Addictions and Mental Health Program at Confederation College

Program Intakes

0199 - Addictions and Mental Health

Fall, Winter, Spring

Up to 3 years

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Curriculum

Semester 1

CD 230 Safety & Crisis Intervention42 hrs
In this course, students will examine crisis intervention for individuals living with addiction and mental health problems. The indicators of suicide, self harm, and violence will be explored in relation to risk assessment and management strategies. Students will examine safety planning, risk management practices, and non-violent crisis intervention to respond to situations that may arise when working with clients. This course is potentially available for registration. PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Addiction and Mental Health Graduate Certificate. Complete program application www.ontariocolleges.ca To request to register for this course contact [email protected]
OL 063 Introduction to Addictions, Mental Health, and Concurrent Disorders42 hrs
This course provides an introduction to addictions, mental health and concurrent disorders, the unique features of each and the integration of services and supports in addictions and mental health. Students explore the prevention and treatment continuum in Canada, historical and cultural perspectives and frameworks and models. A bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework is addressed, and current practices are reviewed, including research and best practice guidelines.
OL 065 Introduction to Counselling42 hrs
"This practical course covers the application of knowledge and skills for counselling in addictions and mental health in a professional counselling environment, within the Competencies for Canada’s Substance Abuse Workforce. Students explore and practice behavioural and technical competencies in simulated scenarios and will develop a personal learning plan to further develop their professional competencies."
OL 067 Chemical Dependency and Substance Use and Abuse45 hrs
This course educates students about drug and alcohol use and the abuse of various substances in the body and how it affects ones behaviour. An introduction to the science of Pharmacology is included and students will study a number of drugs such as: alcohol, nicotine, prescription drugs, hallucinogens, cocaine, narcotics and marijuana, inhalants and steroids. They will also examine concepts of clinical practice and program design and learn how and when to apply them.
OL 079 An Introduction to Trauma-Informed Practice45 hrs
In this course students explore trauma-informed practices at the individual, organizational and systemic levels. Students develop and understanding of the diverse needs of trauma survivors and how women, men, children and youth experience trauma differently. The effect of trauma on the brain is studied and the way service may be adapted is discussed. Content includes an overview of services for people with trauma, substance use and mental health including parenting, child welfare and supports for children. This course is potentially available for registration. PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Addiction and Mental Health Graduate Certificate. Complete program application www.ontariocolleges.ca To request to register for this course contact [email protected]
OL 081 Impulse Control Disorders and Behavioural Addiction45 hrs
In this course students critically review disorders characterized by diminished control over behaviour such as gambling, internet use, and gaming. These disorders have historically been conceptualized as impulse control disorders and / non-substance or "behavioural" addictions. An overview of disordered eating and sexual addiction will also be covered. Students study the classification of DSM.
OL 859 Indigenous Wellbeing: Decolonized Approach42 hrs
In this course, students will engage in the exploration of key social challenges that impact Indigenous peoples in Canada. The curriculum embraces an Indigenized perspective by interweaving Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and lived experiences. Emphasis will be placed on analysis of prevention and intervention strategies, while respecting the distinctive spiritual customs and traditions of the Indigenous populations.

