Concurrent Disorders
252
Overview
Addiction and mental health problems on their own present challenges for many individuals, families and communities. It is common for people to experience both problems at the same time. Service providers have struggled with questions related to how to treat these co-occurring disorders effectively and compassionately.
This 8-month program is designed with care to help both new and experienced helping professionals understand the complex ways that addictions and mental health affect a variety of people. Additionally, the program focuses on best practices, integrated treatment models, and a person-centered approach to mental wellness and health.
Program Highlights
- Building on your previous academic work, you will incorporate specialized knowledge and skills to provide support to individuals with co-occurring addictions and mental health issues.
- You will learn through a variety of activities including simulated counselling and group sessions, as well as multiple other experiential learning activities.
- The program includes several weeks of supervised field placement in relevant community services with opportunities to gain work experience and network with professionals.
- Faculty in this program are dedicated and experienced professionals from a variety of academic backgrounds with real-world frontline experience in addictions and mental health.
- Students in this program already have previous post-secondary education and come from a variety of professional backgrounds. This creates a great learning dynamic that integrates multiple professional perspectives.
What you'll learn
- Develop an understanding of how addiction and mental illness impact individuals, families and communities.
- Understand how addictions and mental health can be treated through an integrated approach, and how agencies can support this.
- Gain an understanding of treatment planning and case management for co-occurring disorders.
- Engage in simulation exercises that build self-awareness and communication skills.
- Practice and understand professional skills related to the field and self-care activities to prevent burnout and improve personal outcomes.
- Develop knowledge of the social determinants of health.
- Work directly with community organizations through field placement opportunities.
Program Length
1 academic year (period of 8 months)
- Fall semester, in class for 4 months
- Winter semester, in class for 2 months, followed by field placement in-person and unpaid for 2 months
Course Overview & Descriptions
Click on the course title for a course description.
Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes, often referred to as ‘Program Standards', set out the essential learning that a student must achieve before being deemed ready to graduate.
In many cases these program learning outcomes were developed by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) in consultation with employers and educators who are experts in the program field. To ensure the outcomes remain current and in line with industry needs, we invite our employers, graduates working in the field and current students to re-examine and update them during regular, ongoing program review focus groups.
Admission
Domestic and International student admission requirements
- Minimum two-year College diploma or University degree
- Preference given to applicants with a diploma or degree in Human Services
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English.
Language Requirements for Applicants with English as a Second Language
- See below for accepted equivalents for Grade 12 English:
- Successful completion of the GAS-English for Academic Purposes (478) program
- TOEFL minimum score of 560 (83 Internet based)
- or IELTS Academic minimum score of 6.5 overall with no band less than 6.0
- or Duolingo - 115-120 (no band below 105)
- More information about acceptable certificates, can be found on the International Admission Requirements
Tuition and Fees
2026 - 2027 Domestic Tuition and Fees
| Description | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Ancillary Fees | $872.53 | $825.36 |
| Co-op Fees | N/A | N/A |
| Compulsory Program Fees | $136.00 | $0.00 |
| Domestic Tuition | $2,324.53 | $2,324.53 |
| Total Domestic Charges Per Semester | $3,333.06 | $3,149.89 |
| Total 1st Year Fees | $6,482.95 | |
Above fees based on full-time September program start date. Contact Student Services to confirm fees for other start dates or semesters.
- Full Cost Breakdown
- Explore payment options
- Book costs for your program can be found through the Campus Store
- If your program includes a clinical, practicum, or field placement, you may be required to complete Preplacement Non-Academic Requirements (NARs). Full details will be provided in your classes. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks). More information can be found on the Preplacement Services webpage.
- You may also be required to purchase additional items such as uniforms, field trips and/or various training/certification opportunities. Full details will be provided in your classes. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks).
2026 - 2027 International Tuition and Fees
| Description | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Tuition & Ancillary Fees | $9,725.00 | $9,725.00 |
| Co-op Fees | N/A | N/A |
| Program Compulsory Fees | $136.00 | $0.00 |
| International Tax Recovery | $450.00 | $375.00 |
| Total International Charges Per Semester | $10,311.00 | $10,100.00 |
| Total 1st Year Fees | $20,411.00 | |
If you pay by wire transfer, please note your bank might charge you a fee to transfer money. Make sure your transfer includes the Mohawk payment and the wire transfer fee. This applies to each wire transfer payment you make.
- Explore payment options
- Book costs for your program can be found through the Campus Store
- If your program includes a clinical, practicum, or field placement, you may be required to complete Preplacement Non-Academic Requirements (NARs). Full details will be provided in your classes. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks). More information can be found on the Preplacement Services webpage.
