Mental Health and Addictions, Certificate

HHS Student Handbook

Current information for School of Health and Human Services Students and MHA program-specific handbook. 

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 practical training that will help you positively impact the lives of those with mental health and addiction challenges?

We’ll help you succeed

With Camosun's Mental Health and Addictions Certificate, you have the necessary grounding to begin your 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 psychosocial rehabilitation and prepare for subsequent work assisting those who face various challenges.

Assess your readiness to be a student here.

Practicum

You’ll participate in six weeks of supported learning activities at your practicum site for 22 hours a week. You’ll be paired with an on-site mentor and follow the same shifts and schedule as that staff person. You may be in practicum days, evenings, and/or weekends depending on the mentor’s schedule and site needs.

Mental Health and Addiction (MHA) employment opportunities

Our 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 — 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 (formerly Community Mental Health Association)