Mental Health in Delaware

9 verified resources.

About Mental Health for Fathers

Mental health services in the US range from free crisis lines and public community mental health centers to private therapy and inpatient care. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline operates 24/7 nationwide and is free and confidential. SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) connects callers with local treatment resources for mental health and substance use. Community Mental Health Centers exist in every state and serve people regardless of ability to pay, usually on sliding-scale fees. Medicaid covers mental health care in all states, and the ACA requires insurance plans to cover mental health at parity with medical care. Fathers are particularly at risk for undiagnosed depression, anxiety, and substance issues around separation and custody disputes — this directory surfaces crisis lines, low-cost therapy, support groups specifically for men, and state mental health authorities.

Mental Health in Delaware

Delaware Family Court handles custody, visitation, and child support statewide through three