Phobies-Zéro

What Phobies-Zéro does

Phobies-Zéro is a Quebec-based nonprofit community organization founded in 1991 by Marie-Andrée Laplante to support individuals aged 14 and older living with anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and compulsive hoarding disorder (TAC). The organization delivers its services primarily through a peer-support model, recruiting and training pair-aidants (peer supporters) with lived experience who are credentialed through a program co-developed with the Institut universitaire en santé mentale Douglas and UQAM. Its core offering is a hybrid network of in-person support groups across 12 regions in Quebec and virtual support groups conducted via Zoom, supplemented by a 12-week CBT-based self-management workshop, specialized workshops on social anxiety and self-esteem, monthly dedicated OCD and TAC virtual groups, a members-only telephone listening line, and a content library of 35+ video presentations by health professionals.

The organization generates revenue through four streams: annual membership fees of $20 per year, paid workshop enrollment ($75-$220 per participant depending on program and membership status), sales of self-published guides and book collections, and donations including a referral-linked share of book sale proceeds from partner authors. It is recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services since 2005, has received Bell Let's Talk Community Fund grant support for the ZÉRO-ATAQ workshop pilot, and operates with a small administrative team of 1-10 employees headquartered in Sainte-Julie. Its technology footprint is intentionally minimal — Zoom for virtual delivery, a WordPress/PHP-based website for membership management and information dissemination, and standard form-security tooling (reCAPTCHA) — with no proprietary software, mobile app, or AI/ML components. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors, has no parent company or private equity involvement, and does not have for-profit shareholders; its 25th anniversary was acknowledged at the Quebec National Assembly by Deputy Stéphane Bergeron.

Name

Phobies-Zéro

Legal name

Phobies-Zéro

Website

https://www.phobies-zero.qc.ca/

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Phobies-Zéro is a nonprofit organization offering services related to anxiety disorders and compulsive disorder.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Sainte-julienne

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual membership at $20 per year provides access to all in-person and virtual support groups, workshops, conferences, and member-only resources including 35+ video presentations by health professionals.
2. Workshop Fees: Self-management workshops for anxiety disorders are offered at member and non-member pricing. For example, the 12-week self-management workshop costs $195 for members (including $25 non-refundable registration fee + $170) and $220 for non-members. Social anxiety workshops cost $110 for members and $135 for non-members.
3. Donations: The organization accepts donations and has partnerships where a portion of book sale proceeds are directed to Phobies-Zéro (e.g., from the book 'Tenir debout').
4. Book Sales: Sale of published guides and collections including 'J'investis dans mon bien-être' 8th edition ($12 PDF, $20 paper), and 'Recueil de textes et pensées' volumes ($10 each, $15 combo).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Phobies-Zéro is a nonprofit community organization that delivers peer-support services for individuals aged 14+ living with anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and compulsive hoarding disorder (TAC). Its offerings include in-person peer support groups in 12 regions across Quebec, virtual support groups via Zoom, structured CBT-based self-management workshops, a free OCD consultation service, a telephone listening line, and educational publications including a self-help guide and a collection of texts.

Product overview

Phobies-Zéro is a community nonprofit organization recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services since 2005, founded in 1991 by Marie-Andrée Laplante. The organization offers a comprehensive suite of peer-support services for individuals aged 14+ with anxiety disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Compulsive Hoarding Disorder (TAC). Services include in-person and virtual peer support groups available in 12 regions across Quebec, structured self-management workshops based on cognitive behavioral therapy developed in collaboration with the Douglas Institute, specialized workshops addressing social anxiety, anxiety management with journaling tools, and self-esteem cultivation. Additional offerings include dedicated monthly virtual support groups for OCD and hoarding disorder, a free OCD consultation service with Nicolas Sarrasin, over 35 video presentations by health professionals for members, a telephone support line, and publications including the 'J'investis dans mon bien-être' guide (8th edition) and the 'Recueil de textes et pensées' book series. The organization hosts regular events including workshops, conferences, and testimonials. Membership costs $20 per year and provides access to virtual and in-person groups, workshops, video presentations, and the support line.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• In-person peer support groups Weekly or bi-weekly in-person peer support groups led by trained pair-aidants (peer supporters) for individuals aged 14+ with anxiety disorders, OCD, or hoarding disorder, offered across 12 regions in Quebec including Granby, Lévis, Montréal, Québec, Repentigny, Saguenay, Saint-Hubert, Saint-Jérôme, Sainte-Thérèse, and Sorel-Tracy.
• Virtual peer support groups via Zoom Virtual peer support groups delivered via Zoom on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 19h30 to 21h30 for members aged 14+, including specialized monthly sessions for OCD (TOC) and compulsive hoarding disorder (TAC).
• Self-management workshop for anxiety disorders 12-week self-management workshop program for anxiety disorders based on cognitive behavioral therapy, developed in collaboration with the Douglas Institute and UQAM, delivered online via Zoom by trained pair-aidants, with a 6-month follow-up meeting. Costs $195 for members and $220 for non-members.
• Social anxiety workshop Four-session workshop program addressing social anxiety, consisting of three online video-conference sessions plus one in-person workshop, covering self-assertion, self-esteem, symptom awareness, and exposure exercises. Costs $110 for members and $135 for non-members.
• Reprendre les rênes workshop (Anxiety and Motivation) Three-session online workshop series teaching anxiety management through practical tools including a journal, helping participants recognize anxiety impacts and evaluate effective coping techniques. Costs $75 for members and $95 for non-members, includes PDF journal.
• Cultiver son estime de soi workshop Ten-session self-esteem development program teaching nine essential keys to building and maintaining self-esteem, with practical exercises and documentation delivered over ten weeks.
• Virtual OCD (TOC) support group Monthly virtual support group focused on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, facilitated by mental health nurses and peer supporters, held Wednesdays from 19h30 to 21h30.
• Virtual Compulsive Hoarding (TAC) support group Virtual support group for Compulsive Hoarding Disorder (TAC), offered in collaboration with CATAC, addressing disorder manifestations, impacts, and understanding strategies.
• OCD (TOC) consultation service Free OCD consultation service provided by Nicolas Sarrasin for members of Phobies-Zéro, with a 17% discount on his paid services including workshops and books.
• Video presentations library (member resource) Video recordings of over 35 presentations by health professionals available free to members, covering topics including OCD, mental rumination, generalized anxiety, overcoming guilt, resilience, and hoarding disorders.
• Member listening line Telephone support line providing listening and support space for members experiencing anxiety disorders, OCD, or hoarding disorders, available between group sessions.
• Guide "J'investis dans mon bien-être" 8th Edition Comprehensive self-help guide demystifying anxiety disorders, phobias, OCD, and hoarding disorders, presenting cognitive-behavioral and acceptance commitment therapies, self-esteem tools, and exercises. PDF version $12, paper version $20.
• Recueil de textes et pensées (Volumes 1 and 2) Collections of texts and thoughts published in two volumes offering inspiration and reflection for individuals on their wellness journey. Volume 2 priced at $10, combo (Volumes 1 and 2) priced at $15.
• Annual membership Annual membership at $20 per year providing access to all in-person support groups across 12 Quebec regions, all virtual support groups, all conferences with video recordings, member-only resources including 35+ presentations by health professionals, and the free TOC consultation service.