Semester 2

AD 101 Motivational Interviewing42 hrs
Motivational interviewing is a client-centered, collaborative conversation style for strengthening a person's own motivation to change. This course will examine the foundational principles and practices of motivational interviewing in addictions and mental health. Students will learn how to apply the values, processes and skills of this approach to promote client behaviour change for individuals with a mental illness and/or addiction. This course is potentially available for registration. PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Addiction and Mental Health Graduate Certificate. Complete program application www.ontariocolleges.ca To request to register for this course contact [email protected]
OL 070 Community Services & Supports in ADMH42 hrs
Access to mental health and addictions services can be challenging due to the complexity of the system of service, funding sources and issues relating to stigma and barriers. In this course, students learn about the current issues, trends and developments in the integration of services in order to promote co-ordinated, efficient access to services while focusing on early intervention, treatment and community supports. Students explore a range of services for children, youth, adults, older adults and individuals with special needs. Workplace issues and supports are discussed. This course includes two mandatory chats. We recommend viewing the course schedule immediately upon logging into the course to view course meeting dates and times.
OL 077 Holistic Assessment and Interventions: Determinants of Health45 hrs
Bio-psycho-social-spiritual assessments and interventions and the determinants of health are explored in this course. Holistic interventions and current practices are included such as mindfulness, nutrition, exercise, and alternative therapeutic approaches. Interdisciplinary practice and inter-professional collaboration is emphasized. Students also explore the notion of family and community in the role of holistic intervention. This course is potentially available for registration. PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Addiction and Mental Health Graduate Certificate. Complete program application www.ontariocolleges.ca To request to register for this course contact [email protected]
OL 093 Group Counselling: Theory & Practice35 hrs
This course will focus specifically on the role of group counselling within the addictions setting. Students will explore the dynamics of group counselling, including an understanding of the various types and functions of a group counselling. Students will have the opportunity to practice and demonstrate group counselling.
OL 522 Ethics, Professionalism & Interprofessional Teams42 hrs
In this course, students develop their knowledge of ethical guidelines and practice in addictions and mental health within an inter-professional context. Students reflect on their individual scope of practice and build on their understanding and practice of effective and professional teamwork. Inter-professional and ethical challenges and dilemmas are analyzed in case scenarios, and ethical approaches are discussed. Students review certification options after graduation and develop personal plans and professional portfolios.
OL 636 Pharmacology of Addictions30 hrs
This course will focus on the specific drug families, their general features and the dynamics of the psychoactive drugs included in each classification. Attention will be given to commonly identified substances within each of the families (e.g. alcohol, heroin, marijuana) as well as the legal and illicit psychoactive drugs that have appeared in recent years.
OL 660 Capstone - ADMH42 hrs
For this capstone project, students will use skills and competencies obtained through their academic studies to translate addiction and mental health knowledge into practice. They will develop an addiction and mental health resource or practical tool based on a determined need that may be used for prevention or screening purposes, direct client education, clinic use, etc. Students will have the opportunity to determine their own special topic for this project; it will be based on need, current research and best practice. Students will work independently to complete this project, with support from the instructor. This capstone project will promote collaboration, community partnerships, prevention and health promotion in addiction and mental health. This course is potentially available for registration. PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Addiction and Mental Health Graduate Certificate. Complete program application www.ontariocolleges.ca To request to register for this course contact [email protected]

Fees

Cost Details for Year 1

Domestic Students

Academic Fees

Total Tuition Fees:$2,740.00
College Service Fee:$697.00
Health Fee:$305.00

Total Academic Fees: $3,742.00

Program Overview

Start Dates & Ontario Colleges Program Codes:

Fall, Winter + Spring starts (September, January and May) :0199

Are you passionate and caring?

Are you looking for practical training that will help you have a positive impact on the lives of those with mental health and addiction challenges?

The Addictions and Mental Health Post Graduate Certificate prepares students to support people, families, and communities with empathy, respect, and cultural humility. Grounded in trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practices, the program emphasizes seeing people beyond labels and diagnoses, honouring lived experience, and supporting self-determination. Students learn to work collaboratively, recognizing the social, cultural, and systemic factors that shape mental health and substance use.

Graduates are equipped to deliver ethical, culturally safe, and responsive care across a range of community and health settings. The program builds skills in assessment, crisis response, advocacy, and collaborative wellness planning, while also emphasizing reflective practice and practitioner well-being. Graduates leave prepared to contribute to addiction and mental health services and to support more compassionate, inclusive systems of care.

Top Highlights

Benefit from online delivery and flexible courses that enable you to study at a time and place convenient for you
Learn to recognize and effectively support a diverse set of client needs and experiences through accessible and responsive programs and services
Practice appropriate treatment, prevention and harm reduction strategies
Develop strategies for client advocacy and examine policy, legislation, and systems that impact service delivery in the field

Learning Outcomes

Provide holistic and culturally relevant assessments in collaboration with individuals experiencing addiction and mental health challenges, guided by trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practices.
Co-create and collaboratively monitor wellness plans that meet the unique needs of the individual to determine if additional goals, interventions, and supports are required.
Provide services and resources to individuals, families/natural supports, and communities in accordance with various frameworks and informed by multiple research perspectives.
Make ethical decisions aligned with professional standards and adhere to workplace policies and legislation within scope of practice.
Educate and advocate alongside individuals, families/natural supports, and communities to reduce stigma, navigate referral processes, and challenge barriers to holistic care.
Build collaborative relationships with individuals, families/natural supports, community members, and networks to enhance addiction and mental health services.
Work safely and in accordance with trauma-informed critical incident and crisis management practices to increase the safety of self and others.
Develop individualized self-care and critical self-reflection strategies to maintain health, growth, and resilience as an addiction and/or mental health practitioner.
Comply with confidentiality requirements and documentation standards to respect individual rights and self-determination.

Employment Opportunity

There is a high demand for mental health and addictions professionals. Graduates may find employment opportunities in the addictions and mental health field as community support workers, front-line shelter workers, team leaders, housing workers, case managers, counsellors, crisis workers, addictions counsellors and mental health workers. For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: www.jobbank.gc.ca/home.

Addictions and Mental Health