Addictions and Mental Health

Enhance your skills to holistically support individuals and communities with addressing mental health and addictions challenges.

  • The Canadian Addictions Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF) affirms that this program meets the education requirement component of their certification process
  • Benefit from supportive and experienced facilitators who are active in their industry
  • Courses are built with flexibility in mind and can be accessed anytime and from anywhere

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Open

Closed

Waitlisted

Start Term

Availability

Competitive?

Fall 2025

No

Winter 2026

No

Spring 2026

No

Schedule

Winter 2024
Level 01
Spring 2024
Level 02
Fall 2024
Level 03
Spring 2024
Level 01
Fall 2024
Level 02
Winter 2025
Level 03
Fall 2024
Level 01
Winter 2025
Level 02
Spring 2025
Level 03
Winter 2025
Level 01
Spring 2025
Level 02
Fall 2025
Level 03
Spring 2025
Level 01
Fall 2025
Level 02
Winter 2026
Level 03
Fall 2025
Level 01
Winter 2026
Level 02
Spring 2026
Level 03
Winter 2026
Level 01
Spring 2026
Level 02
Fall 2026
Level 03
Spring 2026
Level 01
Fall 2026
Level 02
Winter 2027
Level 03

Program Summary

Credential

Ontario College Graduate Certificate (See overview for details)

Program Code

Area of Interest

Community and Social Services

Other Delivery Options

Work Integrated Learning

No

This Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is designed for individuals in healthcare, social services, or those interested in specializing in addictions and mental health treatment practices....(read more)

Overview

Enhance your skills to holistically support individuals and communities with addressing mental health and addictions challenges.

This Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is designed for individuals in healthcare, social services, or those interested in specializing in addictions and mental health treatment practices.

This program equips you with the knowledge and skills to treat mental health and substance use through a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. Key topics include recovery strategies, cultural safety, counselling interventions and Indigenous healing practices.

You gain practical experience through applied simulations and a supervised field placement where you apply knowledge of best practices and further enhance your skillsets such as clinical documentation, treatment planning, counselling interventions and navigating ethical dilemmas, preparing you to work in diverse settings.

Graduates may find employment in a variety of different programs and agencies as there is a growing need for mental health and addictions support throughout Canada. Fields may include but are not limited to:

  • Treatment Centres and Hubs
  • Community Outreach Programs
  • Counselling programs
  • Withdrawal Management Settings
  • Medical Settings
  • Social Service Agencies
  • School Boards
  • Government Agencies

The Addictions and Mental Health Graduate Certificate (AMH) is recognized by the Canadian Addiction Counsellor Certification Federation (CACCF), Canada's Addiction Workforce Regulator. The CACCF affirms that this program meets the education requirement component of their certification process. By successfully completing this program, graduates may be eligible to pursue the CACCF certification.

Courses

Registration Note:

Applications for this full-time program must be submitted on Ontario Colleges. If you are interested in the part-time delivery of the program, please refer to the part-time program page for course by course registration. The courses take place entirely online and do not require you to come to campus. Without a set class time you can complete your assignments when it’s most convenient for you while following the course deadlines.

OnlineDistance Education   
Course
Number
Hours Course NameFall
Level: 01
SSC100114.0Introduction to Developmental Psychology

Introduction to Developmental Psychology

Understanding developmental theories assists helping professionals with identifying the factors of behavioral challenges and the progression of presenting problems through someone's lifespan. Students explore psychology theories related to human development including biological, psychological, and social influences that contribute to how clients understand and interact with the world. Students also explore how these developmental stages influence behaviours and needs. Through case studies, peer discussions, and research, students apply developmental and psychology theories to the understanding of human behaviour.

This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available.

Online Learning
SSC100214.0Exploring the Professional Helping Field

Exploring the Professional Helping Field

Understanding the various roles within the helping profession enables practitioners to identify their career goals and recognize their areas of strength. Students explore various career paths in the addictions and mental health field, examine available certification options, and develop strategies for engaging in self-reflective practice to enhance their professional growth. Through self-reflective activities and peer discussions, students identify their career aspirations and understand the steps required to achieve them.

This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available.

