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Mental Health and Addictions Worker

Person holding a clipboard talking with a woman during a counselling session.

Build the skills to support individuals, families, and communities impacted by mental health and addictions. This two-year diploma combines evidence-based learning with field placement, preparing you for meaningful roles in healthcare and social services.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Mental Health and Addictions Worker
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Four semesters
Start Date(s)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students
CIP Code
51.1501

Find your career

This program equips you with evidence-informed practices to support individuals, families, and communities. Learn to think critically, support advocacy, apply harm reduction strategies, and use culturally aware, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed approaches, including Indigenous perspectives. Graduates are prepared for meaningful roles in community agencies, residential care, group homes, and other settings, focusing on prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery.

Graduates will prepare for a variety of career opportunities, including:

  • Addiction support
  • Case management
  • Community mental health
  • Crisis intervention
  • Homelessness prevention
  • Indigenous outreach
  • Rehabilitation support
  • Youth and family services
  • Veterans’ services
  • Residential treatment services
  • Drop-in centres
  • Hospitals
  • Correctional facilities
  • Withdrawal management services
  • Shelters
  • Street outreach worker

How you'll learn

Experiential Learning

Prepare to effectively support and empower people to make positive changes through highly relevant courses where students will learn by doing:

  • 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

COMM1048 College Writing Skills

This course focuses on writing and research skills required for successful completion of college-level studies. The course will promote development and improvement of research and writing skills that can be applied to students’ chosen programs of study.

PSYC1015 Development Across the Lifespan

This course is designed for the learner to examine human development across the lifespan, including the impact of genetics and environment on developmental outcomes from conception to death. The learner will be able to identify biological, cognitive, and psychosocial variables that impact the capacity for resilience and growth of individuals, families, and communities. The learner will identify and evaluate strategies to meet the diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families, and communities in adherence to social service worker standards of practice.

MHAW1000 Integrated Approaches to Addiction and Mental Health Work

Students explore the importance of using a person-centred, comprehensive approach with mental health and addiction. Students examine various theoretical perspectives, including biopsychosocial models, and the complexities of concurrent and comorbid disorders. Students explore intervention strategies tailored to address the often multiple and intersecting needs of diverse and vulnerable populations, including crisis management and supporting referrals to other professional services, as required.

MHAW1003 Power, Privilege, and Oppression

Students analyze social, economic, cultural, spiritual, racial and political issues within the context of social justice and diversity. Students explore theories and practical applications that affirm the value and dignity of individuals, families, groups and communities. Emphasis is placed on enhancing cultural safety in service delivery. Through critical analysis, students examine various forms of oppression, discrimination, power and privilege, and learn to apply anti-oppressive practices in the field of human services.

MHAW1001 Professional Practice 1

Students build a competency portfolio that highlights their skills, values and knowledge in alignment with industry and regulatory standards. Students develop professional practice strategies, focusing on self-care and employment readiness, in preparation for field placement. Through self-assessment, students evaluate their field readiness, set professional development goals and explore potential placement opportunities.

MHAW1002 Trauma-Informed Practice

Students explore the impact of trauma on individuals, examining various traumatic experiences such as abuse, intergenerational trauma, residential schools, disasters and war. Students study developmental, relational, social and cultural aspects of trauma and analyze its outcomes. Focus areas include theories on how trauma affects brain development, learning, relationships and behaviour. Students reflect on their own experiences, including vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue and burnout, in the context of working in addiction and mental health. Through understanding the impact of trauma, students research and identify approaches to working with individuals successfully, respecting their wellness, history and privacy.

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

MHAW1008 Building Capacity in Communities

Students apply culturally appropriate practices to work effectively with Indigenous and other communities. They identify community resources and needs and develop collaborative solutions to address community challenges through collective action. Emphasizing an Indigenous wellness approach, students engage in community development activities focused on mental health and addiction concerns, involving individuals, families and the broader community. Inclusion, equality, equity and active participation in decision-making processes are prioritized. Prerequisite: MHAW 1003

SSWP1002 Delivering Human Services

Students will learn to broker and advocate for appropriate access to resources to assist individuals, families, groups and communities through the creation of professional networks, while identifying current social policy, relevant legislation and political, social and/or economic systems and acknowledging their impacts on service delivery.

MHAW1005 Ethics, Social Policy, and Legislation in Addiction and Mental Health

Students explore the professional ethics and code of conduct specific to the mental health and addiction field and examine the legislative requirements for working with clients and how these relate to ethical standards. Students interpret current social policies related to mental health and addiction; analyze their functions; and recognize trends, issues, and concerns impacting individuals, families and communities. Gaps in legislation and policy are identified, with an exploration of the role of self-determination and social activism in addressing these gaps.

MHAW1007 Group Development, Implementation, and Facilitation

Students analyze communication behaviours within group settings and explore both theoretical and practical techniques of group work. Students examine fundamentals of group processes, including roles and responsibilities, and develop intervention plans for structured and unstructured groups. Students apply these theories through the creation and facilitation of a group process focused on addressing mental health or addiction concerns.

MHAW1006 Interviewing and Counselling Interventions 1

Students examine the importance of the therapeutic alliance in fostering effective interactions with clients during interviews and counselling sessions. Students explore how counselling practices can promote self-determination and employ person-centred, strengths-based approaches with individuals and families. Students demonstrate foundational skills essential to building healthy professional relationships and engage in self-reflection to better understand their own values and beliefs in working with clients. Prerequisite: MHAW 1001

MHAW1004 Screening, Assessment, and Case Management

Students examine the role and responsibilities of an addiction and mental health worker within a case management framework, including following a client from intake to discharge, practicing professional report writing as a critical component of effective client care. Students develop person-centred, strengths-based intervention plans to address individual needs, while exploring the legal and ethical requirements of case management.

