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Addictions and Mental Health (Post-graduate)

Young man with tattoos in conversation with a counsellor in an office setting.

This one-year graduate certificate prepares health and social service professionals and graduates of a related diploma or degree program to specialize in mental health and addictions. Gain advanced counselling, assessment, and recovery skills to support diverse populations.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Addictions and Mental Health (Post-graduate)
Credential
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
Three semesters
Start Date(s)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
Domestic Students
CIP Code
51.1501
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Whether you’re looking to start a career in mental health or build on your existing experience, this program equips you with the knowledge, confidence, and compassion needed to support individuals and communities.

The Addictions and Mental Health Graduate Certificate at Loyalist College is designed for individuals who are passionate about supporting others and making a meaningful difference in their communities. This program is not only ideal for those pursuing careers in mental health services, but also for professionals already working on the front lines including nurses, police officers, correctional officers, personal support workers and other helping professionals.

Through a combination of theory and hands-on learning, students gain practical skills to enhance their current roles, strengthen client relationships, and respond effectively to complex mental health and substance use challenges.

Graduates are prepared to work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, correctional facilities, community and drop-in centres, residential treatment programs, and other social service environments.

Find your career

Advance your career in health care or social services with this one-year graduate certificate. Gain hands-on experience through placement while building skills in prevention, assessment, treatment, and pharmacology. Graduates are prepared for diverse roles, such as counsellors, case managers, and crisis workers, in community, residential and healthcare settings.

How you'll learn

All courses will be delivered online in a combination of synchronous and asynchronous delivery.  Placement will be on-site and will provide students with a variety of opportunities to apply their skills and knowledge in real-world settings.

Experiential Learning

Prepare to effectively support and empower people to make positive changes through highly relevant courses where students will learn by doing.  Students will engage in skill-based learning, role-plays, simulations, and practical assessments:

  • A combination of in-class learning and practical experience, including simulation, case studies, applied learning, skills practice, role play, and field placement.
  • Incorporate theory and practice with extensive group work.
  • Develop essential skills in human relations, interpersonal communication, needs assessment and critical thinking.

Courses

AMHG1000 Advanced Counselling Skills

Students identify the theoretical concepts and practical skills essential for assisting clients in recognizing concerns and working toward desired outcomes. Students explore the theoretical foundations of various counselling models and apply learned skills in simulated addiction and mental health situations. Emphasis will be placed on helping clients identify and build on their strengths, leading to positive and self-determined outcomes. Students facilitate client self-empowerment and development by strengthening skills in effective questioning, observation, self-reflection, and analyzing client behaviour and communication styles. Students will also examine crisis intervention, grief, and bereavement support.

AMHG1005 Applied Concepts in Trauma-Informed Practice

Students apply a trauma-informed care lens, respecting the individual and their journey and past experiences. Students examine the symptoms of trauma, understanding its effects on overall psycho-social functioning, systemic oppression and addiction. Students develop and practice clinical strategies for working with populations affected by trauma and explore a range of treatment interventions to help individuals manage trauma symptoms effectively. Students examine the impact of vicarious trauma and trauma exposure on helping professionals, exploring potential transference and countertransference issues.

AMHG1002 Chemical Dependency and Substance Use and Abuse

Students examine the effects of various drugs on the body, including alcohol, nicotine, prescription drugs, hallucinogens, cocaine, narcotics, marijuana, inhalants and steroids, and explore the principles of pharmacology.

AMHG1006 Ethics and Professionalism in Addiction and Mental Health

Students develop their knowledge of ethical guidelines and practices in addiction and mental health within an inter-professional context. Students reflect on their individual scope of practice and deepen their understanding of effective and professional teamwork. Inter-professional and ethical challenges and dilemmas are analyzed through case scenarios, and various ethical approaches will be explored. Students examine and apply strategies for effective communication while ensuring documentation is accurate and comprehensive.

AMHG1003 Holistic Assessment and Interventions

Students explore bio-psycho-social-spiritual assessments, interventions, and the determinants of health. Students examine holistic interventions and current practices, including mindfulness, nutrition, exercise, self-care and continuing care. Students apply interdisciplinary practice and interprofessional collaboration and explore the role of the family and natural supports in holistic interventions.

AMHG1004 Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centred, collaborative, evidence-based counselling approach focused on resolving ambivalence and enhancing motivation for change. Students apply motivational interviewing techniques in addiction and mental health contexts, integrating practical MI skills, concepts and essential strategies into clinical practice to promote behavioural change and maintain progress.

AMHG1001 Professional Concepts in Addiction and Mental Health

Students examine addiction, mental health and concurrent disorders by identifying the unique features of each and exploring the integration of related services and supports. Students will explore the prevention and treatment continuum in Canada, along with historical and cultural perspectives, frameworks and models. Students apply a bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework and review current practices, including research and best practice guidelines.

AMHG1013 Career and Field Placement Preparation

Students prepare for the interviewing process and clinical placement experience by developing personal portfolios and learning goals, and researching community agencies that align with their individual objectives for placement. Students complete all necessary documentation and requirements for placement in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as organizational expectations. Resiliency at multiple levels is addressed, including as a professional in a field that can be challenging. Strategies for achieving and maintaining wellness are examined, from research to actualization and practice. Students identify the skills necessary to support resiliency, self-care and wellness, including developing a self-care plan.

AMHG1007 Community Services: Accessibility and Integration

Students explore current issues, trends, developments and gaps related to community needs and service availability. Service integration, advocacy, coordinated care and the importance of providing early intervention and treatment from community wellness and social determinants of health perspectives are focus areas. Through the identification of evidence and research-informed requirements for community services and a comparison with the current availability and integration of community services, students critically assess how services may be experienced by individuals. Students engage in elements of program planning and explore opportunities to overcome challenges and barriers, and to support community needs.

