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), substance use and trauma. You'll learn about evidence-based treatment approaches such as expressive arts, mindfulness, attachment and play therapy. The program gives special attention to the needs of grieving and neurodiverse 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 earn the Child and Youth Mental Health certificate, you must complete at least 84 course hours. The program is flexible – you can finish in as little as one year or take up to seven years. You do not have to be working towards 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. You are required, as much as possible, to have your camera 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 the same time to receive a 10% discount on each course. To qualify, you must complete registration and payment for all courses in a single transaction. The discount is non-cumulative and cannot be applied retroactively. If discount is not applied at time of registration, contact fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca for assistance before payment. Discounts cannot be applied after registration has been completed.
Delivery Options
The Child and Youth Mental Health certificate courses are available remotely through Zoom.
Registration
No application required. To register, choose a course and section to view the dates and cost. Add the course to your cart and complete payment.
Becoming a Therapist
This Child and Youth Mental Health certificate does not qualify you for registration with any regulatory body (e.g. Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) or to practice as a licensed therapist. To become a regulated therapist, please visit the website for the appropriate regulatory body in your province.
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.