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Ministry-approved title: Bachelor of Community Mental Health
Designed specifically for graduates who hold an Ontario College Diploma in Social Service Worker (SSWK). This unique streamlined pathway to a degree allows students to enter directly into semester four of the Honours Bachelor in Community Mental Health program.
Through a comprehensive mix of theoretical, research and applied courses, students will apply their knowledge in a mandatory 14-week, 420-hour experiential work placement, bridging the transition from the classroom to real-world experience. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and concrete skills to successfully enter community mental health roles in areas such as case management, crisis counselling, mental health promotion, addictions counselling, housing and advocacy consultancy, peer support, and residential youth work.
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Developed in response to the growing need for mental health services, this degree program prepares future practitioners with the skills and knowledge required to provide support and leadership within the evolving landscape of community mental health.
The HBMH program has been developed by DC in collaboration with subject matter experts and representatives from the private, non-profit and government sectors ranging in services and agencies from community mental health, adult and youth court diversion counselling, developmental disabilities and concurrent disorders, gender-based counselling services, health care, addiction services and academics in the field.
Built on the foundations of psychology, health promotion, counselling, social justice and equity and social science, this program will provide students with a strong cultural humility lens and thorough understanding of social factors to support the mental health of diverse populations including immigrants, refugees, Indigenous peoples, women and 2SLGBTQ+ clients.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Students will have the opportunity to gain work-integrated learning experience in a supervised setting through a 14-week, 420-hour mandatory field placement between the third and fourth semesters. Field placement is an integral part of this degree program that allows the integration of field work with academic studies to enable students to better understand the practical application of methods and techniques for organizing activities and working collaboratively in the field.
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:
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:
Students eligible for the pathway will receive the following transfer credits:
Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue further graduate study in community mental health, counselling psychology or related fields, including the Master of Counselling Psychology degree program at the University of Western Ontario and graduate education programs at Carleton University and Sir Wilfrid Laurier University.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
Negar Alamdar has a PhD from York University. She currently teaches at both York University and Durham College. She has also taught many courses at Humber College and St. Clair/Ace Acumen College. Negar also works as a front-line developmental service worker supporting and counselling individuals with developmental disabilities
Jenny Andrus is a part-time Professor and Program Coordinator for the Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health program. Jenny is a Registered Psychotherapist and Social Worker with the province of Ontario and has experience providing community counselling and private counseling in addition to teaching experience.
Lorraine Closs has been a full-time Professor in the Faculty of Social and Community Services since 2013, teaching in both the Social Service Worker and Bachelor of Community Mental Health programs. She has extensive experience in social work, psychotherapy, and developing community partnerships. She has led several research projects at DC and her research area of focus is on social injustice related to poverty and homelessness.
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