AMHG1010 Counselling with Special Populations

Students enhance their capacity to work with members of a variety of populations by facilitating the development of self-awareness, theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students engage in personal reflection and self-assessment and build capacity to work effectively with multicultural and diverse individuals and groups, including those defined by age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Students critically examine concepts of diversity and stigmatized social identities and their impact on services and supports. Students enhance skills in understanding and addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by diverse and vulnerable populations. Prerequisite: AMHG 1000

AMHG1009 Group Counselling for Addiction and Mental Health

Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to facilitate counselling groups for individuals experiencing issues related to addiction and mental health. Topic areas include group theory, group dynamics, and group processes, with students applying this knowledge to effective group facilitation. Practical application is emphasized, with each student developing skills in leading, facilitating and participating in simulated groups. Prerequisite: AMHG 1000

AMHG1012 Impulse Control Disorders and Behavioural Addiction

Students review disorders characterized by diminished control over behaviour, such as gambling, internet use and gaming. Historically conceptualized as impulse control disorders and non-substance or ‘behavioural’ addiction, these issues will be explored in depth. Disordered eating and sexual addiction will be additional topic areas. Students study the classification of disorders within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), gaining a comprehensive understanding of their diagnosis and treatment. Prerequisite: AMHG 1002, AMHG 1005

AMHG1008 Navigating Complex Systems in Addiction and Mental Health

Students examine best practices in supporting clients in accessing mental health and addiction services due to the complexity of systems and structures, funding sources, accessibility, stigma and barriers. The intersectionality of addiction, mental health, homelessness, interpersonal violence and social determinants of health are explored. Students identify ways to support individuals in building a system of formal and natural supports.

AMHG1011 Working with Youth and Families Impacted by Addiction and Mental Health

From a strengths-based and resiliency-focused perspective, students critically examine the addiction and mental health issues and challenges faced by today’s families, viewing the family as a complex unit. In this course, students explore how family environments impact youth development and the trajectory of youth across their lifespan. Students examine both the family context and the youth experiencing addiction and mental health concerns. Topics include diverse family structures, cultural roles, developmental and mental health challenges, high-risk youth behaviour, substance use, addiction, grief and resilience. Prerequisite: AMHG 1005, AMHG 1000

WKPL1043 Addiction and Mental Health Field Placement

During placement, and in alignment with professional standards, students will apply their acquired skills and knowledge in a practice setting, including professional writing and community referrals, while evaluating community resources and personal perspectives from those directly impacted by addiction and mental health. Prerequisite: AMHG 1001, AMHG 1003, AMHG 1004, AMHG 1006, AMHG 1007, AMHG 1008, AMHG 1009, AMHG 1010, AMHG 1011, AMHG 1012, AMHG 1013

*Courses subject to change.

Two women hugging during a supportive group counselling session.

Admission Requirements

Required academic preparation  

  • Completion of a post-secondary diploma, advanced diploma, or degree in the human, health or social sciences fields.

Additional requirements

*Additional materials, trainings and certifications may be required depending on industry partner requirements connected to experiential learning. Pre-placement requirements are subject to change based on placement agency and/or legislative or regulatory changes.

 

Additional requirements prior to field placement

  • Standard First Aid and CPR certification.
  • Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check (certain criminal convictions may prevent participation in placement and program completion may not be possible).
  • Up-to date tetanus and diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), Hepatitis B and TB skin test. Some placement sites may require an updated COVID-19 vaccine and/or a recent flu vaccine.

Additional requirements for field placements

  • Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to field placements.
  • Students should expect to travel out of town for placements and it is possible that the commute could be 80 kilometres (km) or more each way (from campus location or home address for distance students). Students are responsible for making their own transportation agreements.
  • The student is responsible for all costs associated with travel, including parking.

Note: If an experiential learning opportunity is declined due to transportation reasons, Loyalist College cannot guarantee an alternative opportunity. This may result in significant academic consequences, inability to complete an experiential learning requirement can impact academic progression and may affect eligibility for graduation. Therefore, it is crucial that students carefully consider their transportation options and ensure they can fulfill all experiential learning commitments.

Costs

Approximate costs (2025 – 26, two semesters at full-time student status)*

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08  
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees: $1,595.26 
  • Total: $4,317.34

Additional student-purchased costs may include textbooks, supplies, software, and other resources. Additional expenses related to off-campus experiential learning activities may also be incurred. 

  

*All fees are subject to change. Fees for programs shorter or longer than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. In addition to the costs listed above, some programs also have program ancillary fees based on their specific requirements. For a detailed breakdown of tuition and ancillary fees – including any program-specific charges – please visit the Tuition and fee schedule 2025–26. 

  

Paying for college

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Approximate costs (2025 – 26, two semesters at full-time student status)*

  • International Tuition: $15,900
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees: $1,595.26
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659
  • Total: $17,254.26

Additional student-purchased costs may include textbooks, supplies, software, and other resources. Additional expenses related to off-campus experiential learning activities may also be incurred. 

  

*All fees are subject to change. Fees for programs shorter or longer than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. In addition to the costs listed above, some programs also have program ancillary fees based on their specific requirements. For a detailed breakdown of tuition and ancillary fees – including any program-specific charges – please visit the Tuition and fee schedule 2025–26. 

  

Paying for college

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Further studies

Graduates of this program may be eligible to continue their studies in a related degree program or a further graduate certificate. This may include Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work credentials, depending on previous education.

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