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  Specialized Care for Military Families with Developmental Disabilities

At Peak Vista’s Developmental Disabilities Health Center (DDHC), we work with the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) to provide care for individuals with developmental disabilities. We help families through every step — from pediatric to adult care, understanding TRICARE, and finding the right resources.

You can:

Why This Matters: Military families manage many responsibilities. We’re here to make healthcare one part of life that feels simple and reliable.

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  Glossary: Common Terms You’ll See on This Page

Military and healthcare services use many abbreviations. Here are some of the most common terms explained in plain language:

Health Center Terms

  • DDHC: Developmental Disabilities Health Center of Peak Vista
  • ID: Intellectual Disability (a condition that affects learning, problem-solving, and daily living skills)/span>
  • DD: Developmental Disability (a group of conditions that begin in childhood and can affect learning, language, behavior, or physical abilities)
  • TRE: The Resource Exchange (helps families with ID/DD access services and waivers
  • IEP: Individualized Education Plan (school plan for special education needs)

Military & Insurance Terms

  • EFMP: Exceptional Family Member Program (military support program for dependents with special needs)
  • TRICARE: The health insurance program for U.S. military service members and their families.
  • TRICARE Select: A type of TRICARE insurance option that allows more provider choices
  • TRICARE Prime: A type TRICARE insurance option that requires referrals for specialty care
  • PCM: Primary Care Manager (your main health care provider)

Why This Matters: Understanding the words and abbreviations used in healthcare and the military helps you feel more confident and supported as you explore your care options.

Peak Vista Services & Support

Families with adults who have developmental disabilities need care that is flexible and supportive. At DDHC, we bring services together in one health center and give families more time with providers, so care feels less rushed and more personalized.

Here are some of the services we provide:

Note: DDHC is outpatient only

Why This Matters: You deserve care that takes time to understand your family’s needs and supports you in every way possible.

Our Care Coordination Team helps families with resources that go beyond the exam room. We work with EFMP, TRE, and other agencies to connect families with services that support their health and daily life.

These are the types of support we connect families with:

  • Housing resources and benefits navigation
  • Medicaid waiver and diagnostic enrollment help through our Care Team Nurse
  • Referrals to specialists in Colorado and beyond
  • Support for families moving into or out of the state

Explore our Patient Tips & Guidelines.

Why This Matters: We’re here to connect you with the resources and programs that make daily life easier for your family.

Eligibility Information

DDHC serves patients with specific eligibility needs. These guidelines help families know if the health center is the right fit.

Families may qualify if they meet any of these criteria:

  • Enrolled in TRE Services
  • IQ below 70
  • Active IEP or special education plan
  • Diagnoses such as severe autism or brain injury
  • Not sure if you qualify? Call us  to discuss your family's needs. Our team can help determine eligibility.

Note: Families can contact Enrollment Services  if they have questions about eligibility.

Why This Matters: Knowing who we serve helps you feel confident that DDHC is the right fit for your family.

DDHC helps patients transition from pediatric to adult care. While we don’t provide pediatric care, our team works closely with families and pediatric providers to make sure every transition into adult care is smooth and supported.

Here’s how care works by age:

  • Transition planning begins at age 17
  • Adults continue to receive care at DDHC
  • Respite care may continue if waivers are in place

Meet the Integrated Psychiatry services.

Why This Matters: Growing up brings big changes — we’ll help your child move into adult care without losing support.

Transition to Adult Care

Transitions are easier when families start early. At DDHC, planning begins around age 17, with guidance from providers and Enrollment Services to help families prepare.

Here are the steps families usually take:

  1. Begin talking with your provider at age 17
  2. Get connected to Enrollment Services: your provider or health center team can refer or transfer you, or you can contact them directly for help.
  3. Review insurance options and eligibility changes
  4. Plan first adult care visit

Why This Matters: Starting early gives your child the best chance for a smooth and stress-free transition to adult care.

When a child becomes an adult, DDHC helps families adjust without losing care. Our team works with EFMP and parents to ensure a smooth transition.

Here’s how we support families during the change:

  • Handoff from pediatric to adult providers
  • Care plans built with family input
  • Flexible scheduling during the change

Why This Matters: We partner with you during this change, making the move into adult care smoother for your family.

All Peak Vista medical locations have an integrated behavioral health team member (some positions may be vacant at times). All dental locations can connect patients with an integrated behavioral health provider, even if one is not based in that specific location. This means that no matter where you receive care at Peak Vista, behavioral health support is available as part of your team.

Why This Matters: Knowing that every medical and dental clinic can connect you to behavioral health means support is always close by.

TRICARE & Insurance

  1. Do I need a referral?
    No referral is needed. You can ask about behavioral health during a medical or dental visit, or call us directly to schedule.

    Why This Matters: Many people delay care thinking they need a referral. Knowing you can start right away makes getting help easier.

  2. How do I schedule an appointment?
    Call Peak Vista directly at (719) 632-5700 or visit your Peak Vista health care provider.

