Dual Diagnosis Program
The Dual Diagnosis Program at Parkwood Institute Mental Health Care serves adults between the ages of 18 and 64 who are living with both a mental illness and developmental delay, through inpatient, outpatient and outreach services.
The 12-bed inpatient unit provides specialized assessment, treatment interventions and support services.
Our care team assists individuals as they transition from hospital and return to community living, and provide consultative assessments, treatment recommendations and follow-up with individuals with a dual diagnosis who reside in Southwestern Ontario (Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Grey, Bruce, Lambton, Chatham-Kent and Norfolk Counties).
The outreach program, provides consultation, support and guidance to primary care providers in the community and schedule-1 hospitals. The program also facilitates access to behavior supports, sensory assessments and speech and language resources through liaison with community partners.
Community connection
Our connection to community partners is an essential part of continuity of care for our patient population and is key to successful discharge planning.
We have strong community partners throughout the region to support patients as they transition from hospital, to their community. Some of these community partners include, but are not limited to:
• Ministry of Children Community and Social Services
• Developmental Services Ontario
• Regional Support Associates
• Canadian mental Health Association
• Ontario Disability Program
• Centralized Network for specialized care
• University of Western Ontario
• McMaster University
• University of Toronto
• Children’s Aid Society
• Public Guardian and Trust
Teaching and research
The program provides and conducts dual diagnosis consultation, education, training and research for community mental health programs, general practitioners, and local providers throughout the mental health and developmental service system in Southwestern Ontario.
The program’s psychiatrists conduct regular seminars, modules and clinical supervision for medical students and residents from both McMaster University and University of Toronto.