Odyssey Excursion
Medium-term program for clients off work off work one year or more
For people facing challenges that are too complex for short-term programs, yet don’t meet the criteria for costly long-term programs, the right solution is often hard to come by.
Long-term multidisciplinary care can help people regain function and return to work, but it’s often expensive and not widely accessible. Short-term, low-cost rehab counselling can often benefit those off work less than a year, but it may not be enough.
Odyssey Excursion bridges this gap. It’s a unique solution for individuals who don’t qualify for typical treatment services but need more support than short-term counselling offers.
Work Absence
1+ years
Assessment
Yes
Treatment Length (approx.)
24 - 36 weeks
What’s involved
We start with a thorough assessment over a number of sessions, to determine if further treatment can help the person regain function and return to meaningful work.
Treatment includes evidence-based strategies like functional activation and physical conditioning, with the first few weeks focused on intensive goal-setting and planning with a psychotherapist. After that, treatment continues for 20 to 30 weeks with ongoing support from a psychotherapist.
All assessments and sessions are delivered via our secure, health-compliant video platform, making it accessible and convenient.
Odyssey Excursion Client Journey: Rachel
Rachel grew up in a small northern community where perseverance was essential. She was the first in her family to get a post-secondary degree, in nursing. She worked hard to build a life based on her values: stability, independence and care for others.
At 32 Rachel was married and working full-time while raising her young daughter, who was struggling developmentally. Life got busy and the marriage suffered, eventually ending three years later. Her life was a whirlwind of lawyers, moving, single parenthood and doctor’s appointments, as her daughter was showing signs of autism. Rachel began experiencing fatigue, cognitive fog, memory problems and heart palpitations, and was ultimately diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.
Her symptoms worsening, Rachel reduced her work hours then left her job altogether. Her social life and self-care suffered. Medications and counselling failed to reignite her spark. After two years she was referred to Odyssey Health. The team listened to her deeply, then collaborated with her providers on a multidisciplinary treatment plan focused on improving her function and wellbeing.
At Odyssey Health, Rachel’s supportive team included a behavioural therapist and a psychologist. They helped her learn how to plan activities she enjoyed, manage difficult emotions, and encouraged mindfulness and physically activity. Gradually, as her routine improved, she sought out friends and hobbies and started feeling like herself again. With the help of community resources, she rebuilt a life that felt meaningful to her.
Feeling more confident, Rachel began planning her gradual re-entry to work, with Odyssey Health helping her manage difficult thoughts and navigate workplace challenges. Today, Rachel is back at work full-time in a fulfilling role. Her journey through depression illustrates the unique power of integrated care, resilience, and the importance of being seen — not just as a client, but as a whole person.
Check out our other programs
Odyssey
Express
Our short-term program for Clients recently off work, or absent for short periods (i.e. a few weeks/months) but less than a year. With no assessment required, clients can start within days of absence.
Odyssey
Expedition
Our long-term program for people off work three or several more years, often with multiple prolonged absences, whose complex physical and mental health challenges have resisted traditional health care interventions.