    Why This Matters: Clear steps reduce confusion and help patients take action.
  1. How much does it cost?
    We accept Medicaid, CHP+, and most insurance plans. If you don’t have insurance, financial help is available based on income.

    Why This Matters: Cost is one of the biggest barriers to care. We make services affordable for all patients.

  2. What if I don't have insurance?
    You can still get care. Peak Vista offers a sliding fee scale, and our Enrollment Services team can help you apply for coverage.

    Why This Matters: Patients without insurance often assume care is out of reach. This shows it is not.
  1. Who will I see?
    For counseling, our team includes counselors, social workers, and psychologists. For medication management, our team includes psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. The provider you see depends on your needs and location.

    Why This Matters: Understanding the care team helps you trust that you’ll be matched with the right provider.

  2. What happens at my first visit?
    You’ll meet with a provider who will listen to your concerns, talk about your goals, and help you create a plan for your care.

    Why This Matters: First visits can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to expect makes it easier to take the first step.
  1. How do I know if this will help?
    According to NAMI, 1 in 5 adults experiences mental health challenges each year, but less than half get care. Research shows that people who seek behavioral health support report better relationships, improved daily functioning, and higher quality of life.

    Why This Matters: It’s normal to wonder if treatment will make a difference. Knowing that behavioral health care has helped many people in situations like yours can give you hope and confidence to take the first step.

Family Meetings & Community

  1. Do I need a referral?
    No referral is needed. You can ask about behavioral health during a medical or dental visit, or call us directly to schedule.

    Why This Matters: Many people delay care thinking they need a referral. Knowing you can start right away makes getting help easier.

  2. How do I schedule an appointment?
    Call Peak Vista directly at (719) 632-5700 or visit your Peak Vista health care provider.

    Why This Matters: Clear steps reduce confusion and help patients take action.
  1. How much does it cost?
    We accept Medicaid, CHP+, and most insurance plans. If you don’t have insurance, financial help is available based on income.

    Why This Matters: Cost is one of the biggest barriers to care. We make services affordable for all patients.

  2. What if I don't have insurance?
    You can still get care. Peak Vista offers a sliding fee scale, and our Enrollment Services team can help you apply for coverage.

    Why This Matters: Patients without insurance often assume care is out of reach. This shows it is not.
  1. Who will I see?
    For counseling, our team includes counselors, social workers, and psychologists. For medication management, our team includes psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. The provider you see depends on your needs and location.

    Why This Matters: Understanding the care team helps you trust that you’ll be matched with the right provider.

  2. What happens at my first visit?
    You’ll meet with a provider who will listen to your concerns, talk about your goals, and help you create a plan for your care.

    Why This Matters: First visits can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to expect makes it easier to take the first step.
  1. How do I know if this will help?
    According to NAMI, 1 in 5 adults experiences mental health challenges each year, but less than half get care. Research shows that people who seek behavioral health support report better relationships, improved daily functioning, and higher quality of life.

    Why This Matters: It’s normal to wonder if treatment will make a difference. Knowing that behavioral health care has helped many people in situations like yours can give you hope and confidence to take the first step.

Transportation & Care Outside of DDHC

  1. Do I need a referral?
    No referral is needed. You can ask about behavioral health during a medical or dental visit, or call us directly to schedule.

    Why This Matters: Many people delay care thinking they need a referral. Knowing you can start right away makes getting help easier.

  2. How do I schedule an appointment?
    Call Peak Vista directly at (719) 632-5700 or visit your Peak Vista health care provider.

    Why This Matters: Clear steps reduce confusion and help patients take action.
  1. How much does it cost?
    We accept Medicaid, CHP+, and most insurance plans. If you don’t have insurance, financial help is available based on income.

    Why This Matters: Cost is one of the biggest barriers to care. We make services affordable for all patients.

  2. What if I don't have insurance?
    You can still get care. Peak Vista offers a sliding fee scale, and our Enrollment Services team can help you apply for coverage.

    Why This Matters: Patients without insurance often assume care is out of reach. This shows it is not.
  1. Who will I see?
    For counseling, our team includes counselors, social workers, and psychologists. For medication management, our team includes psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. The provider you see depends on your needs and location.

    Why This Matters: Understanding the care team helps you trust that you’ll be matched with the right provider.

  2. What happens at my first visit?
    You’ll meet with a provider who will listen to your concerns, talk about your goals, and help you create a plan for your care.

    Why This Matters: First visits can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to expect makes it easier to take the first step.
  1. How do I know if this will help?
    According to NAMI, 1 in 5 adults experiences mental health challenges each year, but less than half get care. Research shows that people who seek behavioral health support report better relationships, improved daily functioning, and higher quality of life.

    Why This Matters: It’s normal to wonder if treatment will make a difference. Knowing that behavioral health care has helped many people in situations like yours can give you hope and confidence to take the first step.

Quick Resource Guides

  1. Do I need a referral?
    No referral is needed. You can ask about behavioral health during a medical or dental visit, or call us directly to schedule.

