clinic provides assessment and treatment services for eligible clients who are living with an operational stress injury. Located at Ste. Anne’s Hospital (Opens in new window, which has served Canada’s Veterans since 1917, the Ste. Anne Operational Stress Injury Clinic incorporates the hospital’s commitment to high quality care, its understanding of military culture and the unique experience of Canada’s service men and women.

Services

The clinic’s professional team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers and other clinicians. Spouses and close family members can be involved in the treatment process.

While continuing to live in their community, clients will have periodic appointments at the clinic. Members of the professional team work closely together to develop treatment objectives, provide therapeutic activities and find community resources to help clients address their difficulties and improve their quality of life.

In addition to clinical assessment, clients are offered a variety of treatment options including individual therapies, group sessions, psycho-education sessions and access to other resources. Clients may be referred to an addiction treatment centre for specialized counselling services if alcohol dependency, substance abuse or gambling difficulties require more intensive treatment.

Group sessions cover topics such as

• anxiety
• insomnia and nightmares
• anger management
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• the return to civilian life

As treatment progresses, aftercare plans are developed with the client. The referring health professional or the Veterans Affairs Canada district office area counsellor is consulted to ensure continuity of care.

Inpatient Stabilization Program for Operational Stress Injuries

A person living with an operational stress injury (OSI) may experience a period when their ability to face personal, social or work situations is significantly reduced. This can happen if medication needs to be adjusted or if clinical supervision or more intensive psychological support is needed. The Inpatient Stabilization Program for Operational Stress Injuries can help clients develop skills to better manage their symptoms and allow them to continue outpatient treatment in their community.

Clients stay in a structured, clinical environment at Ste. Anne’s Hospital while the most immediate difficulties are addressed. Medication is adjusted while multiple therapeutic approaches help rekindle a sense of well-being.

Services

Members of the professional team work closely together to evaluate the client’s needs, develop an individualized treatment plan and provide therapeutic support. During their stay at Ste. Anne’s Hospital, clients receive:

• assessment;
• individual and group therapy;
• psychoeducation, including support to family members;
• physiotherapy and occupational therapy;
• aftercare planning;
• clinical supervision 24 hours a day.

Access clinical services for operational stress injuries

Residential Treatment Clinic for Operational Stress Injuries

Clients living with an operational stress injury (OSI) may at times experience difficulty in coping with daily living. Although a client receives treatment, progress may plateau as a result of limited resources on an outpatient basis. The aim of treatment in a residential clinic is to improve day-to-day functioning, interpersonal relations and the management of emotions.

In a residential setting, there are many opportunities to acquire and practice new skills as clients interact with one another and with staff in a context of therapeutic activities. The client’s family may take an active part in the treatment through VAC is telemental health services. A one-weekend on-site visit during the client’s stay can also be arranged.

In general, clients will benefit from residential treatment if they have complex OSIs. Clients for this clinic must be ready to participate actively in an intensive treatment process and be willing to stay at the clinic for a specified period of time.

Treatment Services

During their stay at Ste. Anne’s Hospital, clients work with a team of professionals and participate actively in:

• building life-skills;
• individual and group therapy;
• healthy living activities;
• mindfulness and creative expression activities;
• family sessions;
• aftercare planning.