- You may also be required to purchase additional items such as uniforms, field trips and/or various training/certification opportunities. Full details will be provided in your classes. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks).
Additional Information
Financial Assistance
When it comes to paying for your education, investing in your future can be more affordable than you think. A Mohawk education is one of the most cost-effective means of acquiring the skills and knowledge you need to have a prosperous and rewarding career.
As you start on your chosen career path, it's important to have a realistic set of expectations regarding the expenses associated with attending college. In addition to your tuition fees, you will also need to budget for books, supplies, housing, and other related living expenses. You may be able to supplement your income and savings with scholarships, bursaries, or loans. It pays to do some research into what types of financial assistance you may qualify for.
Available Financial Assistance Resources:
OSAP Eligible. Learn about Ontario Student Assistance Program - OSAP (domestic students only)- Additional Sources of Funding
- Financial Assistance Home Page
Apply for Awards:
By submitting a Scholarships and Bursaries Application every semester, students have access to over $3 million in Mohawk College scholarships, bursaries and Ministry-partnered funding to help meet their financial needs.
Financial Literacy:
Whether saving for school, sticking to a budget, or planning for a major purchase, financial literacy affects us all. That's why Mohawk College is dedicated to helping students improve their financial literacy and become more confident in managing their money.
- Complete the free online Money Matters Module to earn Co-Curricular Credit!
- Financial Resources and Calculators
Experiential Learning
How you'll gain skills
- Completing field placements in a variety of community organizations.
- Explore academic content through field trips and site visits.
- Experience interactive simulations to further develop course concepts.
To learn more, please visit the Centre for Experiential Learning.
Field Placements
- Students will complete field placements in a variety of community organizations throughout Ontario.
- Field placements may occur at locations that are not accessible by public transit. As such, students shall be expected to either have access to a car or the ability to supply their own transportation when attending field placement activity. Mohawk shall not be responsible for providing students with transportation to clinical placements within or outside the Hamilton region
- Registered students who have been convicted of an offence under the criminal code for which they have not been pardoned may be denied the opportunity to enter field placement
- Students may be required to complete various Immunizations and Disease Screening protocols required by some field placement agencies
- Students are expected to be available to complete approximately 30 hours per week of field placement in March and April
Become an Agency
If you would like to become an Agency that takes students on placement from Mohawk College's Social Services & Justice Studies programs, please visit the Community Services Field Placements page.
Educational Pathways
Pathways to Mohawk College
If you've successfully taken a course at another post-secondary institution, you may be able to earn course exemptions toward your credential here at Mohawk College. In addition, prior learning you have achieved through work or other life experiences, outside of formal educational courses, may count towards your program through Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR).
If you have successfully completed one of the following programs at Mohawk, you may be eligible to receive transfer credit in this program. To start a new program at Mohawk, you must apply via ontariocolleges.ca.
Transfer from
You can transfer to the Concurrent Disorders - 252 from the following programs:
Autism and Behavioural Science
-
164
Brain Disorders Management
-
470
Child and Youth Care
-
612
Educational Support
-
747
Early Childhood Education
-
213
Mental Health and Disability Management
-
475
Recreation Therapy
-
283
Recreation Therapy (Intensive)
-
963
Social Service Worker
-
215
Receiving Program
Concurrent Disorders
-
252
Mohawk College makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of each transfer opportunity. Please note that changes may occur in program offerings, admission requirements, and transfer credits granted by the receiving institutions. We advise all students to check with the receiving institution directly for the most up-to-date information.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Search ONTransfer.ca for more pathways with Ontario public colleges and universities.
Mohawk College makes no warranty or endorsement of material contained within links to external websites, nor does the College assume any responsibility for the linked website or its contents.
Additional Information
Applicants should note that some employment opportunities require that certain physical standards must be met as a condition of employment.
Career Opportunities
Your future career options
- Case Manager
- Mental Health Worker
- Community Worker
- Addiction Worker
Where you could work includes:
- Community Agencies
- Day Programs
- Detoxification Units
- Residential Treatment
- Mental Health Services
- Addiction Services
- Shelters
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This program allowed me to develop and utilize a deeper understanding of how mental health and addictions often coincide with one another, providing me the ability to effectively aid individuals on a more personable level.
This has been valuable throughout my career. I was able to develop skills in assessment and treatment, allowing for more meaningful relationships with clients. This certification enabled me to feel more confident stepping into a professional helping role, working with vulnerable populations.
Brittney van Leeuwen - 2021 Graduate
Service Coordinator, Family and Income Stability Department, City of Brantford
Ready to apply?
If you are a Domestic or Canadian applicant, you can apply through the Ontario College Application System.
You are considered a Domestic applicant if you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident that resides inside or outside of Canada.
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Program Coordinator
Marc Laferriere
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