Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a social worker in B.C., you may choose to become certified through the B.C. College of Social Workers (BCCSW). Eligibility is achieved through completion of an approved post-secondary program, criminal record checks, and successful writing of a licensure exam.

Social and community service workers

This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to help prevent substance abuse, counsel individuals and families with drug and alcohol problems, and perform intervention and therapeutic services for persons suffering from addiction. These programs include courses in individual and group counselling skills, psychology of addiction, sociology, crisis intervention, substance abuse identification methodologies, substance abuse treatment modalities, substance abuse prevention and treatment resources, pharmacology and behavioural aspects of abused substances, treatment evaluation, patient observation and education, group dynamics, professional standards and ethics, and applicable laws and regulations.

Substance abuse/addiction counselling

This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to provide evaluations, referrals, and short-term counselling services to help people prevent or remediate personal problems, conflicts, and emotional crises. These programs include courses in human development, psychopathology, individual and group counselling, personality theory, career assessment, patient screening and referral, observation and testing techniques, interviewing skills, professional standards and ethics, and applicable laws and regulations.

Mental health counselling/counsellor

Mental Health and Addictions Certificates

Social and community service workers administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services, and assist clients to deal with personal and social problems. They are employed by social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, substance abuse centres, school boards, correctional facilities and other establishments.

Human and Social Service Certificates

The Mental Health and Addictions Certificate provides students with the knowledge and skills to work with individuals and groups in a variety of settings. Graduates of the program use psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery principles to support people living with mental health and substance use challenges to live the life they envision for themselves. You’ll participate in six weeks of supported learning activities at your practicum site for 22 hours a week. You’ll be paired with an on-site mentor and follow the same shifts and schedule as that staff person to prepare you for employment in the field. 

Mental Health and Addictions Certificate

The Community Mental Health Work Certificate uses  principles of recovery using psychosocial rehabilitation. You'll learn how to support people with mental health issues to maximize their independence, as well as how to lead group sessions on health, wellness, managing symptoms and setting boundaries. You'll also get practical experience in mental health clinical practice settings. With an additional semester of study, you can obtain a Certificate in Health Care Assisting, which when combined with the Community Mental Health Work Certificate, equips you with both physical and mental-health-care skills.

Community Mental Health Work Certificate

In the Mental Health and Substance Use Certificate, you'll learn to provide safe, competent and ethical client-centred care to those with mental health and substance use challenges. Under the guidance of qualified instructors, you’ll practise in an in-person clinical setting, applying principles of recovery, equity, diversity and inclusion. Gain insight into personal care, daily living activity and medication assistance, trauma-informed practices, Indigenous Peoples care and the impact of colonization. As a government-funded project, the Certificate in Mental Health and Substance Use Work program offers you unique financial benefits. When you are accepted and enter the program, your education will be paid for and you will receive a weekly stipend for your efforts.

Mental Health and Substance Use Certificate

The Foundational Skills Certificate in Counselling Certificate covers ten addictions counsellor training courses. Course material includes counselling skills, processes, theory and methods, psychology, mental health, case management, sociology of Aboriginal communities, family systems, sexual abuse, and advanced counselling. This program also features a practicum in addictions counselling to ensure graduates are ready for the workforce upon completion of the certificate. 

Foundational Skills in Counselling Certificate

The Indigenous Holistic Wellness and Addictions Certificate is open to anyone interested in a career in Indigenous Health and Wellness and Addictions (IHWA). In addition, individuals who are currently in Addiction fields such as Alcohol and Drug Counsellors or Addiction Workers will find a benefit in obtaining a credential and/or specialized professional development training to meet job requirements. The IHWA Program is developed and implemented based on Circle Learning principles, the Medicine Wheel concept, Red Road Philosophy, Experiential Learning, and the Seven Sacred Teachings integrated with local Traditional Knowledge and practices. Courses include a focus on healing through understanding the history of Indigenous colonization, complex trauma theory, genocide, and the reclaiming of self as an Indigenous person in a traditional spiritual way.

Indigenous Holistic Wellness and Addictions Certificate

The Community Mental Health Worker Certificate is open to individuals working as Educational Assistants, Community Support Workers or Health Care Assistants to expand their education with a focus on mental health. This program includes a cultural and community wellness focus, therapeutic supports, recovery and clincal practice in the community. Students will participate in practicum placements for hands on and practical experience. 

Community Mental Health Worker Certificate (NIC)

In this program, you will complete two online courses that examine current research about the causes and treatment of mental health and substance use challenges for marginalized populations and participate in a two-day experiential workshop focused on motivational interviewing skills.

Mental Health & Addictions Associate Certificate

The Interprofessional Mental Health Practice Certificate builds knowledge and competencies needed to work with clients who have mental health issues as you gain expertise in mental health training in this evidence-and practice-based program. 

Interprofessional Mental Health Practice Certificate

The Interprofessional Substance Use Practice Certificate will provide demonstrable expertise in the area of substance use practice. You will learn to develop and demonstrate foundational and innovative competency in prevention and treatment practice. You will participate in online and practicum based courses. 

Interprofessional Substance Use Practice Certificate

This Addiction Studies Certificate gives you the opportunity to take a collection of courses (by your own design) that specialize in the area of addictions. This credential is considered embedded as it has been designed to be to be taken as part of a degree or diploma in an area of your primary interest. When you graduate with a degree and this credential you will be better prepared to understand the interaction between your area of interest and addictions.

Addiction Studies Certificate

The Community Mental Health Worker Certificate will define entry level competencies for employment in the field of community mental health and addictions that are based on the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery. You will engage in courses focused on theory and practical learning, including a community based practicum. The focus of the program will be on relationships, rehabilitation and personal care, and on providing the knowledge and hands-on training needed for you to start meaningful careers in a variety of institutional, community, and residential settings.

Educational Path

Mental Health and Addictions Certificates

Programs

Careers