Interprofessional Mental Health and Addictions, Post-Degree Diploma

The Interprofessional Mental Health and Addictions Post-Degree (IMHA) diploma will provide students with advanced knowledge and skills to work collaboratively with people affected by mental health and/or addiction/substance use challenges. Students will gain the necessary knowledge, theoretical frameworks, assessment skills, and counselling interventions to help individuals and their families navigate recovery from mental health and addiction challenges. There is a strong emphasis on applied learning and students will gain skills in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and stage-wise case-management.

• Applied learning: Equip yourself with hands-on lab skills training for practical application of knowledge, assessment and counselling skills.
• Holistic approach: Gain a comprehensive understanding of psychosocial practices with a focus on holistic, culturally informed, and multi-perspective viewpoints.
• Preparation for real-world practice: Be mentored for working within interprofessional teams to support psychosocial practice in community and tertiary mental health and substance use settings.
• Interdisciplinary learning: Enhance your professional toolkit through critical engagement with diverse perspectives and methodologies. Experience a collaborative atmosphere with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Contextualized education: Study mental health and addictions within the Canadian context, addressing real-world challenges.
• Expert Instructors: Learn from experienced instructors committed to your success in this evolving field.

Blended delivery

Using a combination of online and seminar class styles, this graduate level program offers a variety of opportunities to apply skills and knowledge for further career advancement in the area of mental health and addictions.

Who are our students?

You’ll study with students from a variety of disciplines:

• University students pursuing psychology, social work, child and youth care, education, and nursing.
• Recent graduates from the humanities wanting professional qualifications.
• Professionals seeking advanced skills and knowledge.

Graduate opportunities

• Employment: Our program aligns with industry needs and offers ample job prospects. Diverse settings include residential programs, treatment centres, community agencies, assertive community teams, mental health clinics, and hospital environments.
• Education: Prepares graduates for pathways to Master-level programs in community and health studies. 

Career options

Our students are recognized for their specialized training enabling them to work with interprofessional teams addressing the complex needs of individuals and families with mental health and addiction challenges. IMHA graduates are working in diverse settings such as group homes, treatment centres, community agencies, assertive community teams and hospitals.

Next offering

The program starts in September. The practicum component will include 30 hours per week at a practice site plus seminar and online learning time. You’ll attend approximately fifteen mandatory face-to-face seminars combined with online learning at the college over the year. All students must attend the orientation.

This program is available through distance delivery across Canada and internationally. Distance students who do not live on Vancouver Island may not be expected to attend all the face-to-face seminars. Consult the Program Leader for more information.