Support for Operational Stress Injury (OSI)

An operational stress injury (OSI) is any persistent psychological difficulty resulting from military service. OSIs include diagnosed medical conditions such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

To support wartime Veterans and still-serving and former Canadian Forces personnel recovering from operational stress injuries, VAC has established Operational Stress Injury (OSI) clinics. OSI clinics provide standardized assessment, treatment, prevention and support services. A team of health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and clinical social workers, work together to develop treatment plans that meet individual needs.

Individual, group, couples or family counselling and educational programs are also available.

Veterans can access an occupational stress injury clinic by obtaining a referral from a VAC medical officer at the closest VAC District Office

A Peer Support Network has also been established by the Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) program to help CF members, CF Veterans and/or their families. The Peer Support Network is made up of Veterans and family members from across the country that know firsthand what it is like to live with an OSI or to live with someone who suffers from an OSI. With insight acquired from regaining their own health, they are in a unique position to help others and to provide guidance on resources that are available from DND, VAC and within their own community. You can access their confidential support by contacting the Peer Support Coordinator nearest you at 1-800-883-6094 or on-line at www.osiss.ca (external link).

A suite of brochures on VAC's approach to Mental Health (back) is available by calling VAC at 1-866-522-2122.