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Mental Health and Addictions

Canadian Students
International Students

Program Details

  • Mental Health and Addictions

  • Program Code: 3A2
  • Credential: Diploma
  • Duration: Two Years
  • School of Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism
  • Area: Applied Arts
  • Domestic Applications: OPEN
  • International Applications: CLOSED
Unavailable Delivery Options
Domestic:
OA
Online - Asynchronous
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Program Overview

Print Overview
Location/Delivery Modes & Dates
  • C
    Grand Falls-Windsor - On Campus - September 2026
  • C
    Happy Valley-Goose Bay - On Campus - September 2026
  • OA
    Online - Asynchronous - September 2026

Helping others is your passion.
 
Our mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through to adulthood. It includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being and affects how we handle stress and make choices. If you are patient, compassionate, and keen to help others and are interested in a career in the mental health and addictions field, this is what you need to know.
 
The need for trained practitioners in the mental health and addictions field is critical. In this program you will learn how to assess clients’ emotional or health-related needs and develop action plans to support those clients. Through in-depth lectures and developing and honing practical skills, you will be prepared to enter the mental health and addictions field.
 
The Mental Health and Addictions program covers a wide range of topics, such as pharmacology and dependency, addictions, mental health services, interviewing & helping skills, assessment and case management, psychology, health promotion and prevention, recovery skills and prevention, and trauma-informed practices.
 
In this rewarding career, you will help guide others as they navigate their healing journey.
 
 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Choose to learn either in-class or via online asynchronous delivery.
  • Gain knowledge, skills, and attitudes to address two of Canada’s leading health care issues – mental health and addictive behaviours.
  • Learn how to examine and address service quality at the practice, program and system levels.
  • Learn trauma-informed care practices. 
  • Develop motivational interviewing skills to support families, individuals and community-level programs that are affected by mental health and addictions issues.
  • Advocate for individuals living with mental health issues and addictions, ensuring they are provided with care in a non-judgmental environment.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • One in five Canadians will experience a mental illness or substance abuse problem during their lifetime.1
  • Recent polling found that one in three people living in Canada reported moderate to severe mental health symptoms during the pandemic. Financial concerns, pandemic stress, isolation, and struggles with our health-care system are leading concerns among people living with a mental illness.
  • Age, gender, 2SLGBTQ+, income, and employment status were the strongest predictors of mental health and substance use concerns. Some 60 per cent of 2SLGBTQ+ Communities Hard Hit by COVID - Impacts on Mental Health and Substance Use - Mental Health Commission of Canada youth report moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms and about 40 per cent report symptoms of depression. Although connecting with statistics can be difficult, it is important that we remember the people behind the numbers.
  • Resulting from the 2017 report Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador, a new 240,000 square foot, 6-story, 102-bed adult mental health and addictions facility is under construction, which will replace the existing Waterford Hospital
  • In 2022 the NL government launched the Our Path of Resilience action plan and committed $2.5 million for mental health and addictions services and facilities, with an additional $4.5 million over the next four years.

OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of this program graduates will be able to:

  1. Advocate for those seeking mental health services or support.
  2. Promote mental health and addictions awareness in communities and diverse populations.
  3. Practice professionalism and ethical decision-making.
  4. Enhance resiliency with knowledge of addictions and wellness.
  5. Respond to urgent mental health and addictions matters.
  6. Identify community services and supports for the needs and issues of individuals and groups.
  7. Implement effective approaches to problem solving and decision making.
  8. Work effectively with individuals, families, groups, interprofessional teams and organizations.
  9. Recognize the value of human and cultural diversity.
  10. Communicate with proficiency, clarity, accuracy, and confidence among clients and groups.
  11. Promote self-care, wellness and healthy living. 

CERTIFICATIONS

Throughout the program, students will acquire the following industry certifications:

  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST)
  • CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • Standard First Aid 

PROGRAM AWARENESS

Ready to embark on a rewarding career in Mental Health and Addictions? Before you begin, complete our program awareness checklist to assess your readiness. This tool will help you understand the key characteristics required for success and ensure that you're well-prepared for the challenges and rewards of this fulfilling field.

View the Mental Health and Additions Program Awareness Checklist
 

Admission Requirements

Eligibility for admission requires the applicant to meet one of the following academic criteria:
 
1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average in eight level 3000 credits or equivalent
2. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years of age or older, and have been out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.
 

