Mental Health and Addictions (Certificate)

Total Credits:	33
Credential:	Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions
Program Code:	MHA.CERT
CIP:	51.1502

Overview

The Mental Health and Addictions Certificate program prepares students to be members of interprofessional teams supporting individuals who are experiencing mental health and addiction challenges.

Students learn to work from a strengths-based perspective, emphasizing the interaction between individuals and their physical, social, and cultural environments. Students learn to use an holistic approach to support individuals mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically, and socially. Students learn about diversity and culturally-responsive practice. They also gain knowledge of Indigenous history and culture in relation to mental health and addiction issues.

Career/Academic Advancement Opportunities

Students gain entry-level knowledge and skills necessary to promote, support, and strengthen the functioning of individuals and community. Graduates may work in community based, residential, and outreach settings.

Graduates of the program who wish to continue their education may seek university transfer credit for some of the courses in the program.

Program graduates are also prepared to continue their education towards a diploma in Community, Family and Child Studies at Camosun College. Check the advising centre at the institution of choice for transfer details

Admissions

One of:

C+ in English 12
C in English 12 Camosun Alternative

And all of:

Statement of Intention - Submission of a 300 or more word statement outlining career goals and motivation for entering the program.
Info Session - Attendance at a scheduled Mental Health and Addictions program Information Session within 18 months prior to the start of the program. If you are unable to attend a scheduled session, please contact the Program Leader.

Learning Outcomes

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

Use critical thinking and solution-focused skills within a community mental health and addiction context.
Apply current knowledge of mental health, mental illness, addictions, and concurrent processes to one’s practice within community mental health and addiction services.
Demonstrate understanding of contexts and frameworks that guide practice when supporting individuals and families experiencing mental illness and/or addiction challenges.
Provide intervention and support within the contexts of mental health and addiction services.
Demonstrate an ability to develop and enhance therapeutic relationships.
Develop effective collaborative working relationships with members of the interprofessional team.
Identify, access, and advocate for community services for individuals and families.
Demonstrate ethical and responsible behavior and be accountable for own actions and decisions.
Demonstrate effective responses to the demands of the professional role.

Curriculum

Year One

Academic Term One

All of:

MHA 110 - Foundations for Practice Credits: 3
MHA 111 - Mental Illness and Interventions Credits: 3
MHA 115 - Therapeutic Relationships Credits: 3
MHA 125 - Professional Practice 1 Credits: 1.5

One of:

ENGL 151 - Academic Writing Strategies Credits: 3
ENGL 161 - Literary Genres Credits: 3
ENGL 163 - Intro to Literary Traditions Credits: 3
ENGL 164 - Indigenous Literature Credits: 3

Academic Term Two

All of:

HLTH 110 - Health and Wellness in Contemporary Society Credits: 3
HLTH 111 - Indigenous Peoples’ Health Credits: 3
MHA 120 - Support Strategies Credits: 3
MHA 126 - Professional Practice 2 Credits: 1.5
MHA 135 - Addictions and Interventions Credits: 3

Academic Term Three

All of:

MHA 140 - Practicum Credits: 6

Program Participation Requirements

Students registered in partially online program courses must participate in an orientation to distance education systems and tools prior to or during the first classes of the program.
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 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

achieve a minimum of “C” in every course in the program and a “COM” in MHA 140 .