Fall 2025: Apply Now!
Interested applicants can apply directly to Douglas College for this program or can apply to the BC Health Career Access Program (HCAP).
Program
Mental Health and Substance Use Work (Certificate)
Faculty
Health Sciences
Department
Mental Health and Personal Support Work
Credits
32.00
Length of program
Two semesters
Credential type
Certificate
Learning format
Full-time
Admission type
Limited Enrolment
Offered
Fall
Winter
Overview
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges? The Certificate in Mental Health and Substance Use Work equips you with the knowledge and hands-on experience to provide safe, competent and ethical client-centered care in diverse settings.
Grounded in the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery, this program prepares you to support individuals in maximizing their independence and well-being. Under the mentorship of experienced instructors, you'll gain real-world experience through in-person clinical practice, where you'll apply concepts of recovery, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction while embracing equity, diversity and inclusion.
Key areas of study include:
- Personal care and daily living support
- Medication assistance and overdose response
- Trauma-informed and culturally safe practices
- Indigenous perspectives on care and the impact of colonization
- Leading and facilitating life skills and mental health promotion groups
This program goes beyond theory, empowering you to foster meaningful change in the lives of those you serve.
Career opportunities
The demand for qualified mental health and substance use workers has grown significantly across British Columbia. Graduates of this certificate program are recognized for employment within:
- Vancouver Coastal Health
- Fraser Health
- Coast Mental Health
As a Mental Health and Substance Use Worker, you will be part of a multidisciplinary team, providing client-focused treatment and rehabilitation in community, residential and institutional settings.
Pathways for further education
Looking to expand your career opportunities? Graduates of the MHSU program may be eligible for a limited number of reserved seats in the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing. To learn more about this pathway, contact the Psychiatric Nursing Department for details.
Start your journey toward a rewarding career in mental health and substance use work today!
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:
I. Academic Admission Requirements
II. Non-Academic Admission Requirements
Following an offer of admission to the program:
- A Criminal Record Check (CRC) - Details will be provided at the time the applicant is offered admission to the program. All costs related to the CRC are the responsibility of the applicant.
-
Admission Interview – Applicants may be required to participate in an interview with the Program Coordinator for the purposes of providing additional information and/or academic advising.
Pre-Clinical Requirements for Clinical Practice:
- A current record of immunizations is required before clinical practice begins. All costs related to required immunizations and/or testing are the responsibility of the applicant
Note: We strongly recommend you attend an information session
Cost
Calculate your tuition and see the approximate cost of taking your program at Douglas College with the tuition & fee estimator. See costs broken down into categories including tuition fees, textbooks, student activity fees, U-Pass and more.
For more information, refer to the tuition fee charts.
Program Requirements
Curriculum framework
Graduation Requirements
- Successful completion of at least 32.00 credits
- Minimum grades are required, as follows:
- C+ in all MHPS courses or equivalents
- Mastery in all clinical practice and preceptorship courses
- In good academic standing
- A minimum of 50% (16 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
- Time limit to complete the program graduation requirements: 4 years. Any courses completed outside of that time limit will not be usable. Students may seek the permission of the Department/Program to complete a credential outside the approved time limits.
Course Requirements:
|
Course Number |
Course Description |
Credits |
|
Required Courses Semester 1 |
||
|
Foundations in Health |
4.00 |
|
|
Introduction to Mental Health |
3.00 |
|
|
Common Mental Health Disorders and Interventions |
3.00 |
|
|
Therapeutic Relationships in Mental Health |
4.00 |
|
|
Practicum Experience 1 |
2.00 |
|
|
Required Courses Semester 2 |
||
|
Recovery in Mental Health |
3.00 |
|
|
Medication Management |
1.50 |
|
|
Professional Practice |
1.50 |
|
|
Mental Health and Addictions |
3.00 |
|
|
Trauma Informed Practices |
3.00 |
|
|
Practicum Experience 2 |
4.00 |
|
|
Total Credits |
32.00 |
|
Program Guidelines
Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.
More Information
Students in the MHSU program can only register in the same required associated studies courses or HCSW courses a maximum of twice (this includes “W” withdrawals that appear on a student’s transcript).
Students in the MHSU program are required to obtain a passing grade of C+ or higher in all MHPS and associated studies courses to progress in the program.
Career Pathways
Career opportunities include:
- Outreach Support Worker
- Mental Health Rehabilitation Worker
- Mental Health Worker
- Transition House Worker
- Community Mental Health Worker
- Parent Peer Support Worker
- Forensic Service Officer
- Federal Halfway House Residential Support Worker