Additional Admission Requirements
 
Please note that the following is required in order to be permitted into the program:
 

  • Entrance Requirements - Additional Documentation Package identifies specific documentation that students are required to provide for the Mental Health and Addictions Program. You will receive this package as part of your letter of acceptance and these documents must be completed, signed, and returned prior to online registration. 
  •  A clear Criminal Record Screening Certificate (Certificate of Conduct) with applications obtainable through the RNC, or a clear Criminal Record Check with applications obtainable through the RCMP. A Vulnerable Sector Check is also required. 
Please Note:
  • Copies of the required Criminal Record Screening Certificate (Certificate of Conduct) or the Criminal Record Check, along with the Vulnerable Sector Check, are to be submitted prior to online registration; otherwise, students will not be able to attend class.
  • After enrolment, additional documentation may be required by organizations for field placements and volunteer activities.
  • Applicants with a criminal offense listed on their Certificate of Conduct may be denied access to field placements and will be unable to complete the program.
  • An Immunization Record and Immunization-Communicable Diseases Screening Package is employer specific and maybe required prior to a field placement.

Courses

COURSES

CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1   Cr Le La
AD1100 Cultural Competence 3 3 0
AD1105 Ethics & Professionalism 4 4 0
AD1110 Human Service Relationships 3 3 0
AD1115 Mental Health Fundamentals 4 4 0
CM2300 Report Writing 2 2 0
PS1140 Psychology I 4 4 0
         
Semester 2   Cr Le La
AD1205 Interviewing & Helping Skills I 4 3 2
AD1210 Introduction to Addictions 4 4 0
AD1215 Pharmacology & Dependency 3 3 0
PS1145 Psychology II 4 4 0
AD1220 Self-Care & Wellness 3 3 0
AD1225 Trauma-Informed Practice 3 3 0
FW1250 Field Placement Prep I 1 1 0
         
Semester 3 Intersession Cr Le La
FW1331 Field Placement I 6 0 6 wks
         
Semester 4   Cr Le La
AD2100 Assessment & Case Management 3 3 1
AD2105 Human Development 4 4 0
AD2110 Interviewing & Helping Skills II 4 3 2
CM2200 Oral Communications 2 2 0
AD2115 Working with Families 3 3 1
SW1110 Intro to Social Work 3 3 0
         
Semester 5   Cr Le La
AD2200 Treatment & Recovery 3 3 1
AD2205 Health Promotion 4 4 0
IA1015 Indigenous History & Culture 3 3 0
AD2210 Working with Groups 3 3 1
CM2100 Workplace Correspondence 3 3 0
FW2220 Field Placement Prep II 1 1 0
PC1100 Political Science 3 3 0
         
Semester 6 Intersession Cr Le La
FW2321 Field Placement II 6 0 6 wks

Careers & Pathways

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be prepared for employment in a variety of roles, including, but not limited to:

  • Addictions Worker
  • Child and Youth Care Worker
  • Community Health Worker
  • Crisis Intervention Worker
  • Developmental Services Worker
  • Emergency Shelter Worker
  • Family Engagement Worker
  • Guest Support Worker
  • Housing Support Worker
  • Mental Health Crisis Intervener
  • Mental Health Support Worker
  • Peer Supporter
  • Shelter Support Worker
  • Supportive Housing Worker
  • Support Worker
  • Youth Outreach Worker 
  • Teaching and Learning Assistant*
*Graduates of the Mental Health and Addictions diploma program may apply for a provincial Level II Teaching and Learning Assistant Certificate. Please see the Department of Education and Early Childhood Education website for more information.

FURTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Cape Breton University
Graduates who have completed the Mental Health and Addictions diploma program from CNA will receive up to a maximum of 45 credit hours of transfer towards the 90 credits required for Cape Breton University's (CBU) 3-year Bachelor of Arts Community Studies (BACS) degree program. Students must meet CBU's entrance criteria and have obtained the CNA's minimum passing grade in all courses to be accepted for advanced standing and direct entry to CBU's BACS Degree Program.
 

Tuition & Fees

Canadian Students
The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $30.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism $1,197.00 (per semester) $572.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $320.00 (per course)
Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

International Students
A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $100.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Deposit Fee - $1,500.00 (Included in First Semester Tuition)

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit required to secure your seat. Included in first semester tuition.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism $4,581.00 (per semester) $2,291.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $1,046.00 (per course)
Estimated Program Costs

The document below provides a summary of estimated program costs for international students applying to the 2026–2027 academic year. Please note that all amounts are approximate and subject to change without notice. These costs apply only to international applicants.

Download Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Making Payments

Application Fee

If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card during the submission of your application to College of the North Atlantic.

Tuition and Other Payments

College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for all international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition.

  • Payments can be made from any bank, in any country, and in any currency.
  • Offers better than bank exchange rates.
  • Fast, secure, and cost-effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have been assigned a CNA student number.

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.

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