Mental Health and Addictions, Certificate

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate

Work experience

Clinical/fieldwork placement

Study options

Full-time

Open to International

Area of study

Human Services

Length

10 months

Info sessions

Program details, important dates and ask questions.

Next sessions

Building community, enhancing lives

Start in September

The Mental Health and Addictions certificate program provides students with the knowledge and skills to work with individuals and groups in a variety of settings. Graduates of the program use psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery principles to support people living with mental health and substance use challenges to live the life they envision for themselves.

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Are you passionate and caring?

Are you interested in a career helping members of your community who need assistance in their day-to-day lives? Are you looking for��practical training��that will help you positively impact the lives of those with mental health and addiction challenges?

We’ll help you succeed

With a Mental Health and Addictions Certificate, you have the necessary grounding to begin your��employment in the field. Working through this ten-month, full-time equivalent program, you'll acquire the competencies required for entry-level community mental health and addictions employment.

Your studies combine class and practicum experiences as you learn about the principles of��psychosocial rehabilitation��and prepare for subsequent work assisting those who face various challenges.

Assess your readiness to be a student.

Practicum

You’ll participate in six weeks of supported learning activities at your practicum site for 22 hours a week. You’ll be paired with an��on-site mentor��and follow the same shifts and schedule as that staff person. You may be in practicum days, evenings, and/or weekends depending on the mentor’s schedule and site needs.

Employment opportunities

Mental Health and Addictions program graduates work in front line positions supporting individuals with mental health and/or addiction challenges in residential and community programs. A graduate is often in a position to guide people to be as independent as possible and help them in areas of day-to-day functioning as they move through recovery. This may include activities of daily living and life management skills. Roles often involve individual or small group activities and working with a team.

Island Health (formerly VIHA) is a major employer of our graduates as they recognize the MHA certificate as the primary credential for hiring. A majority of our practicum placements are in Island Health or partner agency settings — this facilitates a transition to work in the field. Our graduates have also been hired by a variety of agencies, including Victoria Cool Aid Society, Beacon Services, and Island Community Mental Health.

Indigenous Limited Priority Admissions��

The School of Health & Human Services (HHS) offers Priority Seating for Indigenous students in all Health related programs.

Visit��Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen - Centre for Indigenous Education & Community Connections (IECC)��for information on how to apply.��

Any questions about the application process, please contact��hhsindigenoussupport@camosun.ca

The��Indigenous Limited Priority Admissions��process, approved by the Board of Governors, supported by the Education Council, and approved by the BC Human Rights Tribunal, welcomes applications from all qualified Indigenous applicants.

What you'll learn

Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in��.

Program outline

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.

Program outline

Life changing work

The MHA Program is offered through blended delivery. You will study a wide variety of courses centred on relationships, interventions and community services.

What to expect

Blended instruction includes face-to-face time on campus with courses also using an online program called DesireToLearn (D2L).

MHA is a ten-month full-time program, with limited seats in the part-time option. On-campus components will usually be Monday through Friday, 8am-1pm, until the practicum term. During the practicum course in the final six weeks of the program, your schedule may include days, evenings, and weekends.

In addition to 25 hours each week in face-to-face and online class time, it’s estimated that you will spend 12-15 hours each week on assignments, projects, and studying. You may find the time commitment decreases as you become skilled at using the online learning platform and reading texts and other resources.

Term 1��

In your first term, you’ll take five courses with content that includes therapeutic relationships, professional practice and mental illness interventions.

Term 2

In your second term, you’ll build on your foundational knowledge and develop skills in health and wellness basics, addictions and interventions.

Term 3

In your third term, you’ll develop skills through experiential learning supported by instructors and mentors in your six-week practicum placement.

Related programs

Advanced Certificate in Mental Health, Addictions, and Criminal Justice
Interprofessional Mental Health and Addictions, post-degree diploma

A graphic representation of a hand pointing at a book with an "i" for information on the cover.

MHA program handbooks

Find current student information in the��School of Health and Human Services��and MHA program��handbooks.

Tuition and fees

Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025

Estimated tuition

Tuition estimates are for the entire program.

Mental Health and Addictions, Certificate

$5,047 (domestic)

Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.

Student fees

In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to:��Student Fees.

Financial assistance

You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.

Financial Aid & Awards��

Admission requirements

One of:

C+ in��English 12��
C in English 12 Camosun Alternative��

And all of:

Statement of Intention - Submission of a 300 or more word statement outlining career goals and motivation for entering the program.��
Info Session - Attendance at a scheduled Mental Health and Addictions program Information Session��within 18 months prior to the start of the program. If you are unable to attend a scheduled session, please contact the Program Leader.
Complete student declaration survey after attending the program information session (Link for student declaration will be given at the end of the information session).

When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the program admission requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar: Loading...