Taking a work leave for mental health reasons in Quebec
Burnout, anxiety, depression: when working is no longer possible, a medical leave may become necessary. Understand your protections, recover, and prepare a lasting return to work, with professional support in person in Laval or online anywhere in Quebec.
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When does a work leave become necessary?
A work leave for mental health reasons is neither a failure nor a luxury. It is a protective measure when symptoms make work impossible or interfere with recovery: persistent fatigue despite rest, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating or remembering, irritability, anxiety attacks, loss of motivation, physical symptoms of stress.
The earlier these signals are taken seriously, the faster the recovery and the more sustainable the return to work. Seeking help does not automatically lead to a leave: in many cases, timely support is exactly what prevents one.
Good to know: only a physician or another authorized health professional can prescribe a work leave. Clinique Octobre does not issue work leaves: we support you during your leave, through your recovery, and in preparing a lasting return to work.
Your protections in Quebec during a work leave
Your job is protected
The Act respecting labour standards protects your employment during a sickness absence, including mental health conditions, for up to 26 weeks over a 12-month period. The first 2 days of absence per year are paid if you have 3 months of uninterrupted service. Source: CNESST.
Income replacement exists
If you have no salary insurance, Employment Insurance sickness benefits can provide up to 26 weeks of benefits at 55% of your earnings, up to a maximum of $729 per week in 2026. Source: Government of Canada.
The medical certificate
Your employer or insurer may ask for a document attesting to your incapacity. For Employment Insurance, the certificate can be signed by a medical doctor, a nurse practitioner or a psychologist, among others. Source: eligibility criteria.
Many group insurance plans also offer short-term or long-term disability benefits. Check your policy with your employer or insurer: it is often the first source of income during a leave.
How we support you
A work leave is not an empty pause: it is an active period of recovery. Our team supports you at every step.
Individual therapy
Understand what led to the leave, address anxiety, depression or burnout, and rebuild your personal resources.
Occupational therapy in mental health
Rebuild a routine, manage your energy and gradually resume your activities up to a prepared, lasting return to work, with an occupational therapist who is a member of the OEQ.
Clinical reports and evaluations
Rigorous professional reports when your employer, your insurer or another professional needs them as part of your file.
The path to a lasting return
Recognize the signals and seek help
Talk to your physician and surround yourself early with professional mental health support.
Recover actively
Therapy, stress regulation, sleep, routine: a concrete plan to regain your strength, not just wait it out.
Prepare the return to work
Identify what contributed to the exhaustion, develop strategies and plan the adaptations you need.
Return gradually and maintain
An often gradual return, with follow-up to consolidate your progress and prevent relapse.
Frequently asked questions
Who can prescribe a work leave in Quebec?
A physician or another authorized health professional. Clinique Octobre does not issue work leaves: we provide the therapy, occupational therapy and clinical reports that support your recovery and your return to work.
Is my job protected during a sick leave?
Yes. In Quebec, the Act respecting labour standards protects your employment during a sickness absence for up to 26 weeks over a 12-month period. When you return, your employer must reinstate you in your usual position with the same benefits.
Will I receive an income during my work leave?
The first 2 days of absence per year are paid by the employer if you have 3 months of uninterrupted service. After that, depending on your situation: salary or disability insurance from your group plan, or Employment Insurance sickness benefits at 55% of earnings up to $729 per week in 2026, for a maximum of 26 weeks.
Can my employer require a medical note?
Your employer can ask for a document attesting to the reasons for the absence if its duration or circumstances justify it. However, a document cannot be required for the first 3 absences of 3 days or less per 12-month period.
How can Clinique Octobre help me during a work leave?
Through individual therapy to address what led to the leave, occupational therapy to rebuild routine and energy and prepare the return to work, and clinical reports when your file requires them.
Do you offer this support online?
Yes, by secure videoconference anywhere in Quebec, as well as in person at our Laval office (3131, boul. de la Concorde Est, bureau 502). Services are offered in French and English.
A well-supported work leave changes everything
Book a first appointment, in person in Laval or online anywhere in Quebec. We answer in French or English.
Book an appointmentOfficial sources: CNESST, sickness absence · Government of Canada, EI sickness benefits