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
Campus
Delivery
FlexibleDuration
8 Semesters (4 Years)Study Option
Full-timeCredential
Honours Bachelor DegreeSchool
School of Community ServicesAbout 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.
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
Mandatory Work Term
This program includes a mandatory work term to provide you with valuable hands-on experience in your field of study. A mandatory work term is similar in length to an academic semester and typically involves full-time work hours that may be paid or unpaid. It is typically completed between two academic semesters and requires a minimum of 420 hours of work experience. Students must be in good standing and meet all identified requirements prior to participating in the work experience. Successful completion of the work term(s) is required for graduation.
The work term search is student-driven and participation does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. However, students will receive guidance and support through in-class career workshops and one-on-one coaching to help prepare for the work term. Additional fees are required for programs with a mandatory work term, regardless of success in securing a work position. For more information, see fee details.
Program Availability
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2026 | King | Open |
Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2026 | King | Open |
Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
This program meets Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requirements.
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's flexible delivery format, with some courses delivered online. In courses delivered in the flexible format, using interactive learning spaces, professors teach in person to students in a physical classroom or lab and stream to students online at the same time. Students have a choice of coming to campus for an in-person experience or learning online.
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
International students applying for a PGWP: If you are in a flexible delivery course, you must attend in person as the option to attend online does not apply to you based on IRCC policy. Studying online will impact your PGWP eligibility. Please review the in-person requirements related to PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.
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.
The Seneca Polytechnic Difference
This is where university meets college. Where theory meets practice. Where ambition meets flexibility.
Experiential Learning
Graduate career ready and world ready. This program has a mandatory work term to help you hone essential skills for the workplace.
Renewable Scholarships
You may qualify for a renewable scholarship and receive up to $1,000 per year when you study in any degree program.
Prior Experience
Earn credit for previous studies, work experience or training through Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition and transfer credits.
Advanced Placement
Graduates of a diploma program may be eligible to complete this degree faster through one of our pathway options.
What Our Graduates Say
Harmony Adzido
Graduate, Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction and Social Service Worker – Immigrants and Refugees
"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.”
Alex Pley
Graduate, Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health and Social Service Worker
"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.”
Suzanne Ross
Fourth Year Student, 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.”
Kait Stamcos
Graduate, Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction
"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.”