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
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Nationwide24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress. Call or text 988.
NAMI HelpLine
NationwideInformation, resource referrals, and support for people living with mental health conditions.
SAMHSA National Helpline
NationwideFree, confidential 24/7 treatment referral and information for mental and/or substance use disorders.
Other resources in Delaware
- Housing Assistance in Delaware
- Food Assistance in Delaware
- Utility Assistance in Delaware
- Transportation Assistance in Delaware
- Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance in Delaware
- Domestic Violence Resources in Delaware
- Disability Resources in Delaware
- Veteran Resources in Delaware
- Child & Family Assistance in Delaware
- Senior Resources in Delaware