    Why This Matters: Many people delay care thinking they need a referral. Knowing you can start right away makes getting help easier.

  2. How do I schedule an appointment?
    Call Peak Vista directly at (719) 632-5700 or visit your Peak Vista health care provider.

    Why This Matters: Clear steps reduce confusion and help patients take action.
  1. How much does it cost?
    We accept Medicaid, CHP+, and most insurance plans. If you don’t have insurance, financial help is available based on income.

    Why This Matters: Cost is one of the biggest barriers to care. We make services affordable for all patients.

  2. What if I don't have insurance?
    You can still get care. Peak Vista offers a sliding fee scale, and our Enrollment Services team can help you apply for coverage.

    Why This Matters: Patients without insurance often assume care is out of reach. This shows it is not.
  1. Who will I see?
    For counseling, our team includes counselors, social workers, and psychologists. For medication management, our team includes psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. The provider you see depends on your needs and location.

    Why This Matters: Understanding the care team helps you trust that you’ll be matched with the right provider.

  2. What happens at my first visit?
    You’ll meet with a provider who will listen to your concerns, talk about your goals, and help you create a plan for your care.

    Why This Matters: First visits can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to expect makes it easier to take the first step.
  1. How do I know if this will help?
    According to NAMI, 1 in 5 adults experiences mental health challenges each year, but less than half get care. Research shows that people who seek behavioral health support report better relationships, improved daily functioning, and higher quality of life.

    Why This Matters: It’s normal to wonder if treatment will make a difference. Knowing that behavioral health care has helped many people in situations like yours can give you hope and confidence to take the first step.

How to Get Started

  1. Do I need a referral?
    No referral is needed. You can ask about behavioral health during a medical or dental visit, or call us directly to schedule.

    Why This Matters: Many people delay care thinking they need a referral. Knowing you can start right away makes getting help easier.

  2. How do I schedule an appointment?
    Call Peak Vista directly at (719) 632-5700 or visit your Peak Vista health care provider.

    Why This Matters: Clear steps reduce confusion and help patients take action.
  1. How much does it cost?
    We accept Medicaid, CHP+, and most insurance plans. If you don’t have insurance, financial help is available based on income.

    Why This Matters: Cost is one of the biggest barriers to care. We make services affordable for all patients.

  2. What if I don't have insurance?
    You can still get care. Peak Vista offers a sliding fee scale, and our Enrollment Services team can help you apply for coverage.

    Why This Matters: Patients without insurance often assume care is out of reach. This shows it is not.
  1. Who will I see?
    For counseling, our team includes counselors, social workers, and psychologists. For medication management, our team includes psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. The provider you see depends on your needs and location.

    Why This Matters: Understanding the care team helps you trust that you’ll be matched with the right provider.

  2. What happens at my first visit?
    You’ll meet with a provider who will listen to your concerns, talk about your goals, and help you create a plan for your care.

    Why This Matters: First visits can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to expect makes it easier to take the first step.
  1. How do I know if this will help?
    According to NAMI, 1 in 5 adults experiences mental health challenges each year, but less than half get care. Research shows that people who seek behavioral health support report better relationships, improved daily functioning, and higher quality of life.

    Why This Matters: It’s normal to wonder if treatment will make a difference. Knowing that behavioral health care has helped many people in situations like yours can give you hope and confidence to take the first step.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I need a referral?
    No referral is needed. You can ask about behavioral health during a medical or dental visit, or call us directly to schedule.

    Why This Matters: Many people delay care thinking they need a referral. Knowing you can start right away makes getting help easier.

  2. How do I schedule an appointment?
    Call Peak Vista directly at (719) 632-5700 or visit your Peak Vista health care provider.

    Why This Matters: Clear steps reduce confusion and help patients take action.
  1. How much does it cost?
    We accept Medicaid, CHP+, and most insurance plans. If you don’t have insurance, financial help is available based on income.

    Why This Matters: Cost is one of the biggest barriers to care. We make services affordable for all patients.

  2. What if I don't have insurance?
    You can still get care. Peak Vista offers a sliding fee scale, and our Enrollment Services team can help you apply for coverage.

    Why This Matters: Patients without insurance often assume care is out of reach. This shows it is not.
  1. Who will I see?
    For counseling, our team includes counselors, social workers, and psychologists. For medication management, our team includes psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. The provider you see depends on your needs and location.

    Why This Matters: Understanding the care team helps you trust that you’ll be matched with the right provider.

  2. What happens at my first visit?
    You’ll meet with a provider who will listen to your concerns, talk about your goals, and help you create a plan for your care.

    Why This Matters: First visits can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to expect makes it easier to take the first step.
  1. How do I know if this will help?
    According to NAMI, 1 in 5 adults experiences mental health challenges each year, but less than half get care. Research shows that people who seek behavioral health support report better relationships, improved daily functioning, and higher quality of life.

    Why This Matters: It’s normal to wonder if treatment will make a difference. Knowing that behavioral health care has helped many people in situations like yours can give you hope and confidence to take the first step.