PSYC1005 The Mental Health Continuum

Students examine the causes of abnormal behavior, psychological factors and physical illness as well as major psychological disorders. This course is not intended to help students solve behavioural or emotional problems requiring professional assessment and response. Prerequisite: PSYC 1015

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

MHAW2005 Crisis Intervention and Safety Planning

Students explore managing clients in crisis situations with a special emphasis on those experiencing drug-induced psychosis. Students develop practical skills in crisis intervention, including recognizing and understanding the symptoms of psychosis, applying de-escalation techniques and planning interventions that ensure the safety of both clients and practitioners. Key topics include preparing for safe home visits, implementing safety protocols during fieldwork and coordinating with emergency services in high-risk scenarios. Prerequisite: MHAW 1002, MHAW 1006

MHAW2006 Interviewing and Counselling Interventions 2

Students identify the purpose; principles; and methods of effective counselling; and practice critical techniques from various theoretical perspectives. Emphasis is placed on developing therapeutic approaches and building a strong therapeutic alliance. Students apply motivational interviewing techniques to enhance client engagement and facilitate positive behavioural change. Prerequisite: MHAW 1006

MHAW2003 Mental Health and Addiction Assessment and Intervention

Students explore assessment and intervention in cases where clients present with co-occurring mental health and addiction concerns. Emphasizing acute symptoms such as psychosis related to substance use, students develop skills in conducting comprehensive assessments, including risk evaluations for home visits and environmental safety. Focus areas include evidence-based strategies for effective communication with clients experiencing psychosis, preparing students to work collaboratively with interprofessional teams to ensure safe and ethical interventions. Prerequisite: PSYC 1005, MHAW 1006

MHAW2004 Prevention and Health Promotion

Students explore key determinants of health; the continuum of health promotion and prevention; and the role of outreach services in substance use, addiction and mental health. Emphasizing holistic outreach for marginalized and underserved groups, cultural inclusion is promoted. Students conduct a needs assessment and develop, implement and evaluate a health promotion and prevention program. Students create a comprehensive program proposal that includes research, data collection, a work plan, a logic model and a budget.

MHAW2001 Professional Practice 2

Students apply the skills, values and knowledge developed in their competency portfolio to real-world scenarios. Building on their previous work and learning, students engage in learning opportunities to refine their professional practice strategies. Students explore the implementation of self-care practices and the development of resilience in the workplace. Students further evaluate their field readiness by participating in mock interviews; case studies and role-playing exercises; finalizing their professional development goals and preparing to transition into their field placement; ensuring they are equipped to meet industry and regulatory standards. Prerequisite: MHAW 1001

MHAW2002 Reflective Practice 1

Learners engage in ongoing self and collective reflective practice, a crucial skill for both personal and professional development, as well as for the well-being of the community members they support. By regularly stepping back and reflecting, students critically assess their own practices, challenge existing perspectives and address any biases or areas for growth. This process aims to enhance student effectiveness in supporting diverse communities and contribute to professional growth and well-being.

MHAW2000 Understanding Concurrent Disorders

Students develop knowledge and skills to work effectively with individuals experiencing co-occurring substance use and mental health issues. Students use evidence-informed resources, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, to deepen their understanding of concurrent disorders. In a collaborative setting, students develop treatment plans based on comprehensive screening and assessment, ensuring that interventions are tailored to individual needs, strengths and goals. Topics include research into best practices for treating concurrent disorders and a critical evaluation of the continuum of care for these conditions. Prerequisite: PSYC 1005

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

WKPL2095 Mental Health and Addiction Field Placement

Students apply their classroom knowledge and skills in a real-world setting through a supervised field placement. Students work directly with individuals, families and communities affected by addiction and mental health. Placements are in various community organizations, healthcare facilities or social service agencies where students engage in practical work, including client support, case management and intervention planning. Through placement, students receive guidance from experienced professionals and demonstrate competency in applying theoretical concepts, ethical practice and evidence-based strategies. Emphasis will be placed on reflective practice, professional development and integration of feedback to enhance student readiness for a career in the addiction and mental health field. Prerequisite: MHAW 1000, MHAW 1004, MHAW 1005, MHAW 1007, MHAW 1008, MHAW 2000, SSWP 1002, MHAW 2001, MHAW 2002, MHAW 2003, MHAW 2004, MHAW 2005, MHAW 2006 Co-requisite: MHAW 2007

MHAW2007 Reflective Practice 2

Students advance their self-awareness and professional growth through deeper engagement in reflective and critical thinking processes. Students explore advanced techniques for self-assessment and collective reflection, incorporating feedback from peers and mentors to refine their practice. Students apply advanced strategies for addressing complex cases and navigating challenges in the field. Co-requisite: WKPL 2095

*Courses subject to change.

Advisor listening to a student during a one-on-one counselling session.

Admission Requirements

Required academic preparation 

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND
  • Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent

OR

Academic upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Discover how Career and College Prep at Loyalist can help you get started on your journey.

 

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

Pathways and university transfer

What’s next? Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a second post-graduate program in as little as a year, or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities.   

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