Ontario College Diploma in Mental Health And Addiction Worker
Start Dates:
May 2023
September 2023
January 2024
May 2024
- Graduates of the Mental Health and Addiction program will:
- Program Highlights
- Success Stories
- Why Choose Fleming
- Earn a Dual Diploma in the Helping Professions
- Indigenous Perspectives Designation
- Career Opportunities
- Related Programs
- Additional Costs
- Non Academic Requirements
- Minimum Admission Requirements
- Mature Students
- Technology Requirements
- Tuition and Fees Detail
- Transfer Agreements
The Mental Health and Addiction program has been designed to ensure graduates are skilled in both mental health and addictions according to the latest industry standards.
Fleming College's Mental Health and Addiction program is aligned to the most recent competencies established for the field of addictions and mental health. In 2014, Competencies for Canada's Substance Abuse Workforce were introduced to establish the different levels of competencies required to work in the field of addictions (CCSA, 2014). In 2015, the Mental Health Commission of Canada introduced Guidelines for Recovery-Oriented Practice to guide competencies required to work in the field of mental health (MHCC, 2015).
Graduates of the Mental Health and Addiction program will:
Gain the skills to work in a variety of settings supporting clients, families, groups and communities affected by substance use and mental health issues.
Acquire the ability to critically analyze multiple and intersecting causes and impacts of substance use and mental health issues. This multidimensional approach integrates Anti-Oppressive Practice (AOP), and Indigenous approaches to working in the field of mental health and addiction.
Understand how to apply evidence - based knowledge and skills in screening, assessment, treatment planning and interventions that promote equitable access to supports and services.
Learn the application of harm reduction strategies, trauma informed interventions, case management, health promotion, and prevention.
Have the opportunity to gain direct field practice working within an interdisciplinary team providing support throughout the substance use and mental health system.
Program Highlights
During the first semester of your educational journey, you will be introduced to the field with courses in Human Service, Power Privilege and Oppression, Counselling Interventions I, and Mental Health and Recovery. You will also learn about Indigenous Studies.
In your second semester you will build on the knowledge gained in first semester to learn much more about substance use and mental health. Courses focus on the Understanding Substance Use, Screening and Assessment, Case Management and Service Coordination, Prevention and Health Promotion, Counselling Interventions II and Ethics and Professional Practice.
Third semester helps you explore Trauma Specific Treatment Interventions, Family and Social Support, Understanding Concurrent Disorders, Building Capacity in Communities, Counselling Interventions III and Professional Practice.
The fourth and final semester integrates what you have learned in the classroom over the previous three semesters during a professional field placement experience. Field placement learning can take place anywhere in the province, or across Canada. Students will also complete and online Psychopharmacology course while on field placement.
* Students starting in January are required to attend classes over the summer semester.
Success Stories
"My experience during this program was fantastic. It was worth every minute. My goal of making a career change into this field worked like a dream for me. When I graduated, I was prepared, because of what I learned at Fleming College. If I had a choice of any job, this is the one I would choose."
Rick Mayoh,
Trauma and Addictions Counsellor
Why Choose Fleming
Fleming's Mental Health and Addiction program offers a unique applied learning experience which enables graduates to work in various areas within the field of mental health and addictions. Students can choose to build on their program of study in Mental Health and Addictions by completing the Social Service Worker dual diploma, or pursue a degree with advanced standing at a university through one of our many transfer agreements.
The program's flexible delivery structure features entry points in the fall, winter, and spring with all four intakes running every semester. This meets the needs of diverse student groups including:
- Students who require or wish a reduced course load
- Students who want to complete the program faster can attend four continuous semesters and graduate in sixteen months.
- Winter intake, first semester students take second semester in the spring, third semester in the fall, and fourth semester in the winter. Spring first semester intake takes semester two in the fall, the third semester in the winter, and the fourth semester in the spring. Students starting in September complete the second semester in the Winter, the third semester in the Fall, and the forth semester in the Winter and take the summer semester off.
- Individuals receiving funding that is dependent on attending classes continuously without semester breaks would start in the Winter or Spring semesters.
