Get the Skills to Become a Crisis Response and Mental Health Worker

Crisis Response and Mental Health Worker supporting a client.
Crisis Response and Mental Health Workers play an important role in many people’s recovery process

Professional Crisis Response and Mental Health Worker Training in as Little as 37 Weeks

Some people need a little extra help in life, and it takes a special kind of caring person to provide that support. Crisis Response and Mental Health Workers specialize in providing counseling and support services to individuals under emotional distress often caused by mental and behavioural issues, conducting interventions as needed.

 
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Why Upskilling is Essential in Today’s Job Market

Like many Canadians, you may be concerned about the rising cost of living and the need to find ways to increase your income potential. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve, training to obtain new qualifications could be a great solution.

Discovery Community College is dedicated to offering convenient, supportive, and affordable career training. With a range of funding options available, there has never been a better time to invest in upskilling. Contact us today to learn how we can help you get ahead in today’s job market.

Crisis Response & Mental Health Worker

37-Week Certificate

  • Expected Job Openings in BC (2022-2032): 11,460**
  • Occupations include Crisis Support Worker, Mental Health Worker

NOC – 42201

**https://www.workbc.ca/career-profiles/social-and-community-service-workers visited on March 20, 2026.

Becoming a Qualified Crisis Response and Mental Health Worker

If you’re looking for a rewarding and fulfilling career, look no further than a career in crisis response. At Discovery Community College, we’re proud of our history of trainee success.

During this program, you will learn:

  • Crisis Intervention
  • Conflict Management
  • Communication in Mental Health
  • Human Development – Adulthood
  • Mental Health & Addictions
  • And more!

The Foundational CRMHW Certificate course includes:

  • Provincial Violence Prevention (8 hours)
  • First Aid/CPR locally sourced (16 hours)
  • Mental Health First Aid (9 hours)
  • Enhancing Physiological Health, Wellness and Resilience (5 hours)
  • Mental Health: Psychologically Healthy Workplaces (2 hours)

Career Opportunities

This program is designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to work as a Crisis Response & Mental Health Worker. Ready-to-work graduates are qualified to work in areas such as:

  • Community Social Service Agencies
  • Support Services
  • Group Home Settings
  • Shelters
  • Harm Reduction and Community Enforcement

There has never been more funding for career training than there is right now. A variety of funding opportunities may be available to you, including WorkBC, Student Aid BC, and employment grants. An experienced Financial Aid Representative is available to answer any questions you may have, can assist with potential funding applications and help you discover the best options for your specific needs.

Crisis Response and Mental Health Worker Program

Crisis Response & Mental Health Worker Curriculum Guide

Upon successful completion of this program, you will have the skills to work in areas such as community social service agencies, support services, group home settings, shelters, harm reduction and community enforcement.

The Foundational CRMHW Certificate course includes:

  • Provincial Violence Prevention (8 hours)
  • First Aid/CPR locally sourced (16 hours)
  • Mental Health First Aid (9 hours)
  • Enhancing Physiological Health, Wellness and Resilience (5 hours)
  • Mental Health: Psychologically Healthy Workplaces (2 hours)

This program may be offered in these delivery formats:

  • In-person in the classroom at a DCC campus with practicum placements in the community
  • In-person online with practicum placements in the community
  • A combination of in-person classroom learning and in-person online learning with practicum placements in the community

Discovery Community College programs are not eligible for Post Graduate Work Permits (PGWPs).

Crisis Response & Mental Health Worker Certificate: Weeks Total Hours
GO 901 Get Oriented1.020
IT 701 Introduction to Computers3.060
ES 501 Employability Skills1.020
Foundational CRMHW Certificates*2.040
Professionalism & Ethics – CRMHW2.040
Diversity in Canada2.040
Indigenous Cultures in Canada2.040
Crisis Intervention2.040
Conflict Management2.040
Communication in Mental Health4.080
Human Development – Adulthood2.856
Mental Health & Addictions7.0140
Professional Growth2.040
Work Experience – Practicum4.284
Total weeks and hours 37740

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet the following requirements prior to acceptance into the program.

  • Grade 12 graduation from BC secondary school or equivalent*, or equivalent* from another school system, or be a mature applicant (19 years of age on the first day of class).
  • Satisfy one of the following language proficiency requirements:
    • Completion of three years of full-time secondary (grades 8-12), or two years if the grades are 10, 11, 12, in English, in a country where English is one of the principal languages **.
      • This may be demonstrated by providing a high school transcript, completion of a BC Adult Graduation program, or providing international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, or IQAS.
    • Completion of two years of full-time post-secondary education, in English, in a country where English is one of the principal languages ** (includes international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, IQAS.)
      • Language development courses (i.e., ELL courses) cannot be included in this calculation.
    • Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program.

Mature student applicants.

  • If the applicant is 19 years or older at the start of the program and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as described above, then:
    • Provide attestation that they have completed at least three years of full-time instruction in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages, and
    • Complete an Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation Reading, Writing, WritePlacer) with these minimum scores:
      • Reading 230
      • Writing 230
      • WritePlacer 4

English language proficiency tests.

