Updated June 22, 2021
CMHA Ottawa’s Dual Diagnosis Service provides short-term client-directed case management support to adults who have a mental illness and an intellectual and/or developmental disability. Clients also typically have complex needs. We offer three programs:
Case Management
Service providers work with individuals and their support networks to address their mental health needs and provide help in reaching their goals. They provide system navigation (information to the person and/or support network about accessible community resources, facilitate linkages with these resources, address barriers to services and advocate for access to service). They provide consultation to the person’s support network, providing psychoeducation based on best practice models. Coordinators also promote community development through participation in committees with other agencies with the goal of increasing community capacity. Coordinators typically provide one hour a week of one-on-one support to individuals in the community for approximately six months to one year based on service needs evaluation.
Services provided for referrals received from the community are funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC). Please complete a referral form (see below) and submit it to the Dual Diagnosis Services.
Services provided for referrals received from Developmental Services Ontario are funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS).
Justice Case Management
Justice Coordinators work with the client and their support network (which may include lawyers, the court system, probation/parole officers, psychiatrists, doctors, family members and other service providers) to create a collaborative treatment and support plan that aims to resolve their court matters and reduce the risk of recidivism. Depending on the needs of the person, support provided may include consultation, advocacy, navigating between different sectors (i.e. criminal justice, mental health, and developmental services), one-on-one psychoeducation, and intensive case management.
This service is funded by MOHLTC and MCCSS. It is available to individuals who reside in the broader Eastern Ontario region. Referrals are received from the community and clients must be eligible for Developmental Services Ontario and have active involvement in the criminal justice system.
Dual Diagnosis Ottawa Psychiatric Community Clinic (The DDOCC)
The Dual Diagnosis Ottawa Psychiatric Community Clinic (DDOCC) operates five community-based psychiatric clinics monthly with Dr. Paula Walsh-Bergin. Four of these clinics are offered to residents/clients from a few developmental services partner agencies and one clinic is offered to CMHA Ottawa clients who have a dual diagnosis. Clients of the DDOCC are followed on a regular basis until their situation stabilizes, at which point full care is shifted back to the primary care physician and the DDOCC team remains available for future consultation and follow up as needed.
The model used is one of Shared Care Service. It involves a comprehensive case review, psychiatric assessment, treatment plan formulation, and expert support for the primary care physician and support persons. The primary care physician remains responsible for prescribing. Key to this model is the ongoing communication between the psychiatrist and primary care physician, inclusive appointments with the individual, family and support network, and educational outreach to all involved at various points in the shared care process. Its biopsychosocial approach improves the well-being of clients and communities and encourages a more effective use of increasingly limited resources while enhancing the skills of family physicians and support networks.
Dual Diagnosis Services — Referral Form — Case Management or Justice Case Management
For further information, please contact:
Marie Delorme, Program Manager
Dual Diagnosis Services
613-737-7791 ext. 169
