Course description

Despite the reality that mental health and substance use challenges are prevalent within society, stigma continues to make it difficult to address, cope with, and provide effective treatment. Navigating through the justice system with mental health and/or substance use challenges makes for further complications, given the level of stereotyping and prejudice additionally associated with justice-involved individuals. Learn about the biological and psychosocial foundation of mental health and substance use, and the misconceptions that impact criminalization. Explore signs, symptoms, and behavioural characteristics of common mental health and substance use. Examine how to develop an equitable and inclusive approach to broadening their perspectives. Learn about the importance of developing strong skills within this field and learning about personal self-care when providing support to those with mental health and substance use issues.

Course details

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

Please note: This course is offered through OntarioLearn. To review important information such as textbook, exam and grade information, visit OntarioLearn.

Build courses into a credential

This course is part of the following program(s):


Credit transfer

Have you taken this course or an equivalent course? Contact the Credit Transfer Office.

Dates
Day/Time
Delivery
Campus
Cost
Availability
Starts: Jan. 13, 2026
Ends: Apr. 21, 2026
Day/Time:
Campus: Online
Cost: $381.50

Registration dates

Not all courses are offered each term.

Winter 2026 registration is now open.
Spring 2026 registration opens March 2, 2026.

Delivery options

In person: classes held in person on a campus/site in a classroom/lab/shop/studio for the course duration

Online - Asynchronous: ​100% online delivery, no scheduled day or time course requirements with the instructor, assigned due dates

Online - Synchronous: 100% online delivery, scheduled day and time course requirements with the instructor, assigned due dates

Hybrid: any combination of in person, timetabled, on campus, online, and hyflex delivery