Program Description
- First program in Ontario to focus on Mental Health and Disability Management
- Curriculum engages a variety of learning styles including visual, auditory and kinesthetic through lectures, field trips, hands-on training and guest speakers
- Small class sizes
- Learn about mental illness and disabilities from experts in the field who represent a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians, researchers, educators and therapists as well as those with lived experiences
- Complete a capstone project that allows students from the Mental Health and Disability Management and Brain Disorders Management Programs to work collaboratively, using problem-based learning
- Receive hands-on experience through a field placement that begins in May and involves a total of 336 hours
Skills Gained
- Certificate builds on previous degree or diploma in the health or social sciences by providing a specialization in mental health and disability management
- Examine case studies exposing students to a variety of client-based scenarios
- Examine the impact of having a dual diagnosis on physical health, social functioning and employment or housing outcomes
- Engage in simulation exercises to practice clinical interviewing skills, reflective listening skills, and awareness about mental health conditions
- Translate information using a variety of mediums including oral presentations, reports, case studies, infographics, and digital poster displays
- Learn how to apply intervention strategies including motivational interviewing, transition planning and mindfulness
- Receive hands-on training related to suicide prevention, case management, multi-sensory training, digital art therapy and de-escalation
Program of Study
Semester 1
- Foundations of Mental Health
- Foundations of Disabilities
- Intervention Strategies Working With Disabilities
- Intervention Strategies Working With Mental Health
- Pharmacology for Non-Medical Health Professionals
Semester 2
- Intervention Strategies Working with Disabilities and Mental Health
- Working With Families With Disabilities
- Capstone Project
- Legal Implications and Brain Disorders
- Field Placement Preparation Mental Health and Disability Management
Semester 3
- Field Placement Case Studies
- Field Placement Mental Health Disability Management
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum two-year college diploma or university degree. Preference will be given to applicants with a diploma or degree in Community Services or Health Sciences
- Applicants should note that some employment opportunities require that certain physical standards must be met as a condition of employment
- Attendance at program orientation is strongly recommended
- Proof of English proficiency for applicants where English is not their first language must be submitted to Ontario Colleges