Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate
Work experience
Clinical/fieldwork placement
Study options
Full-time
Open to International
No
Area of study
Length
10 months
Building community, enhancing lives
Start in September
The Mental Health and Addictions certificate will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to support individuals navigating mental health and substance struggles. Learn recovery-focused strategies to empower people to live the life they've always imagined.

Already have a degree?
Learn more about our post-degree program in Interprofessional Mental Health and Addictions.
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听补苍诲 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听补苍诲 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
For a limited time each year, Camosun College offers priority seating for qualified听Indigenous students in听all听Health Sciences and Human Services programs.
The听Indigenous Limited Priority Admissions听process is approved by the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal.
How to apply for an听Indigenous priority seat.

Learn more
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.听
Contact information
School of Health Sciences and Human Services
Campus location
Centre for Health and Wellness building (CHW), room 207
Location link
听
If you have admissions questions please contact Admissions.