My feedback on the first course of the Mental Health Program is entirely positive. Our instructor, Annick, is professional, knowledgeable, and highly supportive. She creates an engaging and inclusive learning environment that encourages participation and critical thinking.
My classmate also contributes positively, actively engaging in discussions and problem-solving.
Farhia, Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker Certificate, 2025
The class is going well. I am really enjoying it so far. We have a wonderful instructor, very easy to work with.
Kara Bradley, Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker Certificate, 2025
The Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker Certificate Program will provide entry-level competencies for employment in the field of mental health and addictions. There is an increasing demand for mental health and addictions support workers. The Certificate program aims to prepare students to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team focusing on client treatment and rehabilitation. Graduates of the program can choose to work in a variety of settings including institutional, community and residential.
Informative articles on a career as a Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker can be found on our Ashton Insider
Please note that the practicum component must be completed in person.
The Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker Certificate is proudly accredited by the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF), which is internationally recognized as the gold standard provider in addiction credentialing both in Canada and on the international stage. Accreditation means the program meets the criteria and competencies required for both Canadian and International Certifications.Â
Graduates of the Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker Certificate will satisfy the education requirements to become a Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor (CCAC) or an International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor (ICADC). Graduates will also be able to count 120 hours from their studies towards part of their clinical supervision time required for certification. The CCAC and ICADC designation requires you as part of the process of obtaining your certification, to write and pass an exam through CACCF.
Upon completion of this program, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Brief Course Description
This course introduces students to the study of mental health, mental illnesses and substance use. A wide variety of issues will be explored including patterns of distribution, risk factors and efforts made by society to prevent and treat mental health issues
Course Prerequisites
None.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Lessons
Brief Course Description
This course introduces students to the assessment and intervention of mental illnesses. Students will look at the various treatment options available, as well as the barriers to treatment for vulnerable populations. Students will explore how to manage a mental health crisis, and the appropriate language to use when working with individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.
Course Prerequisites
None
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:Â
Lessons
Brief Course Description
This course will focus on providing support to individuals and their families who are living with both mental illness and substance use disorders. Students will gain insight into how factors like gender, sexual diversity, race and culture can influence the treatment of clients and their families.
Course Prerequisites
None
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Lessons
Brief Course Description
This course examines the concepts of the reduction of risk and harms associated with mental health and addictions. Participants will also examine how health promotion, prevention, and harm reduction have influenced mental health and addictions policies and the structure and the delivery of services to individuals, families and communities.
Course Prerequisites
None
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Lessons
Brief Course Description
This course offers students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to assist individuals in mental health and addiction settings. Emphasis will be on developing the student as a responsible practitioner as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Course Prerequisites
MHASW 01 , 02 , 03 & 04
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
View practicum guidelines and FAQs: www.ashtoncollege.ca/practicum-and-community-field-experience/
Please note: Ashton College uses a rolling admissions process for our career programs.
This means there is no fixed application deadline—applications are reviewed as they are received, and students are admitted on an ongoing basis until programs are full. We encourage you to apply early, as spots may fill quickly.
Domestic students need ONE of the following:
And you must prove the following:
International students need:
And you must prove the following:
Do you identify as a mature student?
To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
Application Requirements
Mature Students must submit ALL of the following:
Additional Requirements
You must meet all of the program-specific and non-academic requirements where listed. In some cases, you may need to complete a placement exam to determine academic readiness.
You must show your language proficiency in ONE of the following ways:
English is presumed to be the language of instruction in the following countries: American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, Seychelles, Sierre Leone, Singapore, South Africa, St Helena, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States of America, US Virgin Islands, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Approved English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores
Scores for standardized English language tests are only valid for a 24-month period from the date of testing.
Applicants should also provide the following additional documents. These additional mandatory requirements apply before commencing practicums and not at the time of admission.
Tuition fees for the program may be paid in instalments. Instalments can be reviewed here. A $300 tuition fee deposit is required upon admission for self-funding students and those without proof of funding. The tuition fee deposited will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account. Students with guaranteed funding arrangements will be exempt from paying a tuition fee deposit upon admission if they submit proof of funding before the program start date.
All formats of the program are eligible for Canada Student Loans, other forms of government funding, and bank financing. However, students are responsible for making their own funding arrangements and are advised to contact the relevant funder well in advance of the start date to make an application.
Application and tuition fees for this program are as follows:
Application fee: $40
Tuition fee: $5,400
Note: Tuition fees do not include the cost of the required textbooks. The approximate textbook fee is $280.
Ashton College does not sell textbooks directly. Students are required to purchase their textbooks through third-party vendors.
At Ashton College, we are committed to making quality education accessible to everyone. We offer various education loans, grants, and other financial options to help fund your education.
Government loans and grants are available for eligible full-time and part-time online programs. Additionally, private financial institutions like banks provide financial assistance specifically for students.
For more details, visit our Financial Assistance page
Technical Requirements:
Computer System:Â Fully functional computer with webcam, speakers, and microphone (headset recommended).
Internet Connection:Â Reliable high-speed internet connection.
Device: While accessible on smartphones and tablets, we recommend using a laptop or desktop computer for a better learning experience.
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the British Columbia Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.