3207 n academy blvd, suite 3300
colorado springs, CO 80917
Developmental Disabilities Health Center (DDHC) focuses on providing exceptional health care for adult patients (18 and older) who have a Developmental Disability. This includes individuals with impairment in physical, learning, language or behavioral areas. Developmental Disabilities include, but are not limited to, Angelman Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Fetal-alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Fragile X, Freeman Sheldon Syndrome and other cognitive and intellectual disabilities.
At DDHC, your medical home, adults with intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) receive primary health care, comprehensive behavioral health services, psychiatric services and referrals to specialty care providers — all with care coordination and all customized to the needs of people with I/DD.
DDHC is recognized internationally as an innovation in health care, and was awarded by The Arc of the Pikes Peak Region in 2011 as an exceptional model.
Please note: patients must be established with a DDHC primary care provider in order to receive psychiatric services from Dr. Athey.
Services
View list of services we offer at DDHC
Meet Your Providers
Medical
Behavioral
Key Site Partners
Patient Information Forms
For your convenience, you may download, print and complete our required patient forms and information:
• DDHC Welcome Guide (Informational)
• Acknowledgment of Receipt of Notice of Privacy Practices
• Agency/Caregiver/Guardian Information
• Consent to Treatment
• Diabetes Management Recruitment Letter
• Notice of Privacy Practices
• Patient Health History
• Consent to Discuss Medical Information
Meet Your Provider: George Athey, MD
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Dr. Athey is board-certified in Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and American Psychiatric Association. He holds a PhD from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine in Medical Physiology and Pharmacology and an MD from East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine. He trained in Adult Psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine and did a Child Psychiatry Fellowship at Children’s Hospital Cincinnati. He is on the faculty of the University of Colorado Medical School.
Dr. Athey has a special interest in children and adolescents with mental health problems and also in the development disability population including autism at all ages. He helped start the Developmental Disability Health Clinic at Peak Vista and continues to be the psychiatrist for that clinic. He loves to help patients and their families to be the best they can be.
Dr. Athey grew up in Colorado, helps raise and train dogs, loves to cook and spend time with family and friends.
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We offer the following services, all under one roof,
at Developmental Disabilities Health Center (DDHC):
● ADA Accessibility:
● Accessible exam tables
● Wheelchair scales
● Wheelchair accessible restrooms
● Acute illness care and management
● Behavioral health and mental health
● Chronic disease care and management
● Diagnosis and treatment of sudden, minor illness and injury
● Enrollment Services
● Health Education
● Immunizations
● Pharmacy services
● Psychological exams
● Physical exams
● Specialty referrals
● Respiratory management
Meet Your Provider: Ursula "Charlie" Charlton, LCSW
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Charlie Charlton earned her undergraduate degree from American University, and then completed an MA in Justice Studies at SUNY (Albany) followed by an MSW completed at the University of New England.
Charlie has always had an interest in, and commitment to, social justice issues. Charlie views health care as tending to both mind and body. The integrated health care model offered at Peak Vista provides opportunities to assist patients in improved health by focusing on lifestyle and behavior. Specific areas of interest are healthy eating, management of stress and life phase adjustments.
Charlie can often be found running trails, cycling or hiking.
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Meet Your Provider: Emily Johnson, MD
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Emily Johnson is a Colorado native and is excited to be returning to the state to work at the Developmental Disabilities Health Center. She grew up with an older brother who has Down syndrome. After spending much of her high school and college years working and volunteering with Special Olympics, Adam's Camp, Best Buddies, and other organizations, she knew she wanted to work with people with developmental disabilities as a career. She completed medical school at the University of Colorado and residency at Tacoma Family Medicine in Tacoma, WA where she received excellent training in caring for patients with developmental disabilities.
As any good Colorado native, Emily spends most of her free time outside-cycling, running, hiking, or walking her two dogs with her husband. When she’s not outside, she can be found reading a good book at a nearby coffee shop.
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| With Peak Vista since 2019 |
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