Addictions And Mental Health (graduate Certificate)

Program Overview

The Addictions and Mental Health graduate certificate program is designed for students with relevant prior education. This specialized program was developed in collaboration with experts in addiction and mental health, including Lakeridge Health Corporation. It aims to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills to address two of Canada's significant health care challenges: mental health and addictive behaviors. Students will gain both theoretical understanding and practical clinical skills to assist clients on their journey to wellness. A key component of the program is a semester-long, 490-hour clinical field placement, supervised by a qualified professional, ensuring students receive hands-on experience in the field.

Program Structure

The Addictions and Mental Health graduate certificate program spans three consecutive semesters and is delivered in person at the Oshawa campus. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of addiction and mental health issues through a combination of theoretical learning and practical experience.

Key features of the program structure include:

• In-person delivery to facilitate direct interaction with faculty and peers.
• A semester-long clinical field placement, providing real-world experience in addiction and mental health settings.
• Training in contemporary, evidence-based approaches to counseling and case management.
• Opportunities to work with diverse populations and understand their unique needs.
• Training in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, enhancing skills in verbal de-escalation strategies.

Students are encouraged to consider the emotional challenges associated with the topics covered in the program, such as trauma and abuse, as these are integral to the field of addiction and mental health.

Featured Experiences

The Addictions and Mental Health program offers several unique experiences that enhance the learning journey:

• A 490-hour clinical field placement supervised by qualified professionals, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
• Training in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, focusing on verbal de-escalation strategies.
• Exposure to a broad spectrum of clinical settings where addiction and mental health issues arise.
• Opportunities to develop skills in counseling and case management through hands-on practice.
• Engagement with diverse populations to understand their specific needs and challenges.

Career Options

Graduates of the Addictions and Mental Health program can pursue a variety of rewarding career paths in Canada, including:

• Addictions Crisis Worker: Provide immediate support and intervention for individuals facing addiction crises.
• Addictions Counsellor: Work with clients to develop strategies for overcoming addiction and improving mental health.
• Case Manager: Coordinate care and support services for individuals dealing with addiction and mental health issues.
• Community Support Worker: Assist individuals in accessing resources and support within the community.
• Mental Health Support Worker: Provide support and guidance to individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
• Crisis Outreach/Intervention Worker: Respond to crises and provide immediate support to individuals in need.
• Harm Reduction Worker: Implement strategies to minimize the negative consequences of substance use.
• Withdrawal Management Counsellor: Support individuals through the withdrawal process from substances.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.