Think Research Corporation announced that it is a proud technology partner supporting the Ontario Ministry of Health's roll-out of One Stop Talk/Parlons maintenant (OST/PM) service. Think's Digital Front Door Solution is essential for helping the Ministry of Health to simplify navigation and increase availability of mental health services for children and youth throughout Ontario. OST/PM is a new virtual and confidential counselling service rolling out across the province.

It provides children and youth (aged 0-17 years) with immediate, low barrier access to free mental health support when needed. After an initial trial following contract award last year, the roll-out of this innovative pan-provincial initiative, funded by the Ministry of Health, addresses key challenges within the child and youth mental health sector, a priority area in Ontario's Roadmap to Wellness. It also supports the government's commitment to creating a more connected and comprehensive mental health and addictions system, ensuring that Ontarians receive the right level of service at the right time and in the right place.

Through the participation of a network of agencies across the province, OST/PM-designated therapists will provide online or telephone counselling sessions for children, youth and parents/caregivers (with their child). A child or youth can connect with a registered therapist (via phone or online) for a brief single therapy session, and there is no limit to the number of times they can contact OST/PM. The virtual sessions usually focus on a single issue and support the individual through the co-development of an action plan with an OST/PM therapist.

If additional or ongoing services are needed, an OST/PM Service Navigator is available to provide a warm hand off by sending a referral to more local services coordinating care closer to home. Think's software services have been deployed to help maximize connectivity with OST/PM to ensure that children and youth in Ontario: receive standardized counselling therapy from trained, experienced and registered clinicians located across the province; have access to after-hours service, including Saturdays (increasing availability of in-the-moment intervention); receive a personalized plan, co-developed and shared with the client; self-select services at the right time and obtain support for a current concern/issue; and, are provided with a warm hand-off and referral to additional services, if needed, within the same interaction. OST/PM Quick Facts: This transformational initiative is funded by the Ministry of Health.

The program currently has a partnership with 20 different mental health agencies leveraging clinician capacity across the province. OST/PM has 80+ registered therapists providing counselling. OST/PM primarily offers service in English and French and interpretation services are available (200+ languages including ASL).