Graduate Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health Algonquin College - Sussex Campus, Canada

This Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is primarily designed to enhance and further develop the skills of individuals who already work in health care or the social services field and who are interested in specializing in addictions and mental health.

There is a growing need for coordinated services by professionals with the knowledge and skills to treat concurrent disorders. Students take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of mental health, mental illness, substance use including focus on holistic assessment and intervention strategies, recovery process, and promotion of ongoing mental health. Students acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities required by mental health professionals to deliver responsive and effective substance use disorder treatment and mental health services, while promoting empowerment, self-determination, and optimum quality of life to individuals. Students gain practical experience through the supervised field placement where they can apply knowledge of best practices and further enhance their skillsets. During placement, students are paired with a Field Placement Liaison for support and guidance.

Upon completion of the program, students possess the knowledge and skills to work with vulnerable populations in a variety of community mental health and addictions services settings, dependent on their prior experience and credentials, and skills built in the program. These settings may include social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, residential treatment centres, group homes, homeless shelters, school boards, services for specific vulnerable populations, family counselling programs, crisis response services, community outreach programs, community justice programs, medical detox programs, long-term care facilities, hospices, and other establishments.

The Addictions and Mental Health Graduate Certificate (AMH) is recognized by the Canadian Addiction Counsellor Certification Federation (CACCF), Canada`s Addiction Workforce Regulator. The CACCF affirms this program enables graduates to meet their certification requirements.

Success Factors:

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are interested in improving the quality of life for those with mental health and/or substance use challenges
• Want to contribute as team members in a wide range of dynamic environments
• Are non-judgmental, flexible, mature and compassionate
• Like to support, empower, and encourage others
• Have patience and can handle stress and remain calm in difficult situations
• Are comfortable with self-reflective practice
• Possesses critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Have an ability to practice self-care
• Can communicate clearly and set professional boundaries
• Are comfortable advocating for both self and others.