UNB News
News and stories from one of Canada’s top universities

UNB launches two new certificates in mental health and wellness

Author: UNB Newsroom

Posted on Feb 8, 2023

Category: UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John

The University of New Brunswick’s (UNB) Saint John campus has launched two new certificates specializing in mental health and wellness offered through the department of psychology.

The certificates are designed to help students and professionals to further develop their understanding of mental health in a way that informs unique perspectives about the pathways to mental illness and psychological health and its broad relevance to personal and community wellness.

"Understanding mental illness and psychological health is essential knowledge for everyone as it applies to all contexts in our lives as human beings and shapes our behaviour," said Mary Ann Campbell, department of psychology on the Saint John campus. Although introduction to psychology is required, the certificates are encouraged for anyone interested in learning more about topics related to mental health.

Students can take the first certificate, Mental Health and Wellness: Fundamentals, alone or use it as a prerequisite for the second certificate, Mental Health and Wellness: Community, Self and Resilience.

Graduates who complete both certificates will acquire an overview of mental health that complements their professional career path. Specifically, teachers, nurses, managers and social workers will benefit from the additional knowledge in mental health literacy and professional training.

Students will gain knowledge relating to the topics of health and wellness, psychopathologies and treatments, therapeutic interventions, communication skills, critical thinking skills, analytical problem-solving skills, how health and wellness are applicable in different contexts, how health and wellness are impacted at work, and an introduction to relevant counselling techniques.

Once they receive the Certificate in Mental Health and Wellness: Fundamentals, students can enrol in the second certificate, Mental Health and Wellness: Community, Self and Resilience.

All courses are currently available for in-person course delivery. Online course delivery will be available in Fall 2023.

Students interested in applying can begin their application at unb.ca/admissions.