About this program
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Credential Awarded: 1 Year Graduate Certificate
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Campus: Niagara-on-the-Lake
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Code: 0292 P0292
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Delivery Length: 1 Year
This designation means the program satisfies the field of study requirement established by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Graduates of eligible programs at designated learning institutions may qualify to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, enabling them to gain Canadian work experience.
Note: PGWP eligibility does not guarantee approval of a work permit application. All applications are subject to IRCC's requirements and assessment.
Who are you?
- I am a domestic applicant. *
- I am an international applicant.
Your education at Niagara College begins with your application. We're here to help make the process easy!
- Carefully read the Admission Requirements tab to make sure you meet the program requirements.
- Check the Availability tab to see whether or not the program is accepting applications, and what start dates are available.
- Complete an application online through ontariocolleges.ca.
- Our Admissions Office will acknowledge your application has been received and will provide you with your NC Student ID number and details on your next steps.
Your education at Niagara College begins with your application. We're here to help make the process easy!
- Carefully read the Admission Requirements tab to make sure you meet the program requirements. Official, translated high school and/or post-secondary transcripts, proof of graduation and proof of English proficiency will be required.
- Check the Availability tab to see whether or not the program is accepting International applications, and what start dates are available.
- For next steps in the application process please visit international.niagaracollege.ca/how-to-apply/.
- Complete an application online through our Online Application Form.
- Niagara College will send you or your agent a confirmation of receipt via email within 48 hours of receiving your application.
By Email
Reach out to us using our contact form and we'll respond within regular business hours.
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Register for an Info SessionOverview
The Addictions & Mental Health Program prepares students to support individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges through trauma-informed, evidence-based, and culturally responsive practices in the Canadian context.
Rooted in evidence-informed practice, the program integrates systems theory, strengths-based practice, and ecological perspectives to address the complex needs of clients in diverse environments. Students explore harm reduction, crisis intervention, and ethical care while learning to recognize the role of community-based solutions and Indigenous ways of knowing. The curriculum highlights the connection between human well-being, environmental sustainability, and innovative, nature-inspired approaches to care. Through a capstone project, graduates develop the skills to integrate holistic, culturally safe, and ecologically informed strategies into their practice, ensuring inclusive, client-centered support in diverse settings.
Courses
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AMHP9100 | Introduction to Addictions and Mental Health | 3 |
| AMHP9106 | Counselling Fundamentals | 3 |
| AMHP9112 | Self-Care and the Working Professional | 3 |
| AMHP9118 | Substance Use and Harm Reduction | 3 |
| AMHP9123 | Trauma-Informed Practice | 3 |
| SOCL9111 | Culturally Safe and Equitable Care | 3 |
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AMHP9204 | Nature-Inspired and Other Strategies for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery | 3 |
| AMHP9207 | Group Counseling and Facilitation | 3 |
| AMHP9211 | Crisis Intervention and Chronic Mental Health | 3 |
| AMHP9215 | Working with Families and Youth | 3 |
| AMHP9222 | Ethics and Professional Practice | 3 |
| AMHP9229 | Capstone Project | 7 |
Learning Outcomes Term: 1264
Work safely and in accordance with trauma-informed critical incident and crisis management practices to increase the safety of self and others.
Provide wholistic and culturally relevant assessments in collaboration with individuals experiencing addiction and mental health challenges guided by trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practices.
Provide services and resources to individuals, families/natural supports and communities in accordance with various frameworks and informed by multiple research perspectives.
Educate and advocate alongside individuals, families/natural supports, and communities to reduce stigma, navigate referral processes and challenge barriers to wholistic care.
Build collaborative relationships with individuals, families/natural supports, community members and networks to enhance addiction and mental health services.
Make ethical decisions aligned with professional standards that adhere to workplace policies and legislation within the scope of practice.
Co-create and collaboratively monitor wellness plans that meet the unique needs of the individual to determine if additional goals, interventions and supports are needed.
Comply with confidentiality requirements and documentation standards to respect individual rights and self-determination.
Develop individualized self-care and critical self-reflection strategies to maintain health, growth and resilience as an addiction and/or mental health practitioner.
