Mental Health in Delaware
Despite being the first state to join the US, Delaware is behind when it comes to mental health. It might be surprising to know that, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 149,000 adults in Delaware have a mental health condition – that’s over three times the population of Dover. But what’s especially concerning about this NAMI study is how many of those people don’t get the treatment they need. 47,000 of those 149,000 don’t get treatment for their mental health needs.
This is just as much of a problem for teenagers – as many as 45.5% of Delaware teens with depression haven’t received any care in the past year. It’s no coincidence that an astounding 7 out of 10 youth in Delaware’s juvenile justice system have a mental health condition.
So why aren’t Delawareans getting the care they need? NAMI notes that cost is a major factor – nearly 40% of adults who didn’t get the mental health care they needed say that cost was the problem. Delawareans are also three times more likely to not have in-network options and be forced to use out-of-network providers instead, which is often not affordable.
149,000
Delaware adults living with a mental health condition
45.5%
Delaware teens with depression
Nearly 40%
Adults who didn’t get mental health care due to cost
Free Mental Health Resources in Delaware
NAMI Delaware offers support groups for individuals seeking assistance for mental health conditions. They provide peer ed support groups, educational programs and community outreach to raise awareness. They are working to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health services.
The Mental Health Association in Delaware offers a range of services to promote mental well being. They host a number of support groups, educational programs and advocacy. They focus on raising awareness and providing resources for individuals and families affected by mental health challenges. They are also able to provide mental health evaluations.
CAMP Rehoboth offers supportive resources for the LGBTQ+ community in Delaware. They foster inclusivity through social events, mental health programs, and educational workshops. They work to create a welcoming environment where individuals can find support, build connections and engage in meaningful community activities.
PFLAG Wilmington hosts support groups for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. They promote understanding and acceptance through educational resources and outreach programs. They create a safe space where individuals can connect, share experiences and receive guidance in navigating their journeys with love and respect.
Delaware 211 connects individuals to essential resources and services. You will receive support for housing, healthcare and financial assistance. They also have a confidential and easy to use helpline. This helpline can provide you with referrals to community programs and agencies that offer aid.
University of Delaware TimelyCare offers free virtual mental health support to students. Their students will have access to counseling and wellness services. Their convenient online platforms allows students to receive immediate care such as urgent support, health coaching and self help resources.
Delaware State and Federal Resources offers a variety of programs to support residents in need. Their services include financial assistance, housing aid, healthcare, and unemployment services. They have a military run directory that provides resources for Delaware's Veteran residents.
Mobile Crisis Intervention Services (MCIS) offers state operates on site support for individuals experiencing a mental health or behavioral crisis. Trained professionals provide de-escalation, counseling and connection to resources. These services are aimed at reducing emergency room visits and preventing unnecessary hospitalizations.
Delaware Guidance Services 24/7 Crisis Response offers immediate support for individuals facing mental health crises. Their crisis line is operated by intervention clinicians. They provide on site assessments, interventions and de-escalation. Their services are aimed at preventing hospitalizations and promote recovery by offering timely assistance at any hour.
The 24 Hour Child Mental Health Crisis Services offers immediate support for children experiencing mental health emergencies. Children and their parents are able to receive round the clock care. Trained professionals provide urgent assessments, de-escalation and guidance by connecting families to necessary resources. The program aims to stabilize situations so that children receive timely care and support.
The Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCADV) works to eliminate domestic violence across the state. Their crisis line promotes advocacy, education and support. They provide resources for victims, offer training for service providers and raise awareness to prevent abuse. They also include online resources for couples and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The PROMISE program provides home based community services for individuals with mental health challenges. They offer personalized care, resources and empowerment to individuals who are unwilling or unable to seek care outside of their home. Their services will help you build skills, access support networks and achieve personal goals.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) provides critical assistance to veterans and their families who are facing homelessness or housing instability. They provide case management, financial aid and connections to resources. They also help veterans secure stable housing. Their array of services help struggling veterans stay on their feet.
Help is Here Delaware provides accessible support to individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. Their prevention hotline offers resources, information and assistance through a statewide system. Their guide assists residents in finding free mental health care and can provide assistance signing up for Medicaid.
The Delaware Center for Homeless Veterans provides comprehensive support to veterans experiencing homelessness. Their programs include housing assistance, job training and mental health services. Their range of resources help veterans regain stability, access care and successfully transition to permanent housing.