Earn a Dual Diploma in the Helping Professions
Students now have the opportunity to complete two college diplomas - Mental Health and Addiction and Social Service Worker - within a two-year period. This pathway includes two field placement opportunities where students acquire additional hands-on experience to further prepare them for career success. Students have the option of entering into either program, and after completing their first semester can declare their intention to complete either one diploma in Social Service Work, one diploma in Mental Health and Addiction, or both diplomas.
The dual diploma pathway is available to students who enter in the fall or winter semester only. Students must attend school for six consecutive semesters to complete both diplomas. Students who start in the Mental Health and Addiction Worker program in first semester will complete their Social Service Worker field placement first in fifth semester and complete their Mental Health and Addictions Worker field placement in the sixth semester.
Dual diploma - Mental Health and Addictions Worker + Social Service Worker
Indigenous Perspectives Designation
The Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) is an option available to students studying in the Social Service Worker program. To qualify for the IPD, students must take and successfully complete GNED49 - Introduction to Indigenous Studies and GNED128 - Indigenous Knowledges, along with a minimum of four approved co-curricular Indigenous events or experiences that will be incorporated into the final portfolio assignment in GNED128. The student’s transcript will indicate the IPD designation. Upon graduation, students with an IPD will have a strong foundational basis in Indigenous Studies, and a designation that will be marketable in the employment sector.
Career Opportunities
There is a high demand for mental health and addictions professionals. Roles include case manager, mental health clinician, addiction counsellor, or relief staff in residential facilities or community withdrawal management services, health promotion and outreach services.
Related Programs
Interested in other helping professions? In addition to the Social Service Worker program, the School of Community Development also offers the Child and Youth Care program, and Developmental Services Worker program.
Additional Costs
You should plan to spend approximately $700 per year for books and supplies.
Non Academic Requirements
Your program has mandatory requirements which may include a criminal reference check, first aid, CPR-C, etc. For more information, please see the Non Academic Requirements page.
Minimum Admission Requirements
Students applying to Mental Health And Addiction Worker must meet the following requirements:
- OSSD including Gr 12 C English
OSSD with majority of courses at College (C ) or Open (O) unless otherwise stated.
Grade 12 C courses will be accepted where Gr 11 C course requirements are listed.
Where College level courses are listed, U and M courses will be accepted.
Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Skillsmarker to assess your eligibility for admission. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be necessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.
Technology Requirements
PC / Windows
- Operating System:Windows 10
- Processor:Core i5 - 1.6Ghz minimum
- Memory:8GB minimum
- Hard Disk:160GB minimum
Apple / MacOS
- Operating System:MacOS 10.12 or newer
- Processor:Core i5 6th Gen or better
- Memory:8GB minimum
- Hard Disk:160GB minimum
Internet Connection: 2.5 Mbps Download and 3.0 Mbps Upload (minimum)
Students are required to have their own computer, internet access, webcam and microphone.
Tuition and Fees Detail
Tuition and ancillary fees are subject to change without notice. The fees presented below reflect Fall start programs only for the current academic year. For details about the fee differences for other program start dates please refer to the Tuition and Fees Details Chart below.
