Addictions and Mental Health (graduate certificate)

Program Overview

This program will help you to develop the knowledge and skills required to effectively address two of Canada’s leading health care issues – mental health and addictive behaviours. You will gain both a theoretical understanding and the clinical skills required to help your clients successfully navigate their challenges with mental health and/or addictive behaviours as they begin their journey to wellness.

Admission Requirements

Degree in psychology or social work or related discipline or college diploma in health or social service work or Practical Nursing; overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or 65 per cent average
Minimum of three credits in post-secondary psychology courses
Proof of English language proficiency required

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Tuition

Year one domestic: $5,026 (CAD)
Year one international: $15,626 (CAD)

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Semester 1 Courses

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Mental health

Counselling

Field Placement

Technology recommendations

To help students succeed in programs with remote learning requirements, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified minimum technology recommendations. While these are not program requirements, these suggestions will help ensure students have the right tools to support a quality remote learning experience.

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Intakes and Availability

Date	Domestic Availability	International Availability
January 2021	Open	Open
September 2021	Open	Open
January 2022	Open

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Addictions crisis worker
Addictions counsellor
Addictions and mental health rehab support worker
Case manager
Community support worker
Counsellor/group facilitator
Crisis outreach/intervention worker
Harm reduction worker
Housing stability counsellor
Mental health/wellness counsellor
Mental health support worker
Outreach services advisor
Psycho-educator
Withdrawal management counsellor

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Program Details

Designed for students with previous, relevant education, this highly specialized program was developed in consultation with recognized experts in the fields of addiction and mental health including Lakeridge Health Corporation.

Program highlights include the opportunity to:

Expand the skills required to practice in addiction and mental health settings.
Gain experience with a broad spectrum of clinical settings where addiction/mental health related issues arise.
Develop an understanding of the particular needs of diverse populations.
Receive training in contemporary, evidence-based approaches to counselling and case management.

Please note: Some courses may be delivered in online or blended formats using the college's learning management system.

Enrolment considerations

It is important for individuals interested in this program to consider that the topics covered (e.g. trauma, abuse, suicidality, overdose), as well as images and videos shown in some courses can potentially be emotionally dysregulating to some. There are instances when professors and guest speakers will show drug paraphernalia. These topics and images are an unavoidable aspect of working in this field, therefore it is important that before entering the program, prospective students strongly consider if they are able to experience these aspects of the program without becoming excessively emotionally dysregulated.

Program Learning Outcomes

Conduct client-centered and motivational counseling, case management, assessment and documentation in accordance with professional, ethical and legal practices to culturally diverse population of individuals, families and groups affected by addiction and/or mental health issues.
Utilize current and relevant intervention strategies that are consistent with an understanding of the individual in the context of family, gender, sex, ethnicity and age.
Utilize lifestyle and wellness strategies in self-management and for clients affected by addiction and/or mental health issues.
Conduct professional practice activities, in a manner that shows respect for the diversity of belief systems regarding the cause and nature of addiction, process addictions and mental health issues.
Apply knowledge of trauma-informed counseling practice when working with families, individuals and groups.
Utilize the knowledge of psychopharmacology in working with clients and families affected by substance-abuse and mental health.
Advocate for individuals and social change within the scope of practice of an addictions and mental health professional.

Admission Requirements

Degree in psychology or social work or related discipline or college diploma in health or social service work or Practical Nursing; overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or 65 per cent average
Minimum of three credits in post-secondary psychology courses
Proof of English language proficiency required

Applicants whose first language is not English or who are internationally educated in a non‐English speaking country must meet Durham College’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

Please note: This program may be highly competitive and have a specific selection process and application deadline. For more information, please contact recruitment@durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.3126. Please refer to Admission Processes for more details regarding highly competitive programs.

Courses

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Placement: Application Of Addiction And Mental Health Treatment Strategies In Professional Settings (FWK 3502)

Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2020-21 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes. Students should refer to their timetable for the most up-to-date course information.

Costs

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Addictions crisis worker
Addictions counsellor
Addictions and mental health rehab support worker
Case manager
Community support worker
Counsellor/group facilitator
Crisis outreach/intervention worker
Harm reduction worker
Housing stability counsellor
Mental health/wellness counsellor
Mental health support worker
Outreach services advisor
Psycho-educator
Withdrawal management counsellor

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT)
Alcohol and drug treatment centre
Community-based, government or privately funded agency
Correctional facility
Group home or adult shelter
Youth mental health agency
Problem-gambling service
Community mental health agency

Field Placement

Your learning experience will be complemented by a semester-long, 490-hour clinical field placement, supervised by a qualified professional practitioner and monitored by a college advisor from the Addictions and Mental Health program.

PRE-PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS

Please note: There are costs associated with Electronic Student Permit Checking (ESPC), immunizations, lab tests and certifications. Be sure to keep all of your receipts for income tax purposes. These costs include:

Service fees for Verified, our documentation collection and ESPC verification partner.
Costs to complete mandatory immunizations, lab tests, and certifications.

It is required that students have completed the ESPC with Verified to be eligible for the field placement component of this program. You must (at your expense) provide:

A clear and current Criminal Reference Check (CRC) with Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS). If you cannot provide a clear CRC with VSS you may not be accepted for placement by a field placement agency. CRCs with VSS must be obtained from your local police station. You may be required to obtain additional CRCs with VSS in order to meet field placement agency requirements
Current Level C CPR certificate from a recognized provider
Current standard first aid certificate from a recognized provider
Entry immunization form completed by a health-care provider

Links:

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Technology Recommendations

To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.

Processor: i3
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1
Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version)
Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
Camera: Webcam/built-in camera
Internet connection

Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.

COVID-19 Information

Addictions and Mental Health (graduate certificate)

Program Overview

Admission Requirements

Tuition

Semester 1 Courses

Technology recommendations

Intakes and Availability

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Program Details

Program Learning Outcomes

Admission Requirements

Courses

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Costs

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

Field Placement

PRE-PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Technology Recommendations

Addictions and Mental Health (graduate certificate) in the news

Helpful Resources

College guide September 2020 [PDF]

College guide September 2020 [Interactive]

Graduate Employment Report [PDF]