Interprofessional Mental Health and Addictions (Post Degree Diploma)

Total Credits:	21
Credential:	Post Degree Diploma in Interprofessional Mental Health and Addictions
Program Code:	IMHA.PDD
CIP:	51.1501

Overview

The Interprofessional Mental Health and Addictions (IMHA) program prepares students to work as professionals in the field of mental health and substance use as members of interprofessional teams within a variety of community services and settings. The program provides students with the opportunity to obtain the knowledge, counseling skills, and intervention strategies to facilitate recovery. Graduates are prepared to engage in the assessment, planning, and interventions that support the complex needs of youth and adults experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges using a psychosocial rehabilitation approach. The program emphasizes a holistic, trauma-informed, harm reduction, and strength-based collaborative approach to facilitate change and enhance mental health and well-being. As reflective practitioners, graduates apply effective leadership, advocacy, and critical thinking skills to their work with individuals, families, and groups.

This graduate level program of studies will enhance student understanding of mental health and substance use issues. Students will develop counseling and evidence-based practice approaches, and work directly with those impacted by mental illness, substance use, and concurrent disorders.

Admissions

All of:

Bachelor’s Degree - A Baccalaureate degree in Child and Youth Care, Education, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, or Social Work from a recognized post-secondary institution. Other degrees and experience in a helping role may be considered; check with the Program Leader for determination.
Resume - Resume listing work and volunteer experience.
Statement of Intention - Submission of a 400-500 word statement outlining career goals and motivation for entering the program.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the program, students will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of the perspectives, values, and principles that inform leading practice and attitudes about mental health, substance use, and concurrent conditions.
Use a person-centered, strength and evidence-based approach as foundation for practice in community, health, and residential settings.
Apply comprehensive knowledge of mental health, substance use, and concurrent conditions in work with individuals, families, and groups.
Use critical thinking skills and evidence-based practice in the assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation of person-centered support strategies and care.
Establish and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with individuals, groups, and families to facilitate change, recovery, and wellness in a collaborative and culturally respectful manner.
Work effectively in an interprofessional and collaborative care context with individuals, families, groups, agencies, and systems.
Practice responsibly and ethically, and demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional accountability.

Curriculum

All of

IMHA 510 - Foundations for Practice Credits: 3
IMHA 511 - Therapeutic Relationships Credits: 3
IMHA 512 - Assessment and Planning Credits: 3
IMHA 513 - Intervention & Counselling Strategies Credits: 3
IMHA 514 - Interprofessional Practice Credits: 3
IMHA 515 - Practicum Credits: 6

Program Participation Requirements

Students must achieve a B- in IMHA 510, IMHA 511, IMHA 512 and IMHA 513 before proceeding to the practicum.
Students must provide evidence they do not have active TB. Acceptable evidence is a negative TB skin test or a negative chest x-ray. Evidence must be dated no more than six months before practicum start date. Students are responsible for the cost of the testing. An additional TB test is required after each possible exposure to TB and/or travel within an area where there is a known prevalence of TB.
Students must provide evidence of their immunization status.
Criminal Record Check is required.

Program Completion Requirements

Students must achieve a minimum of 70% (“B-“) in all theory courses, and successfully complete the practice course to graduate with a Post-Degree Diploma in Interprofessional Mental Health and Addictions.