Quantifiable outcome

• Members learn to demystify, understand, and master their anxiety through structured programs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.

• Institut universitaire en santé mentale DouglascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe most significant partnership for Phobies-Zéro. The Douglas Institute developed the peer-support training program that Phobies-Zéro's pair-aidants complete. The Institute also co-developed the self-management workshop program based on cognitive behavioral therapy principles. Mental health professionals from the Institute provide ongoing support and oversight for the organization's programs, and the collaboration is explicitly acknowledged in program materials.
• Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with the Douglas Institute in developing the peer-support training program that Phobies-Zéro's pair-aidants complete. The program was developed collaboratively with UQAM as part of the academic healthcare partnership.
• CATAC (Comité d'action pour le trouble d'accumulation compulsive)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with CATAC to offer specialized virtual support groups for hoarding disorder (TAC). This partnership enables Phobies-Zéro to provide dedicated TAC-focused sessions with expertise from the specialized committee.
• Nicolas SarrasinsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAuthor, trainer, and scientific communicator specializing in OCD who provides free consultation services to Phobies-Zéro members. Members receive a 17% discount on his paid services including workshops and books. He animates monthly virtual OCD support groups for the organization.
• Centre d'entraide Le PivotsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommunity organization in Montréal (Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve) that hosts Phobies-Zéro's in-person support group meetings in its facilities. Provides physical space for the organization's services.
• Ariane Arpin-Delorme (Author - Tenir debout)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAuthor of the book 'Tenir debout' who contributed 4 Phobies-Zéro board members to the mental health publication. Part of book sales are donated to Phobies-Zéro when purchased through their referral link.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Revivre: Quebec-based nonprofit supporting people with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorders. Directly comparable to Phobies-Z\u00e9ro as a Francophone peer-support organization serving similar populations in Quebec.
• Anxiety Canada: National Canadian charity focused on anxiety disorders, offering online resources, support, and education. Directly comparable in mission and target population, though operating at a national rather than provincial scale.

Broad incumbents

• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): National mental health advocacy and service organization offering a broad portfolio of programs. Comparable as a mental health nonprofit in Canada but covers all conditions rather than specializing in anxiety/OCD like Phobies-Z\u00e9ro.
• International OCD Foundation (IOCDF): US-based organization dedicated to OCD and related disorders, offering support groups and resources. Comparable in OCD specialization (which Phobies-Z\u00e9ro addresses via monthly TOC groups), but operates internationally rather than locally.
• Kids Help Phone: Canada-wide e-mental health service for youth offering 24/7 support. Comparable as a Canadian youth mental health support service but operates nationally via phone/digital channels rather than in-person peer groups.

Emerging players

• Jack.org: Canadian youth mental health nonprofit focused on young leaders aged 15-24. Comparable in targeting young Canadians with mental health support, intersecting with Phobies-Z\u00e9ro's 14-25 youth segment.

Others

• Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC): Federal policy and standards body for mental health in Canada. Not a direct service competitor but an ecosystem participant whose funding and policy decisions directly affect Phobies-Z\u00e9ro's operating environment.
• Douglas Mental Health University Institute: Academic mental health institution in Montreal that co-developed Phobies-Z\u00e9ro's peer-supporter training and self-management workshops. Ecosystem partner and clinical/academic reference rather than a direct competitor.
• Bell Let's Talk: Bell Canada's mental health initiative and funding program. Phobies-Z\u00e9ro is a previous grant recipient; the program funds many Canadian mental health nonprofits and shapes the broader funding ecosystem.

Regional players

• OCD-UK: UK-based charity supporting people affected by OCD. Comparable in OCD-specific focus (parallel to Phobies-Z\u00e9ro's monthly TOC groups), but operates in a different geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/phobieszro1
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/phobie-zero

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Phobies-Zéro