Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker Certificate
Build the knowledge, skills, and practical confidence to support individuals navigating addiction and mental health challenges in Ontario's community service sector.
What You’ll Learn
The Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker Certificate is a career-focused program designed to prepare you for frontline roles supporting individuals dealing with substance use, mental health challenges, and complex, co-occurring needs.
This program equips you with essential skills in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, crisis intervention, motivational interviewing, and service navigation. Emphasis is placed on real-world practice, ethical decision-making, and client-centred support.
Is This For You?
This program is designed for:
No formal mental health or addictions background required. This program is designed for compassionate individuals ready to support people through difficult challenges. If you're committed to trauma-informed, non-judgmental care, you're ready for this certificate.
As someone already working in or near this field, this program helps you:
- Get the credential for mental health and addictions support roles
- Formalize harm reduction and trauma-informed approaches you already practice
- Move from general support work into specialized mental health services
As someone entering this field for the first time, this program helps you:
- Get your first role in mental health or addictions support
- Build foundational skills in harm reduction, crisis intervention, and client engagement
- Feel confident applying to mental health organizations without prior clinical experience
As someone exploring whether this field is right for you, this program helps you:
- Understand mental health and addictions work before committing to a diploma
- Explore harm reduction and recovery support in 6 weeks
- See if supporting people through mental health challenges is your path
Why This Program
Built for support workers ready to meet clients where they are — with skill, empathy, and evidence-informed practice.
Mental health and addictions support is among the fastest-growing areas of need in Ontario's community services sector. Workers who understand trauma-informed care, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and crisis intervention are in demand at shelters, community health centres, housing programs, and outreach agencies. This certificate builds those specific skills.
Support clients through crisis
Apply trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches in real-world situations.
Navigate complex needs
Work with clients facing co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges.
Build practical intervention skills
Use motivational interviewing and de-escalation techniques with confidence.
Connect clients to resources
Navigate healthcare, housing, and community support systems effectively.
Save With a Pathway
Combined Certificate Pathways
This certificate is included in 4 pathways. Combine programs to save:
Dual Certificate: Shelter Support & Mental Health
Save $395- ✓ Shelter Support Worker 6 weeks
- ✓ Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker 6 weeks
Dual Certificate: Community Support & Mental Health
Save $395- ✓ Community Support Worker 6 weeks
- ✓ Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker 6 weeks
Dual Certificate: Crisis Intervention & Mental Health
Save $195- ✓ Crisis Intervention & De-Escalation 3 weeks
- ✓ Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker 6 weeks
5-Course Certificate
Save $1,280- ✓ Community Support Worker 6 weeks
- ✓ Shelter Support Worker 6 weeks
- ✓ Case Management 3 weeks
- ✓ Crisis Intervention & De-Escalation 3 weeks
- ✓ Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker 6 weeks
Prefer just this program? Enrol in Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker for $695 →
Many organizations have historically sponsored their employees for professional development programs. Please check with your employer if they can cover your fee. We can assist you with the necessary documentation and support.
If you require company approval, we offer a customizable email template that you can use to show how the program will contribute to your growth.
An invoice will be issued to you after payment. If you require any customization, our advisory team can assist you.
Our advisors are here to support you throughout the reimbursement process, whether your company covers the fee fully or partially.
Should your employer require specific information to approve your reimbursement, our advisory team is well-equipped to help you.
“I had a great experience completing this course. The content was well-structured, clear, and easy to follow. The lessons were informative and practical, helping me build a strong understanding of the subject.”
Earn a Verifiable Digital Certificate
Note: All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of York College of Applied Studies.
Receive your official digital credential
When you complete the program, you’ll receive a secure, verifiable digital certificate issued by York College of Applied Studies. Your credential can be downloaded for your records, shared directly with employers, and added to your LinkedIn and other professional profiles to showcase your achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this certificate recognized by employers in Ontario?
Can I complete this while working full-time?
Do I need previous experience in social services?
Is financial aid or payment plans available?
Can I stack this certificate toward a diploma later?
Resources for future mental health support workers
We can help you find the right path.
Tell us about your experience and interests — we’ll recommend a starting point. No pressure, no obligation.
“This course significantly enhanced my understanding of effective client interactions and de-escalating conflicts.”
— Sherene B., Shelter Support Worker Certificate ’26*This program does not require approval under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.