Admission Requirements
- Ontario College Diploma (or equivalent), or Bachelor’s Degree in
Human Sciences, Health Sciences or Social Sciences and - Proof of English proficiency
Selection and Ranking
Testing or other supplemental evaluation may be required.
Learn more about admission decisions.
Note
Most private college courses and/or credentials are not acceptable as admission requirements for Niagara College programs.
Please contact the Admissions office at [email protected] for assistance.
Program Requirements
Criminal Record Check
- A Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (CRC-VSS) which is less than 6 months old is required at the beginning of the program.
- Students with criminal charges for convictions will be significantly limited in placement, clinical, and/or employment opportunities in this field. The decision of whether a student with criminal charges or convictions is eligible to secure a field placement ultimately lies with the field placement agency.
- Field placements must be completed in order to graduate.
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Students will be required to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) in order to be cleared for placement/clinical. Please note, in order to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS), students must be 18 years of age or older. If a student is not 18 years of age or older at the start of this program, they will experience delays in progression through the program.
Communicable Disease Surveillance
- The confidential Communicable Disease Surveillance (CDS) Form must be completed and submitted to Student Health Services prior to the start of the program.
- Please view the CDS Form and Checklist for health requirements at niagaracollege.ca/cdsform/.
- This process may take up to 10 weeks or more and requires a visit to your personal physician and/or a Public Health Department.
- If the CDS process is not completed your placement, clinic or co-op opportunity will be denied.
First Aid and CPR
- Current Standard First Aid certification and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Level C certification is required other
Transportation
- Students are responsible for their own transportation in order to complete program requirements which may not be readily accessible by public transportation.
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Program requirements could include co-ops, placements, volunteer requirements, practical labs, field projects, assignments, clinicals, or any other off-campus visits required as part of the program’s curriculum.
Computer Requirements
Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows-based desktop or laptop that meets or exceeds the following general requirements:
- A desktop or laptop running on an updated Microsoft Windows operating system (Windows 11 recommended).
- Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory (note that 16 GB memory is strongly recommended).
- An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone, and speaker system.
- Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities. A minimum download speed of 10 – 50 Mbps is recommended.
Niagara College may not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications as provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.
Note: We do not provide support for Chromebooks or Apple products. (learn more)
The technology requirements indicate there is no support for Chromebooks or Apple products. Can I still take my program if I have a Macbook or Chromebook?
For most programs, the recommendation is to have a MS Windows 11 computer for an optimal experience and for ease of downloading academic software. The reliability of remote connections to college computers and software cannot be guaranteed for Macbook and Chromebook users.
The Microsoft Office suite products that are available free to Niagara College students though Office 365 do have versions that work with Macbooks and Chromebooks, and most internet-based applications will work as well. However, some program-specific software is designed to run on Windows 10/11, and the successful download of these applications cannot be guaranteed.
Our Learning Management System (LMS) at Niagara College is Brightspace, and while students can access Brightspace through an internet browser, for some assignments and tests there is a layer of security that uses a proctored browser. The proctored browser will not function on Macbooks or Chromebooks.
Students assume the risk of a compromised virtual experience if they choose to participate without the recommended technology.
Computer/technology requirements may be subject to change without notice.
All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.
Back to TopAvailability
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Open
Accepting applications
Waitlisted
Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list
Closed
Not accepting applications
Suspended
No longer offered this term
The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.
Back to TopTuition
The below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition fees are set in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities fee guidelines.
Tuition information is currently unavailable.TIP: Fees for other terms may be available through the Advanced Tuition Tool.
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Tuition information is currently unavailable.TIP: Fees for other terms may be available through the Advanced Tuition Tool.
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The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).
To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.
Generate My FeesCosts and Dates
General information about other costs, due dates, refund policy, housing costs, and more can be found on the Niagara College International website.
What is your tuition estimate?
Your tuition estimation includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees based on a program and term. Fees may vary upon enrolment into specific courses that are outside of the core curriculum or elective courses. Fees for future terms (where fees have yet to be published) are estimates based on the current academic year fee structure.
Additional fees include textbooks and a parking pass (if parking on campus). Additional costs may be incurred for optional field trips, learning materials, equipment or clothing. All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.
Note: For new programs tuition and fees may not yet be available. Typically tuition amounts are available in May for the next academic year. Please check back.
