Developmental Disabilities Mental Health Services (DDMHS) - Child and Youth

A specialized community mental health service for youth (ages 12–18) with co-existing intellectual disabilities and mental illness.

Developmental Disabilities Mental Health Services (DDMHS) provides specialized community-based mental health care for youth aged 12–18 with co-existing intellectual disabilities and mental illness. Services are intended for youth experiencing significant mental health concerns and may include those with complex behavioural challenges.

Clients can expect:

A plan of care that includes the initiation or management of psychiatric medication, along with short-term therapy, psychoeducation, and recommendations for other care services in the community.
Resource recommendations and advocacy
Nursing assessment
Possible short-term behavioural consultation and support
Possible short-term adapted counselling / skills development
Education to care networks (i.e., families, service providers)
Medication monitoring and education
Network support/liaising with client, family, school, CYSN Social Workers, caregivers, and other supports.
Supporting clients to live and participate in their community, with recommendations to client’s network and community stakeholders to utilise appropriate community living supports as needed.
Virtual, home, and school visits

Access

Eligibility

This service is for those who are:

Aged 12-18 years
Have a diagnosed intellectual disability (IQ of 70 or less)
Are experiencing mental health concerns and/or complex, challenging behaviours
Live in the Fraser Health or Vancouver Coastal Health region

This service may not be for those who are:

Experiencing worsening of mental health symptoms and/or behavioral concerns.
Seeking counselling or behavioral therapy as their only resource.
Seeking residential, job-related or life skills supports.
If you are seeking these resources, please refer to Community Living BC (CLBC).
CLBC eligible clients who fall under the Personal Supports Initiative (PSI).
Seeking Autism or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder diagnosis.
Seeking a Psychological or Psycho-Educational Assessment.
In remission and seeking long-term monitoring.

Referral

Referrals to this service must be made through the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s Child and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) Program.

Please note: A psychological evaluation, which can be done through various external agencies (e.g. a psychologist, ABLE Developmental Clinic, BCCH, etc.), is required before starting the program. These tests are not done by our program.