Addiction and Mental Health Courses

In this course, students will examine crisis intervention for individuals living with addiction and mental health problems. The indicators of suicide, self harm, and violence will be explored in relation to risk assessment and management strategies. Students will examine safety planning, risk management practices, and non-violent crisis intervention to respond to situations that may arise when working with clients.

This course provides an introduction to addictions, mental health and concurrent disorders, the unique features of each and the integration of services and supports in addictions and mental health. Students explore the prevention and treatment continuum in Canada, historical and cultural perspectives and frameworks and models. A bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework is addressed, and current practices are reviewed, including research and best practice guidelines.

"This practical course covers the application of knowledge and skills for counselling in addictions and mental health in a professional counselling environment, within the Competencies for Canada’s Substance Abuse Workforce. Students explore and practice behavioural and technical competencies in simulated scenarios and will develop a personal learning plan to further develop their professional competencies."

This course educates students about drug and alcohol use and the abuse of various substances in the body and how it affects ones behaviour. An introduction to the science of Pharmacology is included and students will study a number of drugs such as: alcohol, nicotine, prescription drugs, hallucinogens, cocaine, narcotics and marijuana, inhalants and steroids. They will also examine concepts of clinical practice and program design and learn how and when to apply them.

Students develop knowledge and skills necessary to inform work with diverse individuals and groups with specific attributes and associated needs including sexual orientation, cultural diversity, gender-specific needs, marginalized populations, and older adults. Students critically examine the concept of diversity, stigmatized social identities, and the impact on services and supports.

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered, collaborative conversation style for strengthening a person's own motivation to change. This course will examine the foundational principles and practices of motivational interviewing in addictions and mental health. Students will learn how to apply the values, processes and skills of this approach to promote client behaviour change for individuals with a mental illness and/or addiction.

Access to mental health and addictions services can be challenging due to the complexity of the system of service, funding sources and issues relating to stigma and barriers. In this course, students learn about the current issues, trends and developments in the integration of services in order to promote co-ordinated, efficient access to services while focusing on early intervention, treatment and community supports. Students explore a range of services for children, youth, adults, older adults and individuals with special needs. Workplace issues and supports are discussed. This course includes two mandatory chats. We recommend viewing the course schedule immediately upon logging into the course to view course meeting dates and times.

Bio-psycho-social-spiritual assessments and interventions and the determinants of health are explored in this course. Holistic interventions and current practices are included such as mindfulness, nutrition, exercise, and alternative therapeutic approaches. Interdisciplinary practice and inter-professional collaboration is emphasized. Students also explore the notion of family and community in the role of holistic intervention.

In this course students explore trauma-informed practices at the individual, organizational and systemic levels. Students develop and understanding of the diverse needs of trauma survivors and how women, men, children and youth experience trauma differently. The effect of trauma on the brain is studied and the way service may be adapted is discussed. Content includes an overview of services for people with trauma, substance use and mental health including parenting, child welfare and supports for children.

For this capstone project, students will use skills and competencies obtained through their academic studies to translate addiction and mental health knowledge into practice. They will develop an addiction and mental health resource or practical tool based on a determined need that may be used for prevention or screening purposes, direct client education, clinic use, etc. Students will have the opportunity to determine their own special topic for this project; it will be based on need, current research and best practice. Students will work independently to complete this project, with support from the instructor. This capstone project will promote collaboration, community partnerships, prevention and health promotion in addiction and mental health.