Mental Health Program of Care

(WSIB Mental Health Stress Injury Program) 

Helping You Return to Work, Life, and Wellness

When recovering from a workplace mental health injury, it can be difficult to know where to start. Occupational Therapists (OTs) help bridge the gap between injury, recovery, and return to meaningful daily life, including work.

At Gowan Consulting, our Occupational Therapists specialize in helping individuals referred through the WSIB Mental Health Program of Care. We focus on practical, goal-oriented treatment that empowers clients to rebuild skills, confidence, and daily function at a pace that feels safe and supported.

Why Choose an Occupational Therapist?

Occupational Therapists take a whole-person approach to recovery. We understand that a mental health injury impacts how a person thinks, feels, and functions in daily life.

Our OTs help you:

• Rebuild routines and goals so you can participate in self-care, productivity, leisure, and important life roles
• Develop coping strategies for managing anxiety, mood, and stress
• Improve cognitive skills, such as concentration, memory, and organization
• Regain confidence in returning to work or community roles

Because OTs are trained in both mental and physical health, they are uniquely positioned to connect mental health treatment with practical, real-world functioning, which is a key step toward long-term recovery and work readiness.

Gowan Consulting and WSIB

This structured program is designed for individuals that have mild to moderate functional limitations due to mental health or physical conditions. The Occupational Therapist customizes a program to assist the employee in taking the steps needed to prepare for return to work. The program is focused on changing thoughts, behaviours, and routines to develop skills for sustainable return to work. It is work focused and provides the employee with the tools to be successful in the workplace once again. The interventions are evidence based using behavioural activation and psychotherapy such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and gradual exposure therapy. Our therapists coach and support the employee to get them back on their feet!

How OT Treatment Works

Our treatment programs are collaborative and client-centered. Depending on your needs and goals, your Occupational Therapist may include:

Psychotherapy:
OTs with advanced mental health training use evidence-based psychotherapy approaches. These methods help clients understand thought patterns, reframe perspectives, build coping strategies, and process emotional responses to workplace challenges.

Exposure Therapy:
For clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, or avoidance, exposure therapy can be part of treatment. OTs guide gradual, supported exposure to feared or distressing situations (always at a pace that maintains safety and trust) helping clients manage workplace triggers and regain control and confidence.

Our Team of Occupational Therapists

Gowan Consulting has over 20 years of experience supporting clients across Canada. Our team includes highly trained OTs with expertise in:

• Mental health and trauma-informed care
• Psychotherapy and exposure-based interventions
• Cognitive and functional rehabilitation
• Workplace accommodation and return-to-work planning
• Pain management and energy conservation

Regions

We are able to service individuals across Ontario in the following regions:

• Central: Alliston, Aurora, Bradford, Georgina, Maple, Markham, Newmarket, North York, Richmond Hill, Stouffville, Vaughan, Woodbridge
• Central East: Ajax, Bowmanville, Campbellford, Cobourg, Haliburton, Lindsay, Oshawa, Peterborough, Pickering, Scarborough, Whitby
• Central West: Brampton, Caledon, Orangeville, Malton, Mono, Shelburne
• Champlain: Arnprior, Almonte, Carleton Place, Cornwall, Deep River, Hawkesbury, Ottawa, Pembroke, Renfrew, Rockland
• Erie St. Clair: Chatham, Dresden, Essex, Grand Bend, Leamington, Point Edward, Sarnia, Windsor
• Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant: Brantford, Burlington, Fonthill, Fort Erie, Grimsby, Hamilton, Niagara Falls, Port Colborne, St. Catharines, Thorold, Welland
• Mississauga Halton: Acton, Georgetown, Milton, Mississauga, Oakville
• North East: Cochrane, Elliot Lake, Fort Albany, Hearst, Iroquois Falls, Killarney, Mattawa, New Liskeard, North Bay, Parry Sound, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Timmins
• North Simcoe Muskoka: Barrie, Bracebridge, Collingwood, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Midland, Orillia, Penetanguishene, Wasaga Beach
• North West: Dryden, Fort Frances, Greenstone, Kenora, Manitouwadge, Marathon, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay
• South East: Bancroft, Belleville, Brockville, Kingston, Napanee, Perth, Picton, Smiths Falls, Trenton
• South West: Hanover, Ingersoll, London, Meaford, Owen Sound, St. Thomas, Stratford, Strathroy, Thornbury, Tobermory, Woodstock
• Toronto Central: Don Mills, Downsview, East York, Etobicoke, Harbourfront, Islington, Leslieville, Liberty Village, Parkdale, Trinity-Bellwoods, Weston, York Mills
• Waterloo Wellington: Cambridge, Elora, Guelph, Harriston, Kitchener, Waterloo

Begin Your Recovery Journey

If you are a WSIB client looking for occupational therapy support, Gowan Consulting is here to help.
We’ll meet you where you are, work at your pace, and guide you toward meaningful recovery.

Contact us today to learn more about our occupational therapy services for WSIB clients or get started with a referral.