Building community, enhancing lives
Start in September
The Mental Health and Addictions certificate program provides students with the knowledge and skills to work with individuals and groups in a variety of settings. Graduates of the program use psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery principles to support people living with mental health and substance use challenges to live the life they envision for themselves.
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Are you passionate and caring?
Are you interested in a career helping members of your community who need assistance in their day-to-day lives? Are you looking for听practical training听that will help you positively impact the lives of those with mental health and addiction challenges?
We鈥檒l help you succeed
With a Mental Health and Addictions Certificate, you have the necessary grounding to begin your听employment in the field. Working through this ten-month, full-time equivalent program, you'll acquire the competencies required for entry-level community mental health and addictions employment.
Your studies combine class and practicum experiences as you learn about the principles of听psychosocial rehabilitation听and prepare for subsequent work assisting those who face various challenges.
Assess your readiness to be a student.
Practicum
You鈥檒l participate in six weeks of supported learning activities at your practicum site for 22 hours a week. You鈥檒l be paired with an听on-site mentor听and follow the same shifts and schedule as that staff person. You may be in practicum days, evenings, and/or weekends depending on the mentor鈥檚 schedule and site needs.
Employment opportunities
Mental Health and Addictions program graduates work in front line positions supporting individuals with mental health and/or addiction challenges in residential and community programs. A graduate is often in a position to guide people to be as independent as possible and help them in areas of day-to-day functioning as they move through recovery. This may include activities of daily living and life management skills. Roles often involve individual or small group activities and working with a team.
Island Health (formerly VIHA) is a major employer of our graduates as they recognize the MHA certificate as the primary credential for hiring. A majority of our practicum placements are in Island Health or partner agency settings 鈥 this facilitates a transition to work in the field. Our graduates have also been hired by a variety of agencies, including Victoria Cool Aid Society, Beacon Services, and Island Community Mental Health.
Indigenous Limited Priority Admissions听
The School of Health & Human Services (HHS) offers Priority Seating for Indigenous students in all Health related programs.
Visit听Ey膿蕯 Sq葍鈥檒ewen - Centre for Indigenous Education & Community Connections (IECC)听for information on how to apply.听听
Any questions about the application process, please contact听hhsindigenoussupport@camosun.ca
The听Indigenous Limited Priority Admissions听process, approved by the Board of Governors, supported by the Education Council, and approved by the BC Human Rights Tribunal, welcomes applications from all qualified Indigenous applicants.
