New Addictions and Mental Health Program Helps Meet Growing Need
October 8, 2021
The 42-week online program offers students the knowledge, skills, and abilities required by front-line workers to deliver responsive and effective substance use disorder treatment and mental health services while promoting empowerment, self-determination and optimum quality of life to individuals. Students gain practical experience through a supervised eight-week placement, learning to apply their clinical skills, establish appropriate relationships with clients, and participate in professional, collaborative team environments.
“Over the past several years, we have seen an emerging recognition around the profound nature and impact of mental health and addiction disorders and the need for increased awareness and clinical supports,” said Algonquin College President and CEO, Claude Brulé. “Offering this program through the College’s AC Online Campus provides the perfect vehicle for professionals who are looking for flexible learning options to bolster their credentials and add to their skill sets to help meet the demand for these vital services.”
Associate Vice President - Global, Online, and Corporate Learning at Algonquin College, Patrick Devey, said that since the Mental Health Graduate Certificate Program was launched, interest has continued to surge. The fall term enrolment numbers passed expectations and applications are currently being accepted for the winter and spring terms of 2022. When initially offered, there were over 400 applicants for 35 seats this current term. There are currently 150 applicants for the Winter Term 2022, and the College is planning to increase student seats as a result of the overwhelming demand.
Working with the AC Online’s Field Placement Officer Team, students have an opportunity to secure placements not just in the Ottawa region, but at locations across Canada. This is thanks to AC Online building strong partnerships with external placement agencies and associations. The Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF) is pleased to be one of these partners with Algonquin and AC Online on this program, and helping to bring a community-connection and real-world experience to its students.
“As the National Leader in Addiction Certification and as an Indigenous led organization, the CACCF is happy to partner with and to support organizations like Algonquin College and the work they do,” said Alex Bishop, Head of Public Affairs and Strategic Planning for the CACCF.
Upon completion of the program, students possess the knowledge and skills to work with vulnerable populations in a variety of community mental health and addictions services settings, dependent on their prior experience and credentials. These settings may include social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, residential treatment centres, group homes, homeless shelters, school boards, services for women, services for Indigenous people, crisis response services, correctional facilities, hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospices, and other establishments.
For additional details on the program, please visit this link.