# Mental Health and Substance Use Certificate

Earn your Selkirk College credential through a unique educational partnership with Northern Lights College. While the program is delivered jointly by both institutions, students graduate with an official Mental Health and Substance Use Certificate issued by Selkirk College.

The program is delivered through a partnership between Selkirk College and Northern Lights College using a blend of online theory courses and one practicum. During the first 14 weeks of the program, students complete six online theory courses that are delivered in a blended format (asynchronous and synchronous), followed by an in-person practicum over 5-6 weeks in your home community and place of hire. There are flexible study options to help you make it work. 

Career Prospects

This comprehensive program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and ethical foundations necessary for working in the multidisciplinary field of mental health and substance use support. It integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications to prepare students for diverse roles within the health care and social services sectors, with a focus on the specific needs of clients experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.

Details

Intakes

LocationStartingTypeOnline theory, with a final in-person practicum in home community (when possible)January 2027Cohort 

Length

This is a 6-month program.

Estimated Program Fees

Fees for this program are set by Selkirk College.  See Tuition&Fees.

Still have questions?

Contact:

info@nlc.bc.ca if you are a domestic student

info@international.nlc.bc.ca if you are an international student

healthscienceoffice@nlc.bc.ca if you are currently an NLC student

Admission Requirements

Please see Selkirk College Program Admission Requirements

Important Notes

ALL students must have a current criminal record check from the Ministry of Justice completed within 90 days of practicum start date. Some types of criminal records may limit or prohibit acceptance in field placement; acceptance into field placement is a requirement for program promotion. Please see the NLC website for completion instructions and more information pertaining to Criminal Records Checks.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate compliance with Public Health Officer's orders with respect to applicable vaccine requirements (must have completed before practicum if the practice area requires it).

Program Requirements

Program requirements provided here are abridged from Selkirk College. 

Module One

Selkirk College ADD 384

Selkirk College HSER 257

Selkirk College HSER 258

Module Two

Selkirk College SSW 157

Selkirk College HSER 255

Selkirk College HSER 259

Module Three Practicum

MHSU 168 Field Work II

Credential

None