Developmental Disabilities Service (DDS)

The Developmental Disabilities Service (DDS) provides community-based psychiatric assessment, consultation and treatment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who experience mental health issues (dual diagnosis) in collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association.  Our goal is to provide specialized psychiatric care, to improve quality of life of our clients, and to support caregivers.

The DDS works with patients, families, family doctors, and DSO services in community and home. Care is provided with a client- and family/caregiver-centred approach and considers physical, behavioural, social and psychiatric aspects of mental health.

The DDS operates on a “hub and spoke” model whereby psychiatry, based at NBRHC, works closely with community based Mental Health Clinicians employed by the North Bay and District and Cochrane-Timiskaming CMHA.

Referral Process

Information is gathered during the referral process to inform the initial psychiatric consultation. This includes two referral forms: a caregiver form and a physician referral form.  Note that a copy of clinical notes from the client’s EMR will provide most information required on the physician referral form.  A written request for consultation from the patient’s general practitioner/primary health care provider is however required for all referrals.

Referral Criteria:

1. Individual is 16 years of age or older;
2. Has an established diagnosis of intellectual/developmental disability of a mild to profound severity and confirmation of eligibility for DSO (Developmental Services Ontario) services (age 18 and over);
3. There is evidence of significant psychiatric or behavioural challenges that exceed the capacity of available clinical services and primary health care.
4. Consent has been provided by the client or their substitute decision maker.
5. Re-referrals require only a brief consultation request note.

Please note that, depending on wait list, individuals with moderate to profound disability will be prioritized over individuals with mild disability.

Referral requests will be closed if requested referral information is not received within 30 days.

DDS services provide time-limited intervention including assessment, consultation and treatment.   Clients will be referred back to primary care providers and community-based services when stabilized for ongoing care and support.