Herzing College's Mental Health and Addictions Worker Diploma Program is now approved by the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF), Canada's addiction workforce regulator. This approval confirms the program meets the educational requirements for two nationally recognized credentials:

• International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor (ICADC)
• Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor (CCAC)

That means Herzing graduates complete their education already aligned with the standards CACCF requires for certification. They have a clear, credentialed path into the field.

Keep reading to get more details on how this program can help you reach your career goals.

IN THIS BLOG

• What is CACCF Approval, and Why Does It Matter?
• What the Mental Health and Addictions Worker Program Covers
• Do Employers Look for CCAC or ICADC Certification?
• What Else is Needed to Become Fully Certified?
• Career Paths for Mental Health and Addictions Workers
• FAQs
  

WHAT IS CACCF APPROVAL, AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

The CACCF is recognized as Canada's national certifying body for addictions counsellors. When the CACCF approves a program's curriculum, it means an independent, professional organization has reviewed the coursework and confirmed it covers the knowledge and competency areas required for certification.

Choosing a CACCF-approved program gives students confidence that their education lines up with what employers and certifying bodies expect, and it removes a major barrier between finishing school and starting the certification process.

WHAT THE MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS WORKER PROGRAM COVERS

Herzing's Mental Health and Addictions Worker diploma is a fully online program that builds a deep understanding of addiction and its effects on individuals and society. Students explore:

• What drives addiction and how it ripples out to affect people and their communities
• The ethical framework and professional standards that guide addictions counselling
• The science behind addiction, including how it affects the brain and body
• Behavioural addictions like gambling, sex, and shopping, and how to recognize and respond to them
• Practical counselling and case management techniques
• How addiction reshapes family life and relationships
• Approaches to helping clients avoid relapse and sustain recovery

The program also includes an internship, so graduates leave with both the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills the field requires.

Read more: Is a Career in Mental Health Right for You? 7 Questions to Ask Yourself

DO EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR CCAC OR ICADC CERTIFICATION?

Yes. Many employers in Canada's addictions and mental health sector list CCAC, ICADC, or an equivalent certification as a job requirement, or at least a strong asset. It's common to see job postings that accept candidates who commit to obtaining certification within 18 to 24 months of starting the role, rather than requiring it on day one.

Because CACCF certification is recognized as a national standard for addictions counsellors, holding—or actively pursuing—the CCAC or ICADC designation can help your application stand out and shows employers you meet a consistent, credentialed level of competency in the field.

WHAT ELSE IS NEEDED TO BECOME FULLY CERTIFIED?

Herzing's program satisfies the educational requirement for CCAC and ICADC certification, but full CACCF certification involves a few additional steps that happen after, or alongside, your studies. Generally, candidates also need to:

• Complete supervised clinical training hours in the field
• Accumulate relevant work experience
• Submit an application, including a signed code of ethics
• Pay the applicable application and certification fees
• Write and pass the certification exam
• Community mental health and addictions agencies
• Residential and outpatient treatment facilities
• Hospitals and health authorities
• Correctional and social services settings
• Non-profit and outreach organizations

Exact hour requirements and fees can change, so it's always worth checking the current details directly on the CACCF website.

CAREER PATHS FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS WORKERS

Graduates of Herzing’s program are prepared for a range of frontline roles supporting individuals and communities affected by mental health and substance use challenges, including positions in:

With demand for mental health and addictions support continuing to grow across Canada, this credential-backed education gives graduates a strong foundation to step into meaningful, in-demand roles right from the start.

Read more: Why Mental Health Careers are Booming in Canada

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