North Bay Regional Health Centre - Mental Health Programs and Services - Dual Diagnosis - Birch and Maple Lodge

The purpose of the specialized dual diagnosis unit is to prevent long-term institutionalization and to maintain community placement by providing psychiatric inpatient services. Individuals supported are those whose diagnostic/therapeutic needs and/or medical requirements in the context of pharmacological interventions are such that community based care is contraindicated. The goal is to enhance quality of life, maximize individual's potentials, reduce mental health and behavioural challenges, teach new skills to optimize functioning, and improve relationships, working within a recovery oriented framework. Focusing on the specialized needs of those functioning in the moderate to profound range of Developmental Disability, will optimize dependent/semi-independent living. The unit's team will collaborate with the Developmental Disabilities Service (DDS) Outreach Staff in discharge planning. The focus of the unit is on intensive diagnostic assessment and treatment planning, building upon the strengths of the patients, their families, and community partners.