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Community Services and Mental Health Worker

About The Program

The Community Services and Mental Health Worker diploma program prepares you for a rewarding career supporting individuals, families, and communities facing mental health and social challenges. You'll learn how to provide client-centered support, deliver counselling and crisis intervention, manage cases, and advocate for individuals navigating mental health, addiction, and social challenges.

This 62-week diploma program combines live, instructor-led sessions with practical skill development in small classes. You'll complete an 8-week, 200-hour internship in real community environments such as social service agencies, mental health centers, shelters, and non-profit organizations.

Strong Employment Outcomes

Our graduates have been hired by leading organizations including Youth Action Centre, Family Lifeline Counseling, VON Canada, Council on Drug Abuse (CODA), and Pioneer Youth Services.

Career Opportunities

Graduate ready for roles including Support Worker, Group Home Worker, Outreach Worker, Peer Support Worker, Shelter Counsellor, and Well-Being Counsellor in community agencies, mental health centers, shelters, and social service organizations.

Why This Program?

62 weeks - comprehensive mental health training
Small class sizes - personalized attention
Real-world internship in mental health settings
Strong graduate employment with top organizations
8 campus locations across Ontario

Program Details

Program Length: 62 weeks
Internship: 8 weeks (200 hours)
Class Format: Live, instructor-led sessions with small class sizes

What You'll Gain

Hands-on internship in mental health agencies, shelters, or addiction recovery centers
Professional certifications in trauma care, crisis intervention, and naloxone administration
Specialized skills in mental health counselling, crisis intervention, and case management
Personalized guidance from experienced instructors in small class settings

Professional Certifications Included

Trauma and Violence Informed Care
Mental Health First Aid & Crisis Intervention
Naloxone Administration
Standard First Aid/CPR/WHMIS
AODA Accessibility Training
Positive Space Training & Helping Trafficked Persons

Key Topics Covered

Mental Health & Addictions Assessment and Program Planning
Counselling, Crisis Intervention & Treatment Modalities
Working with Substance Use & Concurrent Disorders
Canadian Family Dynamic & Lifespan Psychology
Case Management & Populations at Risk
Sociology, Criminology & Community Services in Canada

Specialized Mental Health Focus

This program goes beyond general community services to provide specialized training in mental health and addictions. You'll study diagnostic processes for mental health conditions, recovery-based program planning, concurrent disorders, and trauma-informed care. Learn to work effectively with individuals experiencing intersectional stigma, applying evidence-based practices across diverse mental health and addiction settings.

Perfect For You If:

You're passionate about mental health and addiction support
You want specialized training beyond general community services
You're committed to trauma-informed, client-centered practice
You want to work with individuals facing complex mental health challenges

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Provincial Funding

Looking for student aid options offered by your local province? Choose your province of residence below to check out provincial funding options such as grants, loans, scholarships, and bursaries.

*All student funding, whether made available privately or through various government branches, is only approved to those who qualify, by the original source of funding. There are many criteria that each candidate must meet to be approved. Schools can only inform you of what may be available.