While behavioral health challenges can affect anyone, they can often by a particularly pressing concern for many people with developmental disabilities. Recognizing early signs and knowing where to get help are key to supporting your loved one’s well-being. The California Department of Developmental Services (“DDS”) provides assistance through its regional centers, which coordinate behavioral and mental health supports for eligible individuals. If you or your loved one is dealing with issues of behavioral health, recognizing sings and getting help is critically important.
How DDS Helps Address Behavioral Health Issues
In general, behavioral health refers to anything dealing with a person’s mental health, emotional wellbeing, and social functioning.
Common signs of behavioral health issues include sudden mood changes, withdrawal from social activities, increased aggression, self-injury, difficulty sleeping, loss of interest in daily routines, and other similar changes.
Additionally, physical symptoms like changes in appetite or energy can also indicate an underlying behavioral health issue. If these behaviors appear or worsen, it’s important to reach out for professional support rather than waiting for a crisis.
Through regional centers, DDS connects individuals and families with behavioral health services. Typically, this includes working with licensed psychologists, therapists, or other behavioral health analysts. Usually, DDS will pair you with behavioral health professionals who specialize in working with developmentally disabled individuals. As with most other DDS services, behavioral health services can be delivered at home or in another community setting.
To access behavioral health services, work with your regional DDS center to include them in your Individual Program Plan (“IPP”).
Other Important Resources
DDS also coordinates with a variety of local mental and behavioral health agencies. For ongoing or long-term care, this typically includes Medi-Cal providers. In more urgent cases, regional centers can assist with crisis intervention and short-term crisis stabilization services, including crisis stabilization housing.
By recognizing signs of behavioral health issues early and working with your regional center, you can ensure your loved one receives compassionate, individualized support and care.