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Get the Skills to Become a Mental Health Support Worker

Mental Health Specialist speaking with a young client.
Mental Health Support Workers play an important role in many people’s recovery process

15-Week* Mental Health Support Worker Training Program in British Columbia

Mental Health Support Workers provide a necessary support system for individuals recovering from various disorders. By forming a relationship built on trust, professionals in this field provide the support, resources, and guidance that patients can utilize on their road to recovery.

If you’re a caring, compassionate person with a strong desire to help others, Cambria College’s Mental Health Support Worker program could be an excellent opportunity for you.

The best way to see if Cambria College is the right fit for you is to come in and visit the school. You can tour our facilities, and meet with both students and instructors. Book an Appointment Now or Get more info.

Mental Health Program Overview

15-Week* Diploma | $52,140 median annual salary**

  • Expected Job Openings in BC (2023-2033): 14,930**
  • Graduates hired by mental health agencies, group homes & overnight shelters
  • Advance into Social Work, Counselling, Addictions Support and much more!


**https://www.workbc.ca/career-profiles/social-and-community-service-workers visited on May 30, 2024. Salary source for social and community service workers in British Columbia with lowest 10% earning $40,684 to the highest 10% of workers earning $65,000.

Training to Become a Qualified Mental Health Support Worker

This diploma program prepares you to effectively manage the administrative and implementation responsibilities of a wide variety of mental health programs and services for individuals. This program is intended for people who are looking for a career in mental health support work, assisting people with personal and social issues.

This program is eligible for up to $3,000 in scholarships.

Is a Career as a Mental Health Support Worker Right for You? Take the Cambria College “Mental Health Support Worker Career Training Readiness Quiz”

This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get Your Mental Health Support Worker Career Training Readiness Score Now >>

Course Breakdown
Course No.Course NameHours
MHCSW100Child & Youth Mental Health80
MHCSW101Trauma & Attachment80
MHCSW102Homelessness & Mental Health60
MHCSW103Indigenous Approaches to Mental Wellness60
MHCSW104Canada’s Mental Health System20
Total300 

Program Duration

Total Program Hours300
Total Program Weeks15*

Admissions Requirements

  1. High School Graduate or equivalent OR mature student status (19 years or older prior to starting the program)
  2. Meet one of the following English Language Proficiency requirements:
    • Minimum Grade 10 English (Domestic Students)
    • For English as second language students; Overall IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.
    • Pass the College’s English Admission test.
  3. Clear Criminal Record Check Completion under the Criminal Record Review Program (CRRP)
  4. Complete ‘Student Declaration’ form.
  5. 6 months work experience in the social services OR completion of the Social Service Community Support Worker program or equivalent.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be able to:

  • Identify and critically reflect on mental health problems of children and youth
  • Discuss the impact that traumatic events and inadequate or disrupted attachment have on mental well-being.
  • Outline the complex inter-relationship of homelessness and mental health problems in Canada.
  • Describe and critically reflect on the contemporary mental health care systems in Canada
  • Discuss various Indigenous perspectives of healing and develop discernment and good judgement in supporting clients who want that perspective reflected in their overall health and wellness goals.

Program Fees

Domestic Students: 

  • Application Fee: $250
  • Assessment Fee: $100
  • Tuition: $3,975
  • Textbooks: $495
  • Others: $50

Total: $4,870

International Students: 

  • Application Fee: $500
  • Assessment Fee: $250
  • Tuition: $5,175
  • Textbooks: $495
  • Others: $50

Total: $6,470

Career Opportunities in Mental Health

Upon completion of this program, students will seek career opportunities as:

  • Family social service worker
  • Community mental health worker
  • Resident support worker
  • Addiction and counselling support worker
  • Women shelter worker

Designed to prepare graduates for NOC 4212.

This program is approved by the Private Training Institution Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

Rewarding Career as a Mental Health Specialist

If you’re interested in learning more about a career as a Mental Health Support Worker and exploring whether Cambria College is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.

For immediate questions, call your nearest Cambria College location today.

Richmond: (604) 242-4000
Surrey: (604) 416-5522
Vancouver: (604) 428-7500
Victoria: (778) 265-7547

*Program length when completed in normal time