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS academic, IELTS general, IELTS academic online)
    • Overall score of 5.5 minimum
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition)
    • Overall score of 46 minimum
  • Canadian Academic English language Assessment (CAEL or CAEL Online)
    • Overall score of 40 minimum
  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP General or CELPIP Online)
    • Scores of listening 6, speaking 6, reading 5, writing 5 minimum
  • Duolingo English test (DET)
    • Overall score of 95 minimum
  • Pearson test of English (PTE) academic
    • Overall score of 43 minimum
  • Cambridge English qualifications B2 first exam (FCE)
    • Overall score of 160 or “C” minimum
  • Cambridge linguaskill
    • Overall level of B2 minimum
  • LanguageCert academic
    • Overall level of B2 minimum
  • The Michigan English test (MET)
    • Overall level of B2 minimum
  • iTep academic
    • Overall score of 3.5 minimum
  • Eiken
    • Placement of Grade Pre-1 minimum

 

Applicants must meet with a DCC official and complete required documents.

*Equivalent:

For detailed information about equivalencies please speak with your DCC Admissions Advisor.

**Countries list:

For the list of countries where English is one of the principal languages speak to your DCC admissions advisor.

Criminal Record Checks

For the CRC with the Ministry of Justice of British Columbia, DCC will submit an on-line application to the
Criminal Record Review Program (CRRP). The status of the CRC does not automatically prevent an
applicant from attending this program. However, any CRC that reveals “relevant” offences may limit
work experience options.

A satisfactory criminal record check is one that shows no convictions for any offences reviewed under
the Criminal Records Review Act by the Ministry of Justice of British Columbia, as well as no outstanding
criminal charges.

Immunizations

Some work experience hosts require that students have a negative TB skin test or chest x-ray. It is the student’s responsibility to book this test at least six weeks before their work experience. Not having this test may restrict your choice of work experience host.

You should have a negative skin test dated within six months of the work experience placement. If you had a positive skin test (10 mm of induration or greater) at your last test, then a negative chest x-ray within one year of the placement is required.

Domestic Fees

Crisis Response & Mental Health Worker
Certificate Domestic Fees:

Application Fee: $125.00
Criminal Record Check: $28.00
Tech Fee: $185.00
Tuition: $12,665.85
First Aid: $195.00
Textbooks: $446.90
Supplies: $15.00
Total: $13,684.90

Crisis Response & Mental Health Worker
Certificate International Fees:

Application Fee: $175.00
Criminal Record Check: $28.00
Tech Fee: $185.00
Tuition: $16,465.60
First Aid: $195.00
Textbooks: $446.90
Supplies: $15.00
Total: $17,534.65

Practical Experience

As a learner in the Discovery Community College Crisis Response and Mental Health Worker program, you’ll train hands-on during a 4-week practicum at a variety of sites in the community. Practicums are an excellent way to gain real-world experience, make important industry connections and try different aspects of the profession before you complete this program.

Convenient Learning Options

At Discovery Community College, you don’t have to put your life on hold to start career training. We offer accessible learning including on-campus, online and blended on-campus and online learning options.

Is a Career as a Crisis Response and Mental Health Worker Right for You?

If you’re interested in learning more about Crisis Response and Mental Health Worker training and exploring whether this might be the career path for you, fill out the form on this page.

Our friendly and knowledgeable Career Advisors are also happy to answer any questions you have and can help with everything from courses, to job outlook, to helping you find ways to reduce, or even pay for, your tuition.

To speak with an Admissions Rep right away, give us a call at 1-877-315-5241.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Crisis Response & Mental Health Worker program focus on?

This intensive crisis intervention program prepares students to support individuals in high-stress, traumatic, or emergency situations. The curriculum emphasizes trauma-informed care, crisis de-escalation, counseling techniques, and mental health awareness—providing a well-rounded foundation for those interested in working as a crisis worker or support professional in community or clinical settings.

Is this program suitable for those interested in becoming a crisis counselor or crisis worker?

Yes. This program is specifically designed for individuals who want to pursue roles such as crisis counselor, mental health support staff, or outreach worker. Graduates will be equipped with the skills needed to assess risk, communicate effectively during crisis, and support individuals navigating emotional or psychological distress.

Does this program include crisis intervention training?

Absolutely. A core focus of the curriculum is crisis intervention training, including techniques in de-escalation, conflict resolution, suicide prevention, and emergency response planning. These skills are essential for any crisis intervention worker in high-pressure environments.

How long is the Crisis Response & Mental Health Worker program?

The program takes 37 weeks to complete and includes both academic instruction and a practicum. The hands-on experience allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world situations before entering the workforce.

Can I study this program online in BC?

Yes. The program is available in multiple delivery formats—including online, on-campus, and blended—making it accessible to students across British Columbia who want to become trained crisis intervention professionals.

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