Humber’s Bachelor of Social Science - Addictions and Mental Health program provides you with degree level education and the knowledge and skills required to work in this field. From a biopsychosocial perspective, our program focuses on the impact of biological, psychological, social, historical, economic and political forces on addictions and mental health and examines the opportunities for prevention, harm reduction and recovery. Students are encouraged to critically analyze systemic issues and develop and apply skills in counselling, case management, community and program development.  

Courses in the first year are part of the common platform with other degrees at Humber offered in the field of social science. In the second year of study, students immerse themselves in addictions and mental health courses that include research writing, pharmacology, Indigenous and diverse perspectives, equity and inclusion, assessment, and counselling. This solid foundation of theory and application is followed by two years of further in-depth study in trauma, ethics, advanced counselling, contemporary issues and inter-professional collaboration. Overall, the program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, leadership/management and professional practice. 

In the third year, students will enhance their theoretical and applied studies with a 420-hour field experience in a community setting with our industry partners serving different communities and in several fields of profession. Students will complete field experience hours on a full-time (summer) or part-time basis throughout the year. During this time, students will enhance their skills and apply the knowledge that they have acquired before embarking on their senior coursework.

Study Abroad options may be available through global opportunities.

Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of social service settings in positions such as mental health and addictions counsellors, outreach workers, crisis workers, case managers, and community support workers. Graduates are well positioned for additional graduate level study if they wish to progress into roles such as psychotherapists, educators, researchers or managers in the social service sector. Note that this program does not prepare graduates for any specific regulated professions such as social work or psychotherapy.