Program Overview

Program Overview

Mental Health Studies is a sub-discipline in the field of Psychology that examines psychological well-being and mental disorders. This program focuses on processes relevant to abnormal thought, feelings, and behavior. The program seeks to understand the causes of mental disorders from the level of the brain to the impact on everyday life. Students in this program are often interested in moving into careers in the mental health field. The program aims to provide preparation for students in fields such as clinical psychology, psychiatry, or psychiatric social work. Programs in Psychology and Mental Health Studies cannot be combined.

Complementary Programs

• Neuroscience
• Health Studies
• Human Biology
• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Linguistics

Competencies & Skills

• Communication (oral and written)
• Interpersonal abilities
• Mediate and negotiate
• Knowledge of mental health issues
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Research
• Teamwork
• Planning/Organizing
• Problem-solving and reasoning
• Leadership

Careers for Graduates

• Case Manager in Social Services
• Psychometrist’s Assistant in Psychological Services
• Research Assistant in Hospitals
• Human Resource Assistant in Business
• Youth Worker in Community Services
• Marketing Representative in Business Services
• Employment Consultant in Non-Profits

Further Education

• Psychology
• Clinical or Counselling Psychology
• Occupational Therapy
• Education
• Medicine
• Law
• ABA Behaviour Therapy
• Human Resources

Program Pathway

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1

• Complete both Introductory Psychology courses: PSYA01H3 & PSYA02H3.
• The only other PSY course first-year students may take is PSYB83H3, but this is not a specific requirement.
• Take a look at the last requirement of the Mental Health Specialist in the Calendar. This requirement asks you to take courses in other disciplines, like Sociology, Philosophy, Health Sciences, and others. Identify the courses you are most interested in, and plan ahead! Some of them may have prerequisites you might need to take.
• Explore further courses to fulfill your breadth requirements.
• Use Degree Explorer and our program checklists to plan your future courses

Year 2

• Complete foundational courses in statistics and research methods: PSYB07H3 & PSYB70H3.
• Complete foundational courses in Personality and Clinical Psychology: PSYB30H3 & PSYB32H3.
• If you are in the Co-op Specialist, PSYB55H3 is also a specific requirement that you should early in your degree.
• Begin taking B-level credits toward the Psychosocial and Psychobiological and Additional credits in Psychology requirements of your program (see the UTSC Calendar for details).
• Use Degree Explorer to plan your degree.

Year 3

• Complete PSYC02H3, PSYC08H3, PSYC37H3, and PSYC70H3.
• If you are in the Co-op Specialist, PSYC73H3 is also a specific requirement that you should take in third or fourth year.
• Continue taking B- and C-level courses toward the Psychosocial, Psychobiological, and Additional credits in Psychology program requirements (see the UTSC Calendar for details).
• Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Year 4

• Complete 1.0 credit in Psychology at the D-level. Of this, 0.5 credit must come from the PSY D30-series.
• Complete PSYC01H3/(PSYC85H3).
• Complete any other outstanding program requirements.
• Ensure you have at least 2.0 credits in your program at the C-level or higher.
• Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.