Mental Health for Healthcare Workers
Certificate of Accomplishment | MHHW
Supported in full by The Barrett Family Foundation
This asynchronous online program is tailored for health-care providers who aspire to deepen their expertise in mental health care.
The curriculum offers a comprehensive foundation in mental health addressing key areas such as prevalent mental health disorders, psychopharmacology, and therapeutic interventions. It emphasizes cultural humility, evidence-based practices, and wise care approaches for individuals, families, and communities. Areas of focus include building therapeutic relationships, conducting comprehensive risk assessments, trauma-informed care, crisis and safety management, and inter-professional collaboration to deliver holistic mental health services.
The program provides opportunities to refine and enhance skills in navigating complex health-care systems, fostering client recovery and resilience while adhering to the highest ethical standards.
Note: This program is aligned with the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing competencies and may assist nurses in preparing for the Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing certification, while also enhancing their skills to support client well-being.
Why Choose This Program?
This program is ideal for professionals who want to:
- Deepen their understanding of mental health and wellness
- Improve therapeutic communication and crisis management skills
- Promote resilience and recovery in clients and communities
- Meet professional development or certification goals
Admission Requirements:
To apply, you must meet the following:
Applicants must meet one of the following academic qualifications in Ontario that meets the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities Program Standards:
- A Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Degree
- A Personal Support Worker (PSW) diploma/certificate
AND provide one of the following:
- Proof of current registration as a regulated health professional (e.g., CNO Entitled to Practice Confirmation).
-
A signed employment letter confirming health or community work experience in Ontario within the past five years.
- Eligible roles include Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses, Personal Support Workers, Social Workers, Paramedics, and Social Services (e.g. Addiction Counsellors, Behavioural Therapists, Development Support Workers, Youth and Shelter Workers
How to Apply
To apply to this certificate, please select Next Steps below.
Next StepsCurriculum
Quick-Look Availability Scheduler
Use the Quick-Look Availability Scheduler to see available courses in a calendar view and plan towards achieving your certificate.
Loading...| Course Name | 2026/2027 Academic Year | 2027/2028 Academic Year | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar |
| MHHW 101: Mental Health Disorders: Exploring Pathology Across the Lifespan | |||||||||||||||
| MHHW 102: Mental Health Disorders: Assessment, Crisis Intervention and Therapeutic Pharmacology | |||||||||||||||
| MHHW 103: Ethics and Legislation in Mental Health | |||||||||||||||
| MHHW 104: Therapeutic Relationships & Modalities | |||||||||||||||
| MHHW 105: Navigating Complexities in Mental Health Care | |||||||||||||||
| MHHW 106: Integrative Roles in Mental Health: Collaboration, Advocacy, and Self-Care | |||||||||||||||
Fees
The tuition is supported in full by The Barrett Family Foundation. A registration fee of $30 + HST per course applies.
Compulsory Courses
Examine the pathology, etiology and presentation of major mental health disorders—including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, personality disorders, neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive disorders, and substance use disorders—across the lifespan. Explore how these conditions manifest at different life stages, focusing on the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and classifications tailored to each developmental phase.
This course is delivered fully online.
Examine wellness assessment methodologies, crisis intervention strategies, and pharmacological treatments for mental health disorders. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of action, therapeutic applications, potential side effects, and critical considerations for various medications, while also integrating assessment, crisis intervention, and pharmacological approaches with other treatment modalities.
This course is delivered fully online.
Explore ethical and legal frameworks that guide mental health practice. Topics include key legislation such as the Mental Health Act, informed consent, substitute decision-making, capacity boards, accountability, and negligence. Engage with relevant Codes of Ethics, theoretical perspectives on ethics, and models for ethical decision-making in relation to client care.
This course is delivered fully online.
Delve into essential therapeutic approaches, client connections and communication strategies in mental health care. Topics include common
psychotherapies such as CBT, DBT and psychoanalysis, as well as humanistic approaches like person-centered and solution-focused therapy.
Highlighting holistic therapies—including mindfulness and art therapy—there is an emphasis on practical application and personal reflection, offering
tools needed to effectively support clients on their mental health journeys.
This course is delivered fully online.
violence and abuse, forensic nursing, dual diagnoses, and the intricacies of concurrent disorders. Additionally, address the processes of grief and
bereavement, emphasizing their significant impact on clients' mental health.
impact of an anti-oppressive framework on practice emphasizing diversity, equity and inclusion in mental health care while addressing the significant
challenges faced by health-care professionals and their clients. Explore how social determinants of health influence mental wellness and the
implications of policy and systemic factors on care delivery. Additionally, address issues related to burnout and vicarious trauma, equipping yourself
with self-care techniques to promote resilience and well-being.
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