What if I need mental health help right now but can't afford to pay?

Call 988 for immediate crisis support — it is always free. If you need ongoing care and have no insurance, call 2-1-1 Delaware (dial 211) and ask about state-funded mental health providers in your area. DSAMH contracts with community providers who can offer services on a sliding-fee scale or at no cost to income-eligible residents. You may also qualify for Delaware Medicaid, which covers a broad range of mental health services.

Does Delaware Medicaid cover therapy and psychiatry?

Yes. Delaware Medicaid (administered through managed care plans under the Diamond State Health Plan) covers outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and higher levels of care such as intensive outpatient programs and crisis stabilization. Coverage specifics can vary by plan, so after enrolling you should confirm covered services with your assigned managed care organization. Apply at benefits.delaware.gov or call 1-866-843-7212.

How do I find a mental health provider in Delaware who is taking new patients?

The fastest routes are calling 2-1-1 (dial 211) or contacting DSAMH at (302) 255-9399. Both can search for providers by county, insurance type, and specialty. If you have private insurance, your insurer's member portal or member services line can provide an in-network provider list. SAMHSA's national treatment locator at findtreatment.gov is also a reliable free tool for locating licensed behavioral health providers in Delaware.

Are there mental health resources specifically for Delaware children and teens?

Yes. Delaware's DSAMH funds child and adolescent behavioral health services through contracted community providers. Children may also be covered under the Delaware Healthy Children Program (CHIP) for mental health visits. For children in crisis, 988 serves all ages. To find youth-specific programs, call 2-1-1 or contact DSAMH and ask specifically about child and adolescent services — a care coordinator can help identify the right level of support, from outpatient therapy to school-based services.

Mental Health Resources in Delaware

Last updated September 7, 2026

Delaware residents facing mental health challenges have access to a range of crisis, counseling, and long-term support services. Whether you are navigating a personal crisis, seeking ongoing therapy, or helping a loved one find care, the state's Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH), housed within the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), is the primary public agency overseeing behavioral health programs for adults and children across the state.

If you are unsure where to start, calling 2-1-1 Delaware is one of the fastest ways to get connected. Trained specialists are available around the clock to match you with local mental health providers, crisis services, peer support groups, and financial assistance programs based on your specific situation and county. Many services are available on a sliding-fee scale or are fully covered for people who qualify for Medicaid.

For anyone in immediate emotional distress, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7 by call or text. Delaware also has mobile crisis response teams that can come to you — your 2-1-1 specialist or local DSAMH office can help you access those teams without going to an emergency room.

Key programs in Delaware

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free, confidential crisis support by call or text for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or a mental health emergency. Connects callers to trained counselors and, when needed, can coordinate local mobile crisis response.

How to access: Call or text 988 at any time, day or night. No insurance or prior enrollment is required. Spanish-language support and services for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers (via chat at 988lifeline.org) are available.

2-1-1 Delaware

A free statewide helpline and searchable database that connects residents to mental health counseling, substance use treatment, crisis services, peer support, housing, food, and other social services. Specialists can identify providers accepting new patients, including those who offer sliding-fee or no-cost care.

How to access: Call or text 211, available 24/7. You can also search the directory online at 211delaware.org. No documentation is needed to call.

Delaware Medicaid (Diamond State Health Plan)

Delaware's Medicaid program covers mental health and substance use disorder services for eligible low-income residents, including therapy, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, crisis stabilization, and intensive outpatient programs. Children may be covered through the Delaware Healthy Children Program (CHIP).

How to access: Apply online through the Delaware Benefits portal at benefits.delaware.gov, call DHSS at 1-866-843-7212, or visit a local Division of Social Services office. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and other factors.

Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH)

The state agency that funds, licenses, and oversees public mental health and substance use services for Delaware adults and youth. DSAMH can connect residents to state-funded outpatient counseling, psychiatric services, peer recovery support, and crisis stabilization — often regardless of insurance status.

How to access: Contact DSAMH directly at (302) 255-9399 or visit dhss.delaware.gov/dsamh for a list of contracted providers by county. Social workers and case managers can also make referrals on a client's behalf.

VA Mental Health Services (for Veterans)

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides comprehensive mental health care to eligible veterans, including treatment for PTSD, depression, anxiety, military sexual trauma, and substance use disorders. The Wilmington VA Medical Center serves Delaware veterans with both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services.

How to access: Contact the Wilmington VA Medical Center at (302) 994-2511 or visit va.gov/wilmington-health-care to enroll or request a mental health appointment. Veterans in crisis can also call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.

Mental Health Resources resources for Delaware

Brandywine Center for Mental Health

SAMHSA-listed mental health treatment facility.

Hockessin, Delaware302-329-3669

Mental Health Resources in Delaware

Key programs in Delaware

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

2-1-1 Delaware

Delaware Medicaid (Diamond State Health Plan)

Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH)

VA Mental Health Services (for Veterans)

Mental Health Resources resources for Delaware

Brandywine Center for Mental Health

Brandywine Counseling and — Community Services

ChristianaCare — Wilmington Hospital

Coras Wellness and Behavioral Health — Womens Residential Treatment Center

DSAMH Bridge Clinic

Espoir Recovery Healing Services

Jewish Family Services of Delaware

Limen Recovery/Wellness — 3 1 Residential

Lotus Recovery Centers of — Prices Corner LLC

Nemours Childrens Hospital — Division of Behavioral Health

Pace Inc — DBA Sanare Today

Rockford Center

SaVida Health — Wilmington

Westside Family Healthcare

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Find Support Today

NAMI HelpLine

Other resources in Delaware

Mental Health Resources in other states