Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
- Mental health and addiction counsellor
- Mental health and addiction case manager
- Crisis intervention worker
- Harm reduction worker
- Residential counsellor
Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction (BMHA)
Formerly known as Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health
Starts in September
Campus
Duration
8 Semesters (4 Years)Credential Awarded
Honours Bachelor DegreeSchool
School of Community ServicesProgram and course delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
About the Program
The Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction (BMHA) degree offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing mental health and addiction issues. This program prioritizes effective interventions and support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
You will learn evidence-based therapeutic interventions designed to support individuals, families and communities with mental health and addiction issues. With a focus on recovery-oriented mental health services, the BMHA curriculum equips you to analyze how these interventions benefit individuals and families. You will delve into trauma-informed practices, develop case management skills and master effective communication and counselling techniques. Guided by the biopsychosocial frameworks and rooted within the social determinants of health, these practical skills will prepare you to assess and address the diverse needs of our communities.
Advanced Entry
Graduates of a diploma program may be eligible to complete this degree faster through one of our pathway options.
Skills
- Trauma-informed counselling
- Case management skills and interventions
- Critical thinking skills to assess, implement and evaluate a variety of mental health and addiction interventions designed to support an individual or family’s journey of recovery
- Offering mental health and addiction education that reflects the diversity of our communities
- Conducting research and evaluation related to health, mental health and addiction, including completion of a capstone project
Work Experience
As a student in this program, you will complete a 420-hour unpaid field placement between semesters six and seven. During this field placement, you can apply the skills and knowledge you have gained in the classroom directly into real-world practice. Students can inquire about specific placement opportunities within their geographical location and/or connect with their Work-Integrated Learning Coordinator for support to secure a practicum. We encourage students to plan ahead and come prepared with ideas on where you would like to secure your placement in order to ensure a successful match. Please note that prior to field placement, you must obtain a Police Vulnerable Sector Check. Refer to admission requirements for details.
Your Career
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
Professional Accreditation
The BMHA program is an approved formal education provider with the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF). This gold-standard certification provides graduates with the opportunity to become a Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor.
Graduates may apply for their entry-level Associate Addictions Counselor (AAC) endorsement with proof of completed degree, referral letter from their Field Supervisor (obtained during Work Integrated Learning experience), signed cannon of CACCF code of ethics and payment of certification fee. Once graduates have obtained their AAC, they will receive the support of the CACCF to complete the educational and work requirements to obtain full certification.
Renewable Scholarship
Receive up to $1,000 per year when you study in any degree program.
Success Stories
"I decided to pursue the Social Service Worker program at Seneca because I wasn’t exactly sure which avenue of education to go down. After some research, I found that social work was the ideal discipline to dive into more niche areas of study. The Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health degree program was much more intensive, but my diploma program provided me with the educational foundation that I required.”
Alex Pley
Graduate, Social Service Worker & Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health
"The BMHA program provided an exceptional education, crucial support and flexibility, allowing me to balance my studies with a busy schedule. I embraced the BMHA program's holistic and interdisciplinary approach to mental health and addiction, gaining the essential skills and knowledge needed for this field. I plan to continue my community work and explore private practice opportunities.”
Kait Stamcos
Graduate, Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction
"I am a very proud two-time Seneca Polytechnic alumna. My experience navigating through each credential has left me feeling empowered and competent. I am continuously inspired by the fieldwork and vast experience of my professors. Each of them took the time to share their experiential learnings with me. I felt heard, included, and validated in all my courses. I was given space to ask questions and respectfully challenge what we were learning. The co-learning environment welcomed all ideas and perspectives.”
Harmony Adzido
Graduate, Social Service Worker – Immigrants and Refugees and Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction
"I chose to study at Seneca because this was the only school in Canada that offered a program with the specific intersection of front-line social service work with larger aspects of society and governance. Seneca is also known for embracing students at different phases of life. As a mature student I think the faculty and staff have been wonderful in creating an open and welcoming environment for learning. Plus, the campus was conveniently located.”
Suzanne Ross
Fourth Year Student, Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction