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Addictions and Mental Health

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
Credential
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
Three semesters
Start Date(s)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students
CIP Code
51.1501

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

Core content will be delivered through a combination of courses that will be delivered in-person, online, or in a hybrid manner. Placement 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

AMHW1000 Advanced Counselling Skills

In this course, students will study theoretical concepts and practical skills essential for assisting clients in recognizing concerns and working toward desired outcomes. Students will learn 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. This course focuses on facilitating client self-empowerment and development by expanding skills in effective questioning, observation, self-reflection, and understanding client behaviour and communication styles. Students will also examine crisis intervention, grief, and bereavement support.

AMHW1005 Applied Concepts in Trauma-Informed Practice

In this course, students will focus on the importance of practicing from a trauma-informed care lens, respecting the individual and their journey and past experiences. Students will examine the symptoms of trauma, understanding its effects on overall psycho-social functioning, systemic oppression, and addiction. Students will learn clinical strategies for working with populations affected by trauma and explore a range of treatment interventions to help individuals manage trauma symptoms effectively. This course will also address the impact of vicarious trauma and trauma exposure on helping professionals, exploring potential transference and countertransference issues.

AMHW1002 Chemical Dependency and Substance Use and Abuse –

In this course, students will examine the effects of various drugs on the body from use/abuse and treatment lenses including: alcohol, nicotine, prescription drugs, hallucinogens, cocaine, narcotics, marijuana, inhalants, and steroids. This course also introduces students to the science of pharmacology.

AMHW1006 Ethics and Professionalism in Addiction and Mental Health

In this course, students will develop their knowledge of ethical guidelines and practices in addiction and mental health within an inter-professional context. Students will reflect on their individual scope of practice and enhance 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. The importance of effective, transparent communication and strong, accurate documentation will be examined.

AMHW1003 Holistic Assessment and Interventions

In this course, students will explore bio-psycho-social-spiritual assessments, interventions, and the determinants of health. Students will examine holistic interventions and current practices, including mindfulness, nutrition, exercise, self-care, and continuing care. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary practice and interprofessional collaboration. Additionally, students will explore the role of the family and natural supports in holistic interventions.

AMHW1004 Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, collaborative, evidence-based counselling approach focused on resolving ambivalence and enhancing motivation for change. In this course, students will study the application of MI in the context of addiction and mental health. They will learn and integrate practical MI skills, concepts, and essential strategies into clinical practice to promote behavioural change and maintain progress.

AMHW1001 Professional Concepts in Addiction and Mental Health

In this course, students focus on addiction, mental health, and concurrent disorders, highlighting the unique features of each and 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. This course addresses a bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework and reviews current practices, including research and best practice guidelines.

AMHW1013 Career and Clinical Placement Preparation

This course prepares students for the interviewing process and clinical placement experience. Students will develop personal portfolios and learning goals, and research community agencies that align with their individual objectives for placement. Students will 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 will be addressed, including as a professional in a field that can be challenging. Strategies for achieving and maintaining wellness will be examined, from research to actualization and practice. Students will practice the skills necessary to support resiliency, self care and wellness including developing a self care plan.

AMHW1007 Community Services: Accessibility and Integration

In this course, students will explore current issues, trends, developments, and gaps related to community needs and service availability. They will learn about service integration, advocacy, coordinated care, and the importance of providing early intervention and treatment from community wellness and social determinants of health perspectives. Through identification of evidence and research informed requirements for community services and a comparison to the current availability and integration of community services, students will critically assess how services may be experienced by individuals. Elements of program planning will be explored to promote opportunities, to overcome challenges and barriers, and to support community needs.

AMHW1010 Counselling with Special Populations

In this course, students will 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 will engage in personal reflection and self-assessment and will learn the skills and knowledge necessary 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 will critically examine concepts of diversity and stigmatized social identities and their impact on services and supports. Successful completion of this course will prepare students to understand and address the unique needs and challenges faced by diverse and vulnerable populations. Prerequisite: AMHW 1000

AMHW1009 Group Counselling for Addiction and Mental Health

In this course, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to facilitate counselling groups for individuals experiencing issues related to addiction and mental health. They will study group theory, group dynamics, and group processes, applying this knowledge to effective group facilitation. Practical application is emphasized, with each student gaining experience in leading, facilitating, and participating in simulated groups. Prerequisite: AMHW 1000

AMHW1012 Impulse Control Disorders and Behavioural Addiction

In this course, students will critically 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. This course will also provide an overview of disordered eating and sexual addiction. Students will study the classification of these disorders within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), gaining a comprehensive understanding of their diagnosis and treatment. Prerequisite: AMHW 1002, AMHW 1005

AMHW1008 Navigating Complex Systems in Addictions and Mental Health

Students will learn 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 will be examined. Students will explore ways to support individuals in building a system of formal and natural supports.

AMHW1011 Working with Youth and Families Impacted by Addiction and Mental Health

This course is delivered from a strengths-based and resiliency-focused perspective. Students will 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 will explore how family environments impact youth development and the trajectory of youth across their lifespan. Students will examine both the family context and 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: AMHW 1005, AMHW 1000

AMHW1015 Addiction and Mental Health Clinical Placement

During placement, students will have an opportunity to apply their acquired skills and knowledge, such as professional writing and community referrals, while evaluating community resources and personal perspectives from those directly impacted by addiction and mental health. Prerequisite: AMHW 1007, AMHW 1008, AMHW 1009, AMHW 1010, AMHW 1011, AMHW 1012, AMHW 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.

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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