View complete tuition and fees details
Domestic Students
Semester 1 | Amount |
---|---|
Academic Supports | $24.91 |
Alumni Fee | $18.24 |
Athletics and Recreation | $56.30 |
Career Services | $14.25 |
Health Plan | $149.10 |
Health and Counselling | $51.91 |
Information Technology Fee | $105.93 |
Integrated Transportation Fee | $142.35 |
Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre | $92.91 |
Student Achievement & Records | $12.26 |
Student Activity Fee | $95.00 |
Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
Tuition | $1,290.38 |
Total | $2,063.54 |
Semester 2 | Amount |
---|---|
Academic Supports | $24.91 |
Alumni Fee | $18.24 |
Athletics and Recreation | $56.30 |
Career Services | $14.25 |
Health and Counselling | $51.91 |
Information Technology Fee | $105.93 |
Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre | $92.91 |
Student Achievement & Records | $12.26 |
Student Activity Fee | $95.00 |
Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
Tuition | $1,290.38 |
Total | $1,772.09 |
Semester 4 | Amount |
---|---|
Academic Supports | $33.92 |
Alumni Fee | $15.20 |
Athletics and Recreation | $69.95 |
Career Services | $13.97 |
Health and Counselling | $50.89 |
Information Technology Fee | $103.85 |
Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre | $91.09 |
Student Achievement & Records | $12.02 |
Student Activity Fee | $48.00 |
Student Administrative Council Clubs | $2.80 |
Student Administrative Council Governance | $8.00 |
Student Administrative Council Provincial Advocacy | $5.00 |
Student Food Bank | $1.25 |
Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
Tuition | $1,290.38 |
Total | $1,756.32 |
International Students
Semester 1 | Amount |
---|---|
Academic Supports | $24.91 |
Alumni Fee | $18.24 |
Athletics and Recreation | $56.30 |
Career Services | $14.25 |
Health and Counselling | $51.91 |
Information Technology Fee | $105.93 |
Integrated Transportation Fee | $142.35 |
International Health Plan | $367.47 |
Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre | $92.91 |
Student Achievement & Records | $12.26 |
Student Activity Fee | $95.00 |
Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
Tuition | $7,048.71 |
Total | $8,040.24 |
Semester 2 | Amount |
---|---|
Academic Supports | $24.91 |
Alumni Fee | $18.24 |
Athletics and Recreation | $56.30 |
Career Services | $14.25 |
Health and Counselling | $51.91 |
Information Technology Fee | $105.93 |
Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre | $92.91 |
Student Achievement & Records | $12.26 |
Student Activity Fee | $95.00 |
Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
Tuition | $7,048.71 |
Total | $7,530.42 |
Semester 4 | Amount |
---|---|
Academic Supports | $33.92 |
Alumni Fee | $15.20 |
Athletics and Recreation | $69.95 |
Career Services | $13.97 |
Health and Counselling | $50.89 |
Information Technology Fee | $103.85 |
Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre | $91.09 |
Student Achievement & Records | $12.02 |
Student Activity Fee | $48.00 |
Student Administrative Council Clubs | $2.80 |
Student Administrative Council Governance | $8.00 |
Student Administrative Council Provincial Advocacy | $5.00 |
Student Food Bank | $1.25 |
Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
Tuition | $6,910.50 |
Total | $7,376.44 |
The fees above are for the current academic year for international students. Please note that the fees reflect the Health Plan and Integrated Transportation (Sutherland Programs only) charges for the fall entry point. These charges are applied up front and provide service coverage for a full year September to August. The charges for the winter and spring terms are as follows:
Health Plan | Intergrated Transportation | Coverage | |
---|---|---|---|
Fall | $880.74 | $365.00 | September to December |
Winter | $807.79 | $255.50 | January to August |
Spring | $367.47 | $142.35 | May to August |
Transfer Agreements
You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized below.
Nipissing University
Requirement
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative program Grade Point Average (GPA). Admission into the generalist years (1st and 2nd year) of the Bachelor of Social Work program. Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work program's first or second year does not guarantee acceptance into the professional years.
Transfer Credit
- 30 out of a 120 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Ontario Tech University
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
- Required to complete psychology as a college program general elective or PSYC 1000U at UOIT before degree program admission.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120 credit degree.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
- Completion of the Ontario Tech Commerce Bridge.
Transfer Credit
- 45 out of a 120 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Seneca College
Requirement
- Minimum 70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 4th semester standing in an 8-semester program.
To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.
For more information
Trent University
Requirement
- Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 5 out of a 20 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Requirement
- Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
- Admission into the generalist years (1st and 2nd year) of the Bachelor of Social Work program.
- Admission into the professional years (3rd and 4th year) of the Bachelor of Social Work program includes an additional application process, and admission is very competitive. Please refer to Trent University's School of Social Work for further details.
Transfer Credit
- 5 out of a 20 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Requirement
- Minimum 75% cumulative program average in both the Mental Health and Addiction Worker program AND the Social Services Worker program.
- Admission into the generalist years (1st and 2nd year) of the Bachelor of Social Work program.
- Admission into the professional years (3rd and 4th year) of the Bachelor of Social Work program includes an additional application process, and admission is competitive. Please refer to Trent University's School of Social Work for further details.
Transfer Credit
- 8 out of a 20 credit degree.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Last Revised: