Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate
Work experience
Clinical/fieldwork placement
Study options
Full-time
Open to International
No
Area of study
Length
10 months
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.
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 myCamosun.
Program outline
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.
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
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.
Admission requirements
One of: And all of:
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...
Ready to get started?
Email your Statement of Intention in PDF format to admissions@camosun.ca.
Check our current program availability.
Missing admission requirements?
You may be able to take an assessment or upgrade with us.
Need help applying?
Find out more on How to Apply or speak to an Admissions Advisor.
Contact us
If you have admissions questions contact us today!
If you have questions about what you can expect to learn in your Health and Human Services classes contact hhsinfo@camosun.ca
Faculty/staff profile
Michelle Jaworsky
Chair of CFCS Department, Program Leader, and Instructor
jaworskym@camosun.ca
250-370-4293
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Jody Watson
Instructor and Program Leader, MHA
watsonj@camosun.ca
250-370-4297
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness (CHW)
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Kristin Ross
Instructor
ross@camosun.ca
250-370-4292
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Miriam Curtis
Practicum Coordinator
curtism@camosun.ca
250-370-4657
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness (CHW)
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Sheryl Haynes
Instructor, Practicum Coordinator
hayness@camosun.ca
250-370-4296
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Learn more
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.
Contact information
School of Health and Human Services
Campus location
Centre for Health and Wellness building (CHW), room 207
Location link
If you have admissions questions please contact Admissions.