The Operational Stress Injury Clinic

I completed my practicum at the CareWest Operational Stress Injury Clinic (OSIC). Operational Stress Injury Clinics (OSIs) are run through Federal Government Funding and can only be accessed through a referral from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). Each OSI provides assessment, treatment, prevention and support to serving CAF members, Veterans and RCMP members and former members. Treatment options at each OSI clinic are on an outpatient basis only and 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.

 

OSIC specifically, helps veterans, current and former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Royal Canadain Mounted Police (RCMP) suffering from an OSI that requires specialized intensive assessment and treatment. OSIC offers psycho-therapy and counseling, as well as medication treatment, skills training, group therapy and educational sessions, relationship and family counseling and consultation and professional education to the community. 

 

My role within the OSIC as a practicum student, was to carry a caseload of clients and complete triage assessments, as well as teach group stabilization classes. I managed a complex caseload of RCMP and veteran clients completing trauma treatment, while also providing group and individual clinical therapy sessions. While at OSIC I also acted as an unofficial liaison for Veteran Affairs Canada, providing direction and guidance around government policies and answering clinician questions related to veteran and RCMP eligibility for federal support. Below I have included some of the learning, my case study specifically related to working with RCMP members and beneficial videos I have found on both populations I work with.