Please note:

​This program does not lead to employment as an addictions counsellor.

About the program

This program may be of interest to Case Managers, Crisis Counsellors, Housing Support Workers, Mental Health Promotion Workers, RPNs, RNs, Occupational Therapists, and Personal Support Workers. In this program, students will learn to deliver responsive, culturally relevant, client-centred assessment and treatment to diverse individuals and groups. Practice ways to effectively collaborate and transform lives as a valuable part of a professional support team. Students will acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities required by front-line workers and supervisors in order to deliver effective addictions and mental health services while promoting empowerment, self-determination, and optimum quality of life to individuals with addictions and mental health issues. Recovery principles, empowerment practice, and the impact of early and on-going trauma in the lives of individuals across the lifespan are examined. Students will have an opportunity to provide evidence-informed clinical and educational services to diverse individuals and groups experiencing addictions and mental health-related challenges.

Program information

All courses must be completed within 5 years of acceptance into the program.

Admission requirements

* Diploma or degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in human, health or social sciences OR three to five (3- 5) years of related full-time formal work experience

Admission procedures

* Submit proof of Admission Requirements. Review Apply to a Program to learn how.

* Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Graduate opportunities

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Analyze and apply current knowledge and services in the addictions and mental health fields using a bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework.
  • Provide and evaluate holistic, client-centred, gender-based, culturally relevant assessments and interventions to individuals, groups and families within social and cultural contexts across the lifespan.
  • Integrate skills and knowledge from a range of frameworks and contexts in addictions, mental health and concurrent disorders to provide non-biased services to women and those from diverse and varied populations.
  • Educate individuals, families, groups and the community regarding issues and approaches through knowledge translation, knowledge exchange and the dissemination of relevant and current research and practice via formal and informal education.
  • Access, utilize and advocate for culturally informed community supports and services for individuals, families and the community.
  • Actively participate in and contribute to, relevant networks, groups and organizations promoting development, improvement and advancement in the fields of addictions and mental health.
  • Work collaboratively within interprofessional teams providing ethical, effective, timely, and coordinated holistic services.
  • Practice ethical and responsible behaviour in all aspects of work.
    Research and integrate the contribution and the participation of the client, family, and community as partners in designing and implementing care and services.

Program related resources

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Spring registration: Opens March 11, 2024
Fall registration: Opens July 22, 2024