CONSULTATION & EDUCATION
A consultation is first required for all teens to understand the concerns, to confirm the diagnosis, and to evaluate if investigations (ex. a sleep study) are required. After the consultation, education is provided and treatment options are discussed.
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These services typically take place over 1-2 appointments*. The presence of a parent and/or caregiver is suggested for these appointments.
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*Please note: During the current work-from-home circumstances, all new consultations will be arranged through the administrative staff at Dr. Ooi's other practice location, MedSleep Toronto Sleep Institute. All care is being delivered virtually.
Our services and treatment options are being updated.
Please see the most up-to-date information HERE.
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ABOUT THE
DECODE INSOMNIA CLINIC
Virtual clinic for ages 13+ in Ontario, Canada
Consultation and medical support for the DECODE treatment programs
CONSULTATION
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With a consultation at the DECODE Insomnia Clinic, you'll learn about the factors contributing to your sleep issue, priority areas for intervention, initial steps, and treatment options. Consultation at the DECODE Insomnia Clinic is OHIP covered and requires a physician referral.
SUPPORT FOR THE
DECODE SLEEP PROGRAM
Following consultation, eligible individuals may opt to participate in the DECODE Sleep Program—a CBT-I–based treatment delivered through an online platform with both group and individual support provided by the clinic.
The online program is not an OHIP-covered service (sliding scale pricing available).
To learn more about the DECODE Sleep Program, please visit this page.
THE TEEN SLEEP SPRINT PROGRAM
To accommodate unique challenges in adolescence, an OHIP-covered treatment option called the Teen Sprint Program is available. Please visit this page for more information.
FAQ
WHAT IS CHRONIC INSOMNIA?
Chronic insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep, despite having adequate opportunity for sleep. According to the DSM-V criteria, chronic insomnia involves symptoms lasting for at least three nights per week for at least three months, causing significant distress or impairment in daily functioning.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER MY DOCTOR HAS MADE A REFERRAL?
You will be contacted by email with directions to request an appointment time through the portal. If your physician has submitted a referral but you have not yet been contacted, please email decodeinsomnia@protonmail.com.
HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE VIRTUAL CONSULTATION?
Complete & submit the intake questionnaire at least 2 business days prior to the consultation. Ensure you have a good internet connection, access to Zoom, and a private location for the consultation FOR YOUTH (13-18): The intake questionnaire form is to be completed by the youth with or without a parent/caregiver present. Both the youth and a parent/caregiver are required at the consultation. The consultation appointment cannot be held with the parent alone. It is recommended that the youth and parent/caregiver log-on to the virtual Zoom visit on separate devices.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE CONSULTATION?
Information about your sleep concerns is gathered in the intake questionnaire and the virtual visit with the physician. At the end of the consultation, you will receive feedback, information about treatment approaches, first steps, and resources (videos, handouts) to help you take action. FOR YOUTH (13-18): Typically, the physician will meet with the teen and parent(s)/caregiver(s) both together and separately.
WHAT IF I HAVE ANOTHER SLEEP CONCERN OTHER THAN INSOMNIA?
This clinic is not a general Sleep Medicine clinic and does not provide management of sleep disorders other than chronic insomnia, sleep timing concerns, and insufficient sleep. The consultation will include a general screen for other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, disorders of excessive sleepiness, restless leg syndrome, and parasomnias. A referral to a general Sleep Medicine clinic may be recommended after the consultation.
WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS AFTER CONSULTATION?
For adults, treatment is provided with the DECODE Sleep Program and DECODE Therapy Extension. For teens, treatment is provided with the DECODE Sleep Sprint Program. Details will be discussed once the physician has assessed your sleep concern.
IS MEDICATION PRESCRIBED?
The use of medication for the treatment of chronic insomnia can be discussed during the consultation. In most cases, medication is not required or plays only a limited role in managing chronic insomnia. Please note that medication is not prescribed at the time of consultation. When medication is being considered, we begin by focusing on non-medication strategies that form the foundation of effective treatment. Demonstrating consistency with these strategies helps determine whether medication is needed and how it might best be used. In cases where medication is recommended alongside non-medication treatment, it is typically prescribed for short-term use only.
WHAT IF I NEED A SLEEP STUDY?
While a sleep study is not required to diagnose chronic insomnia, it can sometimes be helpful to rule out other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. An opinion regarding the need for a sleep study may be provided during the consultation. Please note that sleep studies are not performed at this clinic.
We are currently in the process of updating our services and treatment options. We appreciate your patience and support as we make these updates.
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Available Services
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OHIP-covered virtual Consultation for insomnia, sleep timing concerns, and inadequate sleep remains available for patients 13+ in Ontario
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Wait times are currently estimated at ~2 months for teens and ~4 months for adults.
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Please note that this is not a general Sleep Medicine clinic—sleep investigations are not available.
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Current treatment options after consultation:
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The DECODE Sleep Program continues to accept new participants.
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The Group Sprint Program is currently not accepting new patients, and no cohorts will run during Summer 2025.
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Teen treatment options remain unchanged.
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Treatment Option Updates
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Program Name Update: The program previously referred to as the DECODE Insomnia Program will now be referred to as the DECODE Sleep Program. This new name reflects the program’s broader scope, which now includes tools for addressing not just insomnia, but also poor-quality sleep, insufficient sleep, and sleep timing issues.
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New Program Structure: The program has transitioned from the original “Phase 1 (behavioural approach) / Phase 2 (therapeutic approach)” format to an expanded core DECODE Sleep Program with an optional 6-session DECODE Therapy Extension for more advanced skills and a higher level of support. The DECODE Therapy Extension has been expanded from a 4-session model to a 6-session psychotherapy model.
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Program Curriculum, Platform and Support Update: The DECODE Sleep Program curriculum, online content, and program support is being updated throughout Spring/Summer 2025 to provide participants with clearer guidance, improved tools, and a more user-friendly experience.
If you are a physician wishing to make a referral, please visit this page for more information.
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[Updated June 1, 2025]