Online Learning
SSC100342.0Professional Helping in Practice 1: Therapeutic Relationships

Professional Helping in Practice 1: Therapeutic Relationships

Mastering the micro-skills of counseling is essential for building therapeutic rapport, collaborating on goal setting, and developing effective treatment plans with clients. Students explore the initial stage of the client counselling process. In a simulated environment, students practise screening and case management techniques. Students also engage in practicing documentation standards for client interactions. Through practical skill applications, students engage in role plays and self-reflective practices to refine and enhance their counseling abilities and professional documentation skills.

This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available.

Online Learning
SSC100456.0Mental Health, Concurrent Disorders & Addictions

Mental Health, Concurrent Disorders & Addictions

Addictions, mental health, and concurrent disorders are often interrelated. Understanding the psychopharmacology of substance use provides practitioners with the ability to create effective treatment strategies, deliver appropriate psychoeducation, and advocate for clients. Students are introduced to addictions, mental health, and concurrent disorders, focusing on prevention and treatment frameworks. Topics include psychopharmacology, the effects of substance abuse on behavior, forms of addictions, and intervention strategies. Students also explore the Bio-Psychosocial model of treatment. Through self-reflection activities, case studies and community research, students gain insight into mental health, addictions, concurrent disorders, and intervention practices.

This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available.

Online Learning
SSC100528.0Introduction to Counselling

Introduction to Counselling

Having a foundational understanding of counselling principles provides practitioners with the ability to maintain professional helping relationships and build rapport with clients. Students explore counseling techniques, focusing on active listening and client empowerment through strength-based approaches. Students are introduced to skills for understanding client behavior, facilitating self-development, and building therapeutic relationships in addictions and mental health contexts. Through peer discussions, experiential exercises, and developing multimedia resources, students gain a foundational knowledge of counselling practices.

This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available.

Online Learning
SSC100642.0Counselling in Diverse Contexts

Counselling in Diverse Contexts

The ability to work within diverse contexts is essential for practitioners to build effective therapeutic rapport, address clients' unique needs, and provide empathetic, culturally informed care. Students engage in self-reflection to explore their own intersectionality, expand their understanding of cultural competence, cultivate cultural humility, and develop the skills to tailor holistic interventions. Students also focus on Indigenous perspectives, value systems, healing paths and historical contexts to support therapeutic relationship building. Through self-reflection exercises, case studies, and community-based research, students gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively work within diverse contexts related to gender, sexuality, culture, and ethnicity.

This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available.

Online Learning
SSC100728.0Ethical Practice and Professionalism in Mental Health and Addictions

Ethical Practice and Professionalism in Mental Health and Addictions

In this course, students develop their knowledge of ethical guidelines and practice in addictions and mental health within an inter-professional context. Students reflect on their individual scope of practice and build on their understanding and practice of effective and professional teamwork. Inter-professional and ethical challenges and dilemmas are analyzed in case scenarios, and ethical approaches are discussed. Students review certification options after graduation and develop personal plans and professional portfolios.

This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available.

Online Learning
Level: 02
SSC201142.0Professional Helping Practice 2: Interventions and Treatment Plans

Professional Helping Practice 2: Interventions and Treatment Plans

The ability to implement various counseling modalities enables professional helpers to be adaptable and responsive to client needs and enhances treatment planning. Working in a simulated environment, students develop treatment plans and select appropriate interventions to address varied addiction and mental health needs for fictitious clients. Students also practise sharing peer feedback and self-reflection. Through practical simulated activities, mock counselling sessions, treatment plan development, and self-reflections, students gain an applied understanding of counselling interventions and documentation practices.

Pre-requisites: SSC1003 and SSC1005

This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available.

SSC201256.0Group Counselling for Family, Youth and Community

Group Counselling for Family, Youth and Community

It is essential for practitioners to possess the skills to work effectively in group contexts with families, youth and the community to establish circles of care and support the client. Students analyze group theory, dynamics, and processes. Students apply concepts to group facilitation, while exploring the impact of relational systems for families, youth, and community in the context of addictions, and mental health. Students research intervention methods and identify local support for client referrals. Students also explore diverse Indigenous and other cultural healing practices. Through the practical application of facilitation skills, students design, lead, and adapt group sessions to meet the needs of participants, while enhancing their understanding of community resources.

Pre-requisites: SSC1005

This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available.

SSC201342.0Interventions for Addictions and Mental Health

Interventions for Addictions and Mental Health

A comprehensive toolbox of interventions enables practitioners to tailor their approach to the unique needs of clients at various stages of their journey, while providing the confidence to address a wide range of mental health and addiction challenges. Students explore evidence-based intervention techniques, theories, and strategies for counselling practice. Students also explore holistic treatment methods for addictions and mental health with an emphasis on various Indigenous approaches to healing and wellness. Through case studies, practical assessments, intervention simulations and research-based activities, students refine their counseling skills across a variety of modalities.

Pre-requisites: SSC1005

This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available.

SSC201428.0Community Capacity Building

Community Capacity Building

Collaboration within an interprofessional team is key to providing comprehensive, culturally appropriate wraparound support to clients in navigating systemic barriers to treatment. Students explore current trends in service integration, focusing on coordinated access to early intervention, treatment, and community supports. Students develop service plans, psycho-educational tools and strategies for client advocacy and self-determination. Students explore Indigenous community service providers and resources to support the enhancement of care networks. Emphasis is placed on relationship building best practices to facilitate collaboration among service providers. Additionally, students apply research and theory to practice in a culturally safe manner. Through case studies, self-reflection activities and resource development, students enhance their skills to collaborate effectively within interprofessional teams and diverse communities.

This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available.

SSC201528.0Career and Field Placement Preparation

Career and Field Placement Preparation

The helping profession offers a diverse range of career paths that require distinct skill sets. Understanding these various elements enables professionals to tailor their competencies to align with their desired career or field placement. Students explore a range of placement opportunities, familiarize themselves with the associated eligibility criteria and refine their business communication to enhance their prospects for securing future career opportunities. Students also practise job search strategies and develop an application package. Through practical job search activities, resume and cover letter writing, mock interviews and self-reflection activities, students identify areas for growth and prepare themselves for success in a field-placement setting.

Pre-requisites: SSC1002

This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available.

SSC205042.0Introduction to Trauma-Informed Practice

Introduction to Trauma-Informed Practice

Adopting a trauma-informed perspective in assessing client presenting issues enhances practitioners' empathy and enables them to select interventions that align with client needs. Students explore of the various forms of trauma and their impact on the brain. Students apply knowledge of the various types of trauma to the unique needs of clients in intervention and treatment approaches. Students further explore concepts for decolonizing the counselling space to support Indigenous clients and the broader community. Through self-reflection activities, case studies, and the practical application of assessments, students strengthen their ability to apply a trauma-informed lens in their work within addiction and mental health services.

Pre-requisites: SSC1006

This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available.

Online Learning
Level: 03
FLD0021200.0Field Placement for Addictions and Mental Health

Field Placement for Addictions and Mental Health

Acquiring the ability to apply practical skills in the field under the supervision of other professionals enhances practitioner confidence and competence, better preparing them to engage in their careers. Students complete an applied field placement in an addiction and/or mental health support service setting. Students integrate theory into practice and support their host agency in delivering programming. Students build therapeutic rapport with clients using counselling skills, complete professional documentation, and adhere to their host agency's policies and industry standards. Through self-reflection and constructive feedback, students set goals and identify opportunities for future professional development.

This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available.

SSC201628.0Professional Helping in Practice 3: Reflective Practice & Client Termination

Professional Helping in Practice 3: Reflective Practice & Client Termination

Reflective practice is an essential piece of the clinical process and supports ethical relationships within the helping profession. Furthermore, the termination stage of the counselling relationship is a highly sensitive and valuable process that supports ongoing recovery goals for clients. Students develop and present a treatment plan and receive critical feedback to support client service delivery. Students explore techniques for delivering and receiving constructive feedback through group supervision. Students practise the client termination stage of the counselling process and integrate therapeutic skills acquired through earlier courses to support closure. Through group supervision meetings, self-reflections, mock counselling sessions, client treatment and termination plan development, students culminate the skills required to professionally close the client relationship.

Pre-requisites: SSC2011 and SSC2013

This course is part of a complete program of study, individual course registration is not available.

Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may find employment opportunities in the addictions and mental health field as community support workers, team leaders, case managers, clinicians, mental health counsellors, crisis workers, program evaluation coordinators, addictions counsellors, intake coordinators, and mental health workers.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Use a bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework when providing addictions and mental health services.
  2. Provide holistic, client-centred, gender-based, culturally relevant assessments and interventions to individuals, groups and families within social and cultural contexts across the lifespan.
  3. Integrate skills and knowledge from a range of frameworks and contexts in addictions, mental health and concurrent disorders to provide non-biased services to women and those from diverse and varied populations.
  4. Educate individuals, families, groups and the community regarding issues and approaches through knowledge translation, knowledge exchange and the dissemination of relevant and current research and practice via formal and informal education.
  5. Access, utilize and advocate for culturally informed community supports and services for individuals, families and the community.
  6. Actively participate in and contribute to, relevant networks, groups and organizations promoting development, improvement and advancement in the fields of addictions and mental health.
  7. Work collaboratively within inter-professional teams providing ethical, effective, timely, and coordinated holistic services.
  8. Practice ethical and responsible behaviour in all aspects of work.
  9. Use research results to design and implement client care and services with the participation and contribution of the client, their family, and the community.
  10. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Tuition & Fees

2025/2026 Academic Year

Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.

Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar's Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.

Fees are subject to change.

Additional program-related expenses include:
Students can expect to spend up to $250 on field placement-related documentation and clearances.

Admissions Requirements

Program Eligibility

  • Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma or Degree or equivalent in the human, health, or social sciences fields; OR Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma or Degree or equivalent in another field with at least five courses in the human, health, or social sciences fields; OR Applicants with partial post-secondary education (minimum two years in good academic standing) in the human, health, or social sciences fields may be considered for admission.
  • Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
  • IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.

Application Information

ADDICTIONS AND MENTAL HEALTH
Program Code 1829X09FAO

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Applications are available online atwww.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form athttps://algonquincollege.my.site.com/myac360/s/self-registration-page or by contacting the Registrar's Office.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro

Additional Information

Program Resources

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS AND DOCUMENTATION:

The physical and emotional health of each applicant to the program must be such that he or she can successfully cope with the program of instruction including the demands of field placement (e.g. stress and time management). Individuals who have concerns about their ability to meet these requirements should contact AC Online at online@algonquincollege.com prior to submitting an application.

PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Placement is a very important component of the AMH program consisting of 300 hours of unpaid experience in the field and all students must complete this requirement to graduate. The goal of placement is for students to use practical learning experiences to support the integration of theory and professional expectations in the addictions and mental health field. Students practice supportive counseling, group facilitation, case management and crisis intervention. Students also reflect on their emerging knowledge and skills for working directly with children, youth, and families.

Students indicate the placement location/city of their choice and placements may be completed in a variety of community mental health and addictions services settings, dependent on prior experience and credentials. These settings may include social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, residential treatment centres, group homes, homeless shelters, services for women, services for indigenous people, crisis response services, correctional facilities, hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospices and other establishments.

Prior to placement, in Level 02, students will take the Field Placement Preparation Course, SSC2070, which will assist in preparing them for their field placement.

In order to be eligible for field placements, students must meet the following requirements prior to the placement deadline (typically completed in Level 02):

  1. Academic Clearance: students must successfully complete all theory courses (all Level 01 and 02 courses) prior to the placement start date. This will be confirmed by the academic area after the placement deadline.
  2. AMH Placement Request Form: this form must be submitted prior to the placement deadline to ensure students are added to the master placement list. While this form is completed entirely online in just a few minutes, you must be prepared to upload a current version of your resume in order to complete the submission process.
  3. Medical and Non-medical Requirements: the AMH program requires students to meet the following medical and non-medical requirements: a. Immunization Records; b. Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS).

For further placement information, please refer to our website at the following link: https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/field-placement-amh/.

Contact

Future Students

For additional information, please contact our Customer Service Representative team at online@algonquincollege.com and they will direct you to the best person to answer your specific questions.

Current Students

For additional information, please reference the AC Online Circle of Care.

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