Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Psychosocial Rehabilitation
Students in the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Psychosocial Rehabilitation will acquire knowledge and competencies in psychosocial rehabilitation practices that will enable them to work in mental health settings.
Additionally, with appropriate work experience, students can write the exam and qualify as Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioners (CPRP). The CPRP is an internationally recognized credential for psychiatric rehabilitation practitioners.
The program consists of five three-credit courses (15 credits). Students must complete PSRP 5001, 5002, 5003 and 5004 (i.e., the four core courses) before registering for the practicum course, PSRP 5005.
The courses are offered within a part-time program structure to ensure they are accessible to employed mental health practitioners.
Additionally, to provide accessibility to the program for currently employed mental health workers and for individuals located in other regions of BC and Canada, the entire program is offered on line. All that is required is computer and internet access.
Department Website
For an overview of this program, including faculty listings and other resources, visit the Psychology Department website.
Intake dates
Fall Semester
Application deadline
Fall semester: June 29, 2012.
Early admission
Although application and documentation deadlines may be identified for this program, we encourage all applicants to apply early and submit all supporting documentation as early as possible. Up to 50 percent of total seats may be allocated prior to the application deadline.
Admission requirements
1) Bachelor's degree from an accredited post secondary institution in Canada, or any English speaking country
2) Douglas College English language proficiency requirement of English 12 with a grade of “C” or acceptable substitution
3) * Proof of completion of the following undergraduate course - Abnormal Psychology (Douglas College PSYC 2341) or equivalent courses and/or experience as evaluated by the Program Coordinator.
* This qualifying course is necessary to assure that bachelor’s level entrants to the PSR program have a basic understanding of mental illness and treatments.
Program duration
The Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Psychosocial Rehabilitation is a one-year program that starts in September each year and completes in the Summer Semester with an onsite practicum. Students will enrol in two courses for the Fall and Winter semesters and then register for a final onsite practicum placement for the Summer Semester of the program. Students can choose to take longer, enrolling over more than three consecutive semesters, to complete the program.
Credential offered
Students successfully completing the 15-credit program are eligible for a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Psychosocial Rehabilitation. Upon completion of the five courses and with appropriate work experience, students will be prepared for the Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) examination.
Program Content
PSYC 5001 Mental Health Services and Systems: History and Trends (3 credits)
- History of mental health services
- Current issues in mental health services and systems
- Best and promising practices
- Senate of Canada report: Out of the Shadows at Last
- Canada’s National Strategy for Mental Health
- Knowledge Exchange
- Anti-stigma/ anti discrimination program
- Transforming mental health services
PSYC 5002 Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery (3 credits)
- Introduction to PSR values, philosophy and principles
- Recovery and recovery-oriented services and systems
- Assessing strengths and developing skills
- Coordinating services for persons living with mental illness
- Advocacy for persons living with mental illness
- Education for persons living with mental illness
- Peer support
- Facilitating informed decision-making
- Facilitating empowerment
- Identifying and developing community resources
- Facilitating community integration for persons living with mental illness
PSYC 5003 Psychosocial Rehabilitation Practitioner Competencies (3 credits)
- Communication skills
- Rehabilitation readiness for practitioners
- Functional assessment
- Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Action Oriented/Achievable, Responsible,
- Time limited) rehabilitation goals
- Direct skills teaching
- Case management
- Documentation
- Evaluating success/quality improvement
- Understanding and resolving ethical and legal issues
- Diversity and cultural competence
PSYC 5004 Psychosocial Rehabilitation: Best and Promising Practices (3 credits)
- Medication best practices
- Supported employment
- Supported housing
- Peer-run services
- Family psycho-education
- Assertive community treatment integrated concurrent disorder treatment
- Illness management and recovery
PSYC 5005 Seminar and Practicum in Psychosocial Rehabilitation (64 hours; 3 credits)
Supervised field experience in PSR combined with seminar discussion of experiences and issues and capstone paper.