Addictions and Mental Health
This online Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is primarily designed to enhance and further develop the skills of individuals who already work in health care or the social services field and who are interested in specializing in addictions and mental health.
- 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
Availability varies by course. Click here to view availability for courses in this program.
Schedule
Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Code
Area of Interest
Other Delivery Options
Work Integrated Learning
Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?
Upon completion of the program, students possess the knowledge and skills to work with vulnerable populations in a variety of community mental health and addictions services settings, dependent on their prior experience and credentials, and skills built in the program. These settings may include social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, residential treatment centres, group homes, homeless shelters, school boards, services for specific vulnerable populations, family counselling programs, crisis response services, community outreach programs, community justice programs, medical detox programs, long-term care facilities, hospices, and other establishments.
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....(read more)
Overview
This online Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is primarily designed to enhance and further develop the skills of individuals who already work in health care or the social services field and who are interested in specializing in addictions and mental health. There is a growing need for coordinated services by professionals with the knowledge and skills to treat concurrent disorders. Students take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of mental health, mental illness, substance use including focus on holistic assessment and intervention strategies, recovery process, and promotion of ongoing mental health. Students acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities required by mental health professionals to deliver responsive and effective substance use disorder treatment and mental health services, while promoting empowerment, self-determination, and optimum quality of life to individuals. Students gain practical experience through the supervised field placement where they can apply knowledge of best practices and further enhance their skillsets. During placement, students are paired with a Field Placement Liaison for support and guidance.
Upon completion of the program, students possess the knowledge and skills to work with vulnerable populations in a variety of community mental health and addictions services settings, dependent on their prior experience and credentials, and skills built in the program. These settings may include social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, residential treatment centres, group homes, homeless shelters, school boards, services for specific vulnerable populations, family counselling programs, crisis response services, community outreach programs, community justice programs, medical detox programs, long-term care facilities, hospices, and other establishments.
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.
To qualify for this graduate certificate, you must complete the program within four years.
Courses
Read this before applying:
Part-time graduate certificate programs require you to complete an application and be accepted into the program prior to course registration. Please complete the application form before registering. Accepted students may register for up to three courses per term.
Online  |
| Course Number |
Hours | Course Name | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series: 01 | |||
| SSC1001 | 14.0 | Introduction to Developmental Psychology | |
| SSC1002 | 14.0 | Exploring the Professional Helping Field | |
| SSC1003 | 42.0 | Professional Helping in Practice 1: Therapeutic Relationships | |
| SSC1007 | 28.0 | Ethical Practice and Professionalism in Mental Health and Addictions | |
| SSC1005 | 28.0 | Introduction to Counselling | |
| SSC1006 | 42.0 | Counselling in Diverse Contexts | |
| SSC1004 | 56.0 | Mental Health, Concurrent Disorders & Addictions | |
| Series: 02 | |||
| SSC2011 | 42.0 | Professional Helping Practice 2: Interventions and Treatment PlansProfessional 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 There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| SSC2012 | 56.0 | Group Counselling for Family, Youth and CommunityGroup 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 There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| SSC2013 | 42.0 | Interventions for Addictions and Mental HealthInterventions 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 There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| SSC2014 | 28.0 | Community Capacity BuildingCommunity 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| SSC2050 | 42.0 | Introduction to Trauma-Informed Practice | |
| SSC2015 | 28.0 | Career and Field Placement PreparationCareer 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 There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| Series: 03 | |||
| SSC2016 | 28.0 | Professional Helping in Practice 3: Reflective Practice & Client TerminationProfessional 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 There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| FLD0021 | 200.0 | Field Placement for Addictions and Mental HealthField 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
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:
- Use a bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework when providing addictions and mental health services.
- Provide holistic, client-centred, gender-based, culturally relevant assessments and interventions to individuals, groups, and families within social and cultural contexts across the lifespan.
- 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.
- Educate individuals, families, groups, and the community regarding issues a and approaches through knowledge translation, knowledge exchange, and the dissemination of relevant and current research and practice via formal and informal education.
- Access, utilize, and advocate for culturally informed community supports and services for individuals, families and the community.
- Actively participate in and contribute to, relevant networks, groups, and organizations promoting development, improvement, and advancement in the fields of addictions and mental health.
- Work collaboratively within inter-professional teams providing ethical, effective, timely, and coordinated holistic services. Practice ethical and responsible behaviour in all aspects of work.
- Use research results to design and implement client care and services with the participation and contribution of the client, their family, and the community.
- 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
Fees are subject to change.
Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page. For questions related to fees, please call the Registrar's Office at 613-727-0002.
Graduation Fee:
Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application (https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/certificationgraduating/). A graduation fee is charged when the application is submitted. After your credential application has been approved, you will be invited to Convocation.
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 90, with the minimum in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 24; 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 1829X07PAO
Applications to Grad Cert Part-time programs must be submitted via our online application form at https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/part-time-graduate-certificate-application-form/. There is no application fee.
Prior to starting your application, please ensure that you have consulted the program admission requirements and have all the supporting documentation in a digital format ready to be uploaded.
Applications submitted in a paper format or via email will not be accepted and incomplete applications will not be processed.
Applications will typically be processed within 2-3 weeks but can take longer during peak times and start of academic terms. Applicants are encouraged to apply at least 4-6 weeks prior to start of term.
Additional Information
Program Resources
International students wishing to study online should visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/international for information related to International online students and for International fees information prior to registering. Please note that AC Online programs do not qualify international students for new study permits or study permit extensions.
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 2, 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 2):
- Academic Clearance: students must successfully complete all theory courses (all Level 1 and 2 courses) prior to the placement start date. This will be confirmed by the academic area after the placement deadline.
- 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.
- Medical and Non-medical Requirements: the AMH program requires students to meet the following medical and non-medical requirements:
-
- Immunization Records
- 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/.
PRIOR LEARNING AND RECOGNITION (PLAR):
Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all of the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.
AC ONLINE ACADEMIC PLANNER:
The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is therefore, essential that all part-time students declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. The tool is available on ACSIS, located under 'Part-time Students' on the left-hand toolbar.
PROGRAM PROGRESSION:
As per policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed).
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.