Program

Mental Health and Addiction

Program Type

Diploma

Duration

2 Years

Total Credits

120 Credits

Mode of Study

Full Time

Join the Program

Develop the skills to support individuals and communities with addiction and mental health challenges. Start your journey toward making a meaningful impact today!

Program Overview

Explore the details

This diploma program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of mental health and addiction issues. It equips them with the knowledge and skills to work in various mental health settings, focusing on prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Year 1

Semester 1

Introduction to Mental Health and Wellbeing (3 Credits)
  • Understanding Mental Health Concepts
  • Mental Health Models and Theories
  • Emotional and Psychological Wellbeing
  • Global Mental Health Challenges
Psychopathology I (3 Credits)
  • Introduction to Mental Disorders (Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, etc.)
  • Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5, ICD-10)
  • Impact on Individuals and Families
  • Stigma and Discrimination in Mental Health
Addiction Studies I (3 Credits)
  • Definition and Types of Addiction
  • Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)
  • Behavioral Addictions (Gambling, Internet Use, etc.)
  • Impact on Health and Society
Introduction to Psychology (3 Credits)
  • History of Psychology
  • Biological, Cognitive, and Behavioral Perspectives
  • Personality Theories
  • Developmental Psychology
Counseling Skills and Techniques I (3 Credits)
  • Basic Principles of Counseling
  • Developing Empathy, Active Listening, and Rapport
  • Techniques in Individual Counseling
  • Ethical Issues in Counseling

Semester 2

Psychopathology II (3 Credits)
  • Schizophrenia, Personality Disorders, and PTSD
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Autism, ADHD)
  • Co-occurring Disorders
  • Cultural Perspectives in Mental Health Diagnosis
Addiction Studies II (3 Credits)
  • Neurobiology of Addiction
  • Theories of Addiction (Biopsychosocial, Cognitive Behavioral)
  • Drug Policies and Legal Frameworks
  • Harm Reduction Approaches
Introduction to Psychopharmacology (3 Credits)
  • Psychotropic Medications
  • Pharmacological Treatments for Mental Illness
  • Substance Withdrawal and Detoxification
  • Ethical Considerations in Medication Management
Introduction to Social Work (3 Credits)
  • Principles and Practices of Social Work
  • Social Work and Mental Health
  • Case Management Skills
  • Working with Families and Communities
Counseling Skills and Techniques II (3 Credits)
  • Advanced Counseling Skills
  • Group Counseling Techniques
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Crisis Intervention

Year 2

Semester 3

Mental Health Assessment and Diagnosis (3 Credits)
  • Conducting Mental Health Assessments
  • Use of DSM-5 and ICD-10 in Clinical Settings
  • Risk Assessment in Mental Health
  • Clinical Interviewing Skills
Interventions in Mental Health and Addiction (3 Credits)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Relapse Prevention and Recovery Models
  • Trauma-Informed Care
Public Health and Mental Health (3 Credits)
  • Mental Health Promotion and Prevention
  • Global Mental Health Initiatives
  • Public Health Policies for Addiction
  • Community-Based Approaches to Mental Health
Cultural and Ethical Issues in Mental Health (3 Credits)
  • Cultural Competency in Mental Health Services
  • Ethical Dilemmas in Addiction Treatment
  • Rights and Advocacy for Mental Health Patients
  • Legal Framework for Mental Health Services
Research Methods in Mental Health (3 Credits)
  • Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods
  • Data Collection and Analysis Techniques
  • Ethics in Research
  • Writing Research Proposals

Semester 4

Mental Health Policy and Advocacy (3 Credits)
  • Overview of Mental Health Legislation
  • Advocacy for Mental Health Rights
  • Mental Health in Low-Income Countries
  • The Role of NGOs in Mental Health
Addiction Counseling and Rehabilitation (3 Credits)
  • Principles of Addiction Counseling
  • Rehabilitation and Reintegration
  • Counseling Families of Addicted Individuals
  • Aftercare Programs and Support Systems
Special Populations in Mental Health (3 Credits)
  • Children and Adolescents in Mental Health
  • Geriatric Mental Health
  • Mental Health in Conflict Zones
  • Women and Mental Health
Internship/Fieldwork in Mental Health and Addiction (6 Credits)
  • Placement in Mental Health and Addiction Facilities
  • Supervised Practical Experience
  • Reflection and Reporting on Fieldwork
  • Final Internship Presentation
Capstone Project (3 Credits)
  • Design and Implementation of a Mental Health or Addiction Project
  • Research or Community Intervention
  • Written Thesis and Oral Presentation

Prospective Employment or Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program qualify for employment in various organizations, including community mental health and addiction services, residential treatment centers, youth and family services, housing services, and crisis response services.

Career Opportunities
  • Community Support Worker
  • Housing Worker
  • Case Manager
  • Crisis Worker
  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Addictions Counselor