Addictions and Mental Health
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
3 Semesters / 1 Year
School of Community Services
Key Details
Program Start Dates
September 2025
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Program Duration
4 Semesters / 2 YearsProgram Contacts
Cynthia Booth
Program Co-Coordinator
cynthia.booth@cambriancollege.ca
International Admissions
mailboxadmissions@cambriancollege.ca
School of Public Safety
cips@cambriancollege.ca
Program Overview
Are you passionate about a career in community and justice services?
This immersive program starts with an off-campus two-night, three-day field experience into Indigenous ways of knowing. In a remote location with rustic accommodations, your faculty introduces critical vocational skills and education founded on Indigenous land-based teachings from Cambrian’s Wabnode Centre, while focusing on building community and perspective-taking on promoting rehabilitation for persons in conflict with the law.
Go beyond the textbook in our scenario room, complete with cell blocks. Explore correctional theory and practices taught by specialists. You’ll examine issues related to addiction and mental health, group dynamics, behaviour management, and inclusive practices. You’ll enter the field with confidence in your analytical reasoning, tactical communication, and motivational interviewing skills honed through scenario-based applications preparing you for the realities of the field.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- 14-week placement (350 hours)
- Hands-on training in safety and security, motivational interviewing, observation, and reporting writing in the College’s scenario room that features three cells and updated technology to practice your skills in a realistic environment
- Tours of a youth centre, a federal minimum and medium-security penitentiary, and a provincial jail (vulnerable sectors police clearance required)
- Guest experts from federal, provincial, and community justice services; victim services; and advocacy agencies
- Specialized training within emerging issues and certification for:
- Self-defense training
- Non-violent crisis intervention (NVCPI)
- Suicide Alertness (safeTALK)
- Suicide intervention (ASIST)
- Situational Awareness Specialist Certificate
- Interprofessional Collaborative Practices
- Option to earn a second diploma in another public safety program in just one year when you graduate
Grounded in Indigenous teachings
Grounded in Indigenous teachings, this immersive experience, facilitated by the Community and Justice Services Program in collaboration with Cambrian College Wabnode Centre, is a 3 day 2 night trip into the wilds of Northern Ontario to learn about building community, perspective-taking, while grounded in the grandfather teachings.
Admissions
Admission requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
-
Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
International Student Admissions
Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.
Learn moreAdditional admission requirements
All students are required to produce a criminal records check for vulnerable sectors to attend institutional tours and participate in select volunteer experiences. It is strongly recommended that students obtain this prior to registration. An additional criminal reference check is required for fourth semester placement where some placements will require an enhanced criminal records check that may take between six to eight weeks. Placements may also require Standard First Aid, CPR Level C and/or proof of immunization.
Recommendations
- Any law class
- Computer competency in relevant software
Academic Upgrading
Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!
Program delivery
Program delivery
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Fall 2025
- Semester 3: Fall 2025
- Semester 4: Fall 2025
Program of Study
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CWP 1210 | Penology | 3 |
| CWP 2310 | Community Corrections | 3 |
| LAW 1010 | Canadian Criminal Justice | 3 |
| SOC 1153 | Social Consciousness | 3 |
| PSY 1010 | Principles of Psychology | 3 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| One General Education Course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CWP 1006 | Youth Justice | 3 |
| CWP 1012 | Inclusive Practices I | 3 |
| CWP 1211 | Law For Correctional Workers | 3 |
| PSY 1004 | Trauma and Mental Health | 3 |
| SOC 1210 | Introduction To Criminology | 3 |
| PSY 1013 | Crisis Communication | 3 |
| ENG 1008 | Communication for Public Safe | 3 |
| One General Education courses. | 3 | |
| Credits | 24 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| CWP 1007 | Inclusive Practices II | 2 |
| CWP 1010 | Field Seminar I | 3 |
| CWP 2311 | Program Assessment & Planning | 3 |
| CWP 2340 | Correctional Casework | 3 |
| CWP 2350 | Safety & Security | 3 |
| CWP 2450 | Observation and Report Writing | 3 |
| FIT 1020 | Justice Fitness Fundamentals | 3 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| CWP 1014 | Field Placement | 14 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 82 | |
- 1
-
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition Cost
Important Notice
Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.
Tuition and ancillary fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.
College may be more affordable than you think!
Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!
Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!
Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Take your education beyond the classroom!
Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.
Learn more about previous opportunities in this program!
Sudbury jail – As part of this Community and Justice Services placement, students got to work within a provincial facility that houses 138 adult males held in remanded custody or serving sentences of less than 2 years.
Note: This program includes a 14-week placement experience in the final semester where students are involved in an unpaid fieldwork experience for 350 hours. Where possible, the location of placement will correspond to the student’s preferred choice of vocation. Field placement is restricted to students who have successfully completed or are completing all required courses.
Field of Study
School of Public Safety
Commit to serve and protect by joining Cambrian’s School of Public Safety. Taught by seasoned veterans, you’ll get the training and credentials you need to become a powerful force for good. From enforcement and protection to rehabilitation and reintegration, our immersive programs focus on upholding human rights, protecting marginalized groups, and ensuring the safety and security of property and community.
Specific program pathway
Graduates of Police Foundations Programs are eligible to complete the program in a compressed schedule using transferable credits. Students can successfully meet the requirements within one year while still gaining a placement experience of 260-280 hours. Please consult the Enrolment Centre for the exact tuition fees for this option as it can result in additional fees.
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information.
Career Outcomes
Need a career coach?
Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!
See where you'll be learning!
Minimum technology requirements
Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Webcam and headset
- Personal computer
- Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 operating system
- Web browser: Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer 10 or higher
- Apple Mac
- OS X operating system
- Web browser: Firefox or Safari
You’ll be accessing industry-standard software as part of your program. Your program coordinator and IT will set you up with access on your computer or within our campus labs. If you have any questions about these technology requirements, please email info@cambriancollege.ca or call (705) 566-8101, ext. 7303.
System requirements for assistive technology
To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended storage for assistive technology: 8 GB of available hard drive of solid state drive space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended audio: Speakers or headphones for text-to-speech and microphone for speech input.
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!
Ready to take the first step?
Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!
Have Questions? We are here to help.
If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!
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