Adult Developmental Disabilities Mental Health Services (DDMHS)

Developmental Disabilities Mental Health Services (DDMHS) provides specialized community mental health services for individuals who are age 19 and over, who live with co-existing intellectual disabilities and a mental illness with recent worsening of mental health symptoms. The person may also struggle with significant behavioural challenges in addition to the mental illness.

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
• Supporting clients to live and participate in their community, with recommendations to client’s network and community stakeholders to utilize appropriate community living supports as needed.
• Virtual, home, and community visits
• Psychoeducation groups (see end of document for details)

Group services

Our psychoeducational groups provide practical skills, emotional support, and a safe space for participants to learn alongside others. Most groups require both client and caregiver participation.

Eligibility includes:

• Mild intellectual disability (IQ 50–70)
• Age 19 or older
• Individual must be under a doctor’s supervision if they have psychiatric medications (can be a family doctor or a nurse practitioner)
• Ability to participate in group discussions and attend sessions consistently

Dealing with feelings (DWF)

This supportive group helps individuals experiencing anxiety or depression build skills to understand and manage emotions.
Participants learn relaxation strategies, emotional awareness, and coping techniques for anger, fear, and sadness. Caregivers learn how to support skill development and reinforce strategies in daily life.

Healthy relationships and sexual health

This relaxed, conversational group helps participants build safe, respectful, and meaningful connections. As the only group that does not require caregiver involvement, it provides a private and comfortable space for learning.

Participants explore social and communication skills, including boundaries and healthy friendships; dating and relationship safety; and essential sexual health education focused on consent, personal choice, and staying safe. The group supports participants in developing confidence, understanding their rights and responsibilities, and making informed decisions in their relationships.

Grief and loss

This group offers a compassionate space for individuals coping with the death of a loved one or other significant losses. Participants explore understanding grief by recognizing the emotional, physical, and social impacts of loss, and develop healthy coping strategies that support healing at their own pace.

The group also emphasizes connection and shared support, providing an environment where participants can express their experiences and feel understood by others navigating similar challenges.

Keeping up with feelings of anxiety and depression

This group is a continuation of the Dealing With Feelings program and offers deeper practice and reinforcement of emotional regulation skills. Participants build on relaxation and grounding strategies, strengthen emotional awareness, and further develop coping skills to manage difficult feelings more effectively. KUWF is ideal for individuals who have completed DWF and want continued support as they apply and refine these skills in daily life.

Skills for building emotional resilience

This two-part program is grounded in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) principles and supports participants in developing practical tools to manage emotions and navigate everyday challenges.

The group focuses on mindfulness to stay present and grounded, distress tolerance to manage crises safely, emotion regulation to understand and influence emotional responses, and interpersonal effectiveness to communicate needs while maintaining healthy relationships and self-respect. Part 1 introduces foundational skills, while Part 2 deepens practice and supports ongoing application in daily life.