Toronto lawyer Brian Reeve has donated , $10 million to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre to expand its Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) research and treatment capabilities. The donation, described as “transformational” by the hospital, stems from Reeve’s personal experience with the disorder and the life-altering treatment he received at Sunnybrook’s Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre.
Reeve, 69, a private equity investor and lawyer, began experiencing debilitating OCD symptoms around seven years ago. His rituals, which included repeatedly checking and re-performing tasks – such as walking through doors or adjusting contact lenses – became increasingly time-consuming and disruptive to his daily life. He sought treatment in at the Thompson Centre, and is now in remission.
“The program was a game-changer and a life reset,” Reeve said in an interview with CBC Radio. He explained that the treatment provided him with the tools to manage his OCD and regain control over his life, allowing him to fully engage with his family and career.
Addressing a Significant Need
The Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre, established in , is Canada’s first and only facility dedicated to the research, education, and treatment of OCD and related disorders. It serves an estimated 400,000 Canadians affected by OCD, accepting referrals from across the country. The centre’s head, Dr. Peggy Richter, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto, emphasizes the complexity of OCD, noting that it extends beyond commonly recognized symptoms like excessive washing or checking.
“It can take many forms, including repetitive counting or even distressing thoughts that a person would never act on,” Richter explained. She further clarified that the severity of OCD varies widely, ranging from mild inconvenience to profound disability, where individuals can become “prisoners in their own homes.”
Expanding Capacity and Research
The $10 million donation will facilitate the relocation and expansion of the centre’s 24/7 treatment unit from a community-based setting to a permanent location within Sunnybrook’s Bayview campus. This move is expected to improve collaboration with Sunnybrook’s Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program and increase the number of available beds, addressing a critical gap in specialized mental healthcare.
Beyond physical expansion, the funding will also support the establishment of a chair in OCD at Sunnybrook and the University of Toronto, as well as fellowships to cultivate the next generation of Canadian clinicians and researchers specializing in OCD treatment and research. This investment in human capital is crucial for advancing understanding and improving care for individuals living with the disorder.
A Holistic Approach to OCD Treatment
The Thompson Centre distinguishes itself through its comprehensive approach to care. It offers a spectrum of services, including consultation for diagnosis, psychiatric care, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and an intensive program for severe cases. A key component of the centre’s model is its peer support network, connecting patients with trained volunteers who have successfully completed treatment. This network provides both group and individual support, fostering a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation.
Richter highlighted the importance of this aftercare component, noting that it continues to support alumni of the intensive treatment program even after formal therapy concludes. This ongoing support is vital for maintaining long-term recovery and preventing relapse.
Implications for Mental Healthcare Funding
Reeve’s donation underscores the critical need for increased investment in mental healthcare, particularly for specialized disorders like OCD. While the $10 million gift is substantial, it also serves as a call to action for greater public and private funding to support research, treatment, and access to care for all Canadians affected by mental illness. The Thompson Centre’s ability to serve a national patient base highlights the existing demand and the potential for expanded services with adequate resources.
Reeve expressed his hope that his donation will encourage others to seek help and to recognize that effective treatment for OCD is available. “What we’re trying to do with the Thompson Centre is to make you feel that you’re not walking the road alone and that there’s a lot of resources and you don’t have to be ashamed or embarrassed that you’ve got OCD,” he said.
