5 - (SYM 18) Large-scale Psychotherapy Initiatives in Canada and Australia

This presentation examines large-scale psychotherapy initiatives in Ontario, Canada (the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program; OSP) and Australia (Medicare Mental Health Check In).

OSP delivers province-wide, publicly funded, evidence-based psychotherapy for anxiety-related disorders and depression within a stepped-care framework. The program is modeled on the UK’s NHS Talking Therapies initiative and is designed to provide care that is effective, efficient, equitable, client-centred, and accessible. All clinicians complete a standardized training program and receive ongoing clinical consultation throughout their involvement in OSP. Clients typically begin with lower-intensity interventions (e.g., digital CBT, guided self-help) and may step up, as needed, to higher-intensity, face-to-face CBT. This section of the presentation will describe the development, structure, and core components of OSP, including clinician training and quality assurance processes, and will summarize emerging outcomes, implementation challenges, and future directions.

Medicare Mental Health Check In is the Australian Government’s new national early intervention service supporting people aged 16 years and over living in Australia, who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, mild mental health challenges or transient distress. Through Medicare Mental Health Check In help-seekers will be able to access evidence-based low-intensity Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (LiCBT), and either work through LiCBT tools at their own pace or with the support of a trained practitioner via phone or video over a number of sessions. The service is being implemented in stages in 2026 to balance clinical safety and timely delivery. The service will continue to mature until 2029 when it is expected to support more than 150,000 Australians a year.

Investment in Medicare Mental Health Check In forms part of the Australian Government’s critical mental health system reforms. Once fully implemented this service will help manage demand for more costly and already stretched clinical treatment services by providing complementary and more appropriate care arrangements for people with lower care needs, making sure Australians get the right help when and where they need it.