Transform lives with a rewarding career in mental health care
Empower yourself with the knowledge and skills you need to be the catalyst for change in the lives of those struggling with addiction and mental health issues. In this client-centred and culturally relevant program, courses in addiction, mental health disorders, treatment, prevention, counselling, and case management will give you the tools to deliver frontline care to diverse groups and individuals.
Your third semester is a six-week field placement or capstone project where you will apply your skills to real-world active cases and become part of a professional care team supporting those living with mental health and addiction concerns.
Program highlights
- Combination of theory and practical learning
- Choice of placement or capstone project in the final semester followed by a debriefing
- Optional opportunities to participate in training relevant to the field, which may include Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training, and Naloxone training
- Complete all formal education hours required for voluntary certification with Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF)
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 1003 | Concurrent Disorders, Mental Health & Addictions | 3 |
| ADC 1001 | Case Management in Professional Practice | 3 |
| ADC 1100 | Foundations of Therapeutic Counselling | 3 |
| ADC 1105 | Community Integration: Addictions and Mental Health | 3 |
| SSC 1201 | Diversity Informed Practices | 3 |
| ADC 1250 | Impulse Control Disorders and Behavioral Addictions | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| LDS 1010 | Concurrent Disorders and Mental Health II | 3 |
| HEA 1061 | Wellness Coaching | 3 |
| LDS 1100 | Trauma Informed Practices | 3 |
| LDS 1500 | Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies in Practice | 3 |
| ADC 1350 | Addictions and Mental Health Lifespan and Special Populations | 3 |
| ADC 1401 | Field Preparation Seminar | 2 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| ADC 1412 or ADC 1411 | Field Placement or Capstone Course | 5 |
| Credits | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
Admission requirements
Applicants must be graduates of a diploma, advanced diploma, or degree program from an Ontario College or equivalent.
OR
Applicant must possess five years of work experience in a related field (or combination of education and work experience) as judged by the College to be equivalent. Applicants must submit a resume detailing their related experience and a cover letter outlining their competencies and preparedness for the program (any and all post-secondary transcripts must still be submitted).
Program delivery
2025-2026
Fall term start
SEMESTER 1: Fall 2025
SEMESTER 2: Winter 2026
SEMESTER 3: Spring 2026
Winter term start
SEMESTER 1: Winter 2026
SEMESTER 2: Spring 2026
SEMESTER 3: Fall 2026
Specific program pathways
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information.
Employment opportunities
Graduates of this one-year graduate certificate program will be positioned to pursue careers as addictions and mental health workers within a variety of settings, including but not limited to:
- Community-based mental health agencies/organizations
- Hospitals
- Addictions treatment and recovery settings
- Social welfare agencies
- Private counselling settings
- Seniors mental health agencies
- Youth and children's mental health organizations
- Jails and correctional settings
- Live-in and community aftercare programs
- Land-based treatment
Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.
