Health & Community Studies

Mental Health & Wellness

NOC-4212

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Program Description

The Mental Health and Wellness Diploma program is a full-time program delivered at SIIT’s Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert Campuses and select community locations. In the classroom, counselling lab, and field placement settings, students will learn and apply Indigenous and Western-based holistic approaches to healing and addiction counselling. The program utilizes a lifespan approach that includes youth, adults and older adults.

Addiction and recovery models will be examined as a process for working with self, clients, and communities. The first year of this program focuses on internal work, becoming familiar with the role of a mental health and wellness provider, and developing skills in professional practice. In the second year of the program, skills are refined in the practice of counselling. This approach helps students to develop professionally and enhances one’s sense of self. The work that it takes students to achieve this level of awareness may be challenging. However, the environment of community and healing created in this program supports students to excel as professionals in their chosen field.

Admission Requirements

Z

Academic Requirements

  • Completed one of the following: any regular Grade 12, Adult 12, or GED.
Z

Non-Academic Requirements

  • Must submit two character reference forms that indicate the applicant has refrained from the use of drugs and alcohol for at least two years prior to the program start date.
  • Must submit a statement of intent – guiding questions will be provided
  • Students in the program are expected to maintain a positive and healthy lifestyle and be professionally strong in the field.

Note: Accepted applicants will be asked to submit a Criminal Record Check (CRC) and Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) prior to the program start date. 

Acceptance Policy

Strong preference is given to applicants who are Status First Nations, but SIIT programs are open to anyone.

English Language Benchmark

SIIT is not currently legislated to accept International Students. You must be a Canadian/ Permanent Resident to apply.

To be admitted into this program you must be able to understand and communicate in English (Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment of six – CLB6).

Courses

Year 1 Semester 1

Code Course Title Hours Grade
ENGL 100 Writing for Academic Success 45 3
MHPP 110 Mental Health and Wellness Professional Practice 45 3
INST 201 Introduction to Indigenous Studies 45 3
IPCF 105 Interpersonal Communication & Facilitation 45 3
MHDA 110 Dynamics of Addictions & Recovery 60 4
MHFP 116 Field Placement I  120 8
First Aid 12
Total 360 credit hours
480 total hours
32

Year 1 Semester 2

Code Course Title Hours Grade
MHIF 120 Therapeutic Interventions for Families 60 4
MHWP 120 Pharmacology 60 4
MHIM 120 Indigenous Models of Healing & Practice 60 4
PSYC 111 Introduction to Psychology 75 5
MHCA 120 Case Management & Assessment 60 4
MHYA 120 Complexity of Youth Addiction 45 3
MHFP126 Field Placement II 120 8
Total 360 credit hours
480 total hours
32

Year 2 Semester 1

Code Course Title Hours Grade
MHHD 220 Human Development 45 3
MHGL 220 Grief & Loss 45 3
MHCT 220 Counselling Theories I 60 4
MHRR 220 Recreation for Recovery 45 3
MHFP 216 Field Placement III 180 12
ASIST 12
Total 375 credit hours
387 total hours
25

Year 2 Semester 2

Code Course Title Hours Grade
MHCT 230 Counselling Theories II 75 5
MHAT 230 Cycles of Abuse and Trauma 45 3
MHIP 230 Indigenous Wellness Practices 30 2
MHEB 230 Emotional and Behavioural Challenges 60 4
MHAR 230 Addictions and Recovery 30 2
ENGL 200 Literature and Composition 45 3
MHFP 226 Field Placement IV 180 12
Total 465 credit hours
477 total hours
31
Program Total 1680 Credit hours 112

Fall 2025 - Mental Health & Wellness Year 1 - Prince Albert

Program Length: 9 Months
Start Date: 09/03/2025
Division: Health and Community Studies
Campus: Prince Albert
Location: Prince Albert - Mental Health & Wellness - Year 1
Apply Now


Fall 2025 - Mental Health & Wellness Year 1 - Saskatoon

Program Length: 9 Months
Start Date: 09/03/2025
Division: Health and Community Studies
Campus: Saskatoon
Location: Saskatoon - Mental Health & Wellness - Year 1
Apply Now


Fall 2025 - Mental Health & Wellness Year 1 - James Smith

Program Length: 9 Months
Start Date: 09/03/2025
Division: Health and Community Studies
Campus: Other
Location: James Smith - Mental Health & Wellness - Year 1
Apply Now


Fall 2025 - Mental Health & Wellness Year 2 - Regina

Program Length: 9 Months
Start Date: 09/03/2025
Division: Health and Community Studies
Campus: Regina
Location: Regina - Mental Health & Wellness - Year 2
Apply Now


Fall 2025 - Mental Health & Wellness Year 2 - Saskatoon

Program Length: 9 Months
Start Date: 09/03/2025
Division: Health and Community Studies
Campus: Saskatoon
Location: Saskatoon - Mental Health & Wellness - Year 2
Apply Now


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More than 30 Academic and Quick Skills programs

SIIT is a First Nation Governed, credit granting post-secondary institution

More than 1000 employers work with SIIT JobConnections every year

Established in 1976

90% Indigenous student body

Over $350,000 in Awards are available to SIIT students every year

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SIIT offers a wide range of Student Services and Cultural Supports

Programs are offered at 3 campuses and over 35 community learning sites per year

Students from more than 70 First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and Non Indigenous communities attend SIIT

JobSeries provides foundational, in-community pre-employment training

More than 65% of SIIT Staff and Faculty are Indigenous

JobConnections mobile career services are available for rural communities

More than 60,000 Alumni

Tuition and Fees

Year One
Tuition Textbooks Laptop Compulsory
Fees*
Total*
$5,390.00 $1,105.00 $850.00 $1,002.00 $8,347.00
Please note: All tuition and fees are subject to change.
*Compulsory fees may include: student fees, field trip and/or practicum fees, laboratory fees, apprenticeship fees, PPE & other equipment, exam fees, online fees, consumables, safety and first aid training, and tools.
*Total amount does not include the required UPass Transit Bus Pass for Saskatoon & Regina students.
Year Two
Tuition Textbooks Laptop Compulsory
Fees*
Total*
$6,790.00 $1,300.00 $0.00 $1,587.00 $9,677.00
Please note: All tuition and fees are subject to change.
*Compulsory fees may include: student fees, field trip and/or practicum fees, laboratory fees, apprenticeship fees, PPE & other equipment, exam fees, online fees, consumables, safety and first aid training, and tools.
*Total amount does not include the required UPass Transit Bus Pass for Saskatoon & Regina students.

Additional Fees: U-Pass for Saskatoon and Regina Transit Bus Passes

U-PASS

$286.00 per year - Saskatoon

$246.00 per year - Regina

The U-Pass is a City Transit bus pass for students that allow you to save on transportation costs. The U-Pass fee is provided at a reduced cost compared to a standard monthly City Transit pass and is mandatory for most SIIT students in Saskatoon and Regina. You may use the U-Pass as many times as you would like during the academic term. Students who meet certain requirements can opt-out of the U-Pass. Please contact the Admissions department for more information.
Please note: U-Pass fees are subject to change.

Funding

Depending on your status, different forms of financial assistance are available to you. Please click here to explore options for funding. If you require assistance finding funding, please contact supportservices@siit.ca.

What to Expect

Length of Program 

18 months, four semesters covering two academic years.

Delivery Method 

     
Face-to-face delivery.

Academic Policy

      
Students attending must adhere to SIIT Academic & Student policies which are available on the student dashboard on the SIIT website.   

Attendance Policy

      

  • Students need to complete all coursework and maintain a 90% attendance average for all synchronous sessions. 

Evaluation 

To graduate, students must complete all courses with a minimum average of 60% and pass all four field placements.

Graduation Credential 

SIIT Diploma

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities & Salaries

Graduates can expect to work as social and community service workers (NOC 4212) in social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, substance abuse centres, school boards, correctional facilities and other establishments. Most employers require a criminal record and vulnerable sector check.

Further Education

Students who complete this diploma can further their education in the helping field by enrolling in a Social Work Bachelor’s Degree through a university.

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies

Head Office
Suite 100-103A Packham Avenue
Asimakaniseekan Askiy Reserve
Saskatoon, SK S7N 4K4
306-244-4444