Mental Health and Substance Use

The application deadline for the Sep 2027 intake is May 1, 2027. Tuition fees are 18,441 CAD per year.

The Mental Health and Substance Use graduate certificate program is for students who want to help people with mental health and substance use problems. This one-year program in Canada provides knowledge and skills to work in service and program planning, delivery, and evaluation. Students learn about community collaboration, public participation, and advocacy.

The curriculum includes courses like Mental Health in Society, Measuring the Impacts of Mental Health and Substance Use Problems, and Trauma-Informed Care and Services. Students develop skills in assessing risk factors, advocating for at-risk populations, and integrating theory and evidence to address service gaps. They also learn about professional, legal, and ethical standards in mental health and substance use problems.

Graduates can work as Mental Health Workers, Substance Abuse Counselors, Community Health Workers, Case Managers, or Policy Analysts. They can work in hospitals, community health organizations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations, helping people with mental health and substance use problems.

Conestoga College is a well-regarded public college based in Kitchener, Ontario, offering more than 200 programs across fields such as engineering, business, health sciences, information technology, media and design. Established in 1967, the college serves roughly 16,000 full-time students and around 1,800 international students, and delivers applied training through multiple campuses across the Waterloo Region. Conestoga emphasizes career-focused education designed to equip students with job-ready skills.

The college is known for hands-on learning, modern labs and close ties to local industry, which support co-op placements, internships and employer-led projects. Program options include certificates, diplomas, degrees and postgraduate credentials, allowing clear progression routes for students seeking technical expertise or academic advancement. Strong employer partnerships and a focus on experiential learning help graduates transition smoothly into regional and national job markets.

International applicants can expect comprehensive admission guidance, orientation programs and student support services that address academic, language and settlement needs. Conestoga’s career services and alumni network aid job search and professional development, while campus life offers clubs and activities to build community. Prospective students should explore program-specific entry requirements, co-op options and scholarship opportunities to plan a practical and rewarding pathway.