Deepen your knowledge and skills to better support the mental health of children and youth.
Designed for professionals working with children, adolescents and families, this certificate program offers a comprehensive understanding of the complex and evolving field of child and youth mental health. Through a well-designed selection of professional development courses, you'll gain insight into some of the most prevalent mental health issues affecting young people today, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders and trauma. You'll learn about evidence-based treatment approaches such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), expressive arts, mindfulness and play therapy. The program gives special attention to the needs of grieving, neurodiverse, and gender-independent and trans children and adolescents.
A central focus of the program is on collaboration—understanding the importance of working in partnership with families, schools and other professionals in the youth's support system. You'll come away with enhanced confidence, practical tools and a deeper awareness of how to provide compassionate, developmentally informed and inclusive care.
Completion Requirements
To complete the Child and Youth Mental Health certificate, you must select a minimum of 84 course hours. You can complete this certificate in as little as one year or take up to seven years. You do not have to be working toward the Child and Youth Mental Health Certificate to take any of these courses.
Participation and Attendance
Full attendance and participation are required to complete these courses. Participants are requested, as much as possible, to have their cameras on. We know there are situations where this is not possible, so please send a message to your instructor or the Professional Development host to let them know that you are unable to turn on your camera. Our workshops are interactive and include breakout rooms, role play, group discussions and other activities. Participation is required.
Four + Discount
Register for four or more courses at once to apply a 10% discount in your cart on the cost of each course. You must register and pay for all courses at the same time; discount is not cumulative or retroactive. If discount is not being applied at time of registration, contact fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca for assistance. Discount cannot be applied after registration is complete.
Delivery Options
The Child and Youth Mental Health certificate courses are available remotely through Zoom.
Registration
No application is required. To register, select a course from the menu of the right, then a course section to view the dates and cost or add the course to your cart. Complete your registration with payment.
Becoming a Therapist
Completing the Child and Youth Mental Health certificate will not qualify you to register with any college or association, including the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Please visit those websites for information on becoming a therapist in Ontario, or your provincial regulatory college.
Contact Information
For more information about this certificate contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:
Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-5128
See our website and Frequently Asked Questions for more information.