Addiction and Mental Health Worker Northern College

Overview

The Addiction and Mental Health Worker programme at Northern College provides students with the essential skills to support individuals facing complex psychological challenges. This diploma focuses on a multidimensional framework that integrates anti-oppressive practices and strengths-based approaches to client care.

Students engage in a rigorous curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. Through interactive labs and simulations, learners refine their interviewing and counselling techniques before entering professional environments. The curriculum is designed to challenge personal biases and promote holistic healing strategies.

A significant component of the programme is the 580-hour fieldwork placement.

Why Addiction and Mental Health Worker at Northern College?

Northern College offers a distinctive learning environment where students work with actors in simulated labs to master crisis intervention. The programme has been granted equivalency status by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), ensuring high professional standards.

The institution provides robust pathways for further education, including a partnership with Algoma University. Graduates can transfer up to 60 credits toward a Bachelor of Social Work, significantly shortening the time required to earn a degree. Facilities at the Timmins campus support hands-on learning and professional development.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 15258 per year
• National fee: CAD 2721 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Role of Biology in Addiction and Mental Health
• Professional Practice Skills
• Addressing Stigma in Addiction and Mental Health Work
• Professional Communications
• Working on Teams and in Groups
• Understanding Power, Privilege & Oppression
• Working with Diverse Families
• Clinical Practice Skills
• Social Policy and Legislation in Addiction and Mental Health
• Integrated Approaches to Addiction and Mental Health Work
• Communications in the Workplace
• Working with Indigenous Peoples
• Community Health and Development
• Interviewing and Counselling Skills
• Preparation for Placement in Addiction and Mental Health
• Addictions and Mental Health Capstone
• Human Behaviour and the Social Environment
• Trauma-Informed Care and Crisis
• Interpersonal Violence
• Fieldwork Seminar
• Fieldwork Placement

Careers with Addiction and Mental Health Worker

Graduates are highly sought after for roles such as Case Managers, Harm Reduction Workers, and Street Outreach Workers. Employment opportunities exist within mental health agencies, hospitals, group homes, and crisis support centres across the province.

The programme also prepares individuals for positions as Withdrawal Management Counsellors and Front-Line Shelter Workers. Because graduates are eligible to register with the OCSWSSW, they can legally practice as Registered Social Service Workers in Ontario, expanding their career prospects in government and private sectors.