Accessing Care for Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal part of life and can be useful when it alerts us to danger. But for some, symptoms of anxiety are persistent and severe, interfering with daily activities such as work, school and sleep. This type of anxiety can disrupt relationships and enjoyment of life, and can lead to health concerns and other problems over time. In some cases, anxiety is a diagnosable mental health condition requiring treatment.

The six main categories of anxiety disorders are:

1. Phobias
2. Panic disorder
3. Generalized anxiety disorder
4. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
5. Acute stress disorder
6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder but common anxiety symptoms include:

• Feeling apprehensive and tense
• Experiencing irrational and excessive fear
• Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
• An increased heart rate
• Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
• Sweating
• Trembling

We are here to help

Anxiety is treatable through psychotherapy and medication to help you manage symptoms and live the life you want to live. 

We follow a Stepped Care model at Ontario Shores meaning we will match you with the level of service you need based on your experience of anxiety.

Ontario Shores can work with you to manage your anxiety through several treatment programs or clinics. These include: 

• Outpatient Complex Anxiety and Mood Disorders Clinic (AMD)
• Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program
• LOVE YOU By Shoppers Drug Mart Women's Clinic
• Adolescent Outpatient Services
• Geriatrics

How to access care

Depending on the service area above that best meets your needs, you or your family doctor, or other care provider should submit a referral to Ontario Shores. The Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program and the First Responder Assist Clinic also accept self-referrals. 

Make a Referral

What to expect after a referral

Once your referral has been accepted, and if you meet the criteria of a particular service, you will be contacted from the waitlist when a spot becomes available. 

When you are referred to a clinic, you can ask about the expected wait time for your service. While you wait, you, or the person who sent your referral to Ontario Shores, can follow the recommendations from your assessment, access community resources or access self help resources.