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
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
Experiential & Work-Integrated Learning
Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?
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....(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
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 apply via www.ontariocolleges.ca before registering. Accepted students may register for up to three courses per term.
| Course Number |
Hours | Course Name |
|---|---|---|
| Series: 01 | ||
| SSC1001 | 14.0 | Introduction to Developmental PsychologyIntroduction 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. |
| SSC1002 | 14.0 | Exploring the Professional Helping FieldExploring 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. |
| SSC1003 | 42.0 | Professional Helping in Practice 1: Therapeutic RelationshipsProfessional 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. |
| SSC1007 | 28.0 | Ethical Practice and Professionalism in Mental Health and AddictionsEthical 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. |
| SSC1005 | 28.0 | Introduction to CounsellingIntroduction 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. |
| SSC1006 | 42.0 | Counselling in Diverse ContextsCounselling 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. |
| SSC1004 | 56.0 | Mental Health, Concurrent Disorders & AddictionsMental 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. |
| 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 PracticeIntroduction 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 There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. |
| 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. Pre-requisites: SSC1001 and SSC1002 and SSC1004 and SSC1005 and SSC1006 and SSC1070 and SSC2011 and SSC2012 and SSC2013 and SSC2014 and SSC2015 and SSC2050 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:
- Provide wholistic and culturally relevant assessments in collaboration with individuals experiencing addiction and mental health challenges guided by trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practices.
- Co-create and collaboratively monitor wellness plans that meet the unique needs of the individual to determine if additional goals, interventions and supports are needed.
- Provide services and resources to individuals, families/natural supports and communities in accordance with various frameworks and informed by multiple research perspectives.
- Make ethical decisions aligned with professional standards that adhere to workplace policies and legislation within scope of practice.
- Educate and advocate alongside individuals, families/natural supports, and communities to reduce stigma, navigate referral processes and challenge barriers to wholistic care.
- Build collaborative relationships with individuals, families/natural supports, community members and networks to enhance addiction and mental health services.
- Work safely and in accordance with trauma-informed critical incident and crisis management practices to increase safety of self and others.
- Develop individualized self-care and critical self-reflection strategies to maintain health, growth and resilience as an addiction and/or mental health practitioner.
- Comply with confidentiality requirements and documentation standards to respect individual rights and self-determination.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
2026/2027 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.
Graduation Fee
Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application 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) tests taken prior to January 21, 2026 overall 88, with a minimum in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22.OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken after January 21, 2026 overall 4.5, with a minimum in each component: Reading 4.5; Listening 4.5; Speaking 4.5; Writing 4.5. 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 algonquincollege.com/online/part-time-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
The addictions and mental health field can be emotionally and physically demanding due to the complex needs of the communities and clients. Applicants must be aware that the course content and field placement may be unsettling due to the realities of addictions and mental health related challenges. Self-care is an essential aspect of the helping profession. Applicants must consider the need to maintain personal wellness and an awareness of potential causes of stress and barriers to working effectively in challenging environments.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS AND DOCUMENTATION:
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: algonquincollege.com/online/field-placement-amh/
PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Placement is a very important component of the Addictions and Mental Health (AMH) program consisting of 200 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 indicate the placement location/city of their choice and placements may be completed in a variety of community mental health and addictions services settings.
Please note, placement hosts may require specific educational credentials, certifications and prior experience to be eligible to work in their setting.
AMH Placement Request Form:
This form must be submitted prior to the placement deadline to ensure students are added to the placement list for their desired semester. Please be prepared to upload a current version of your resume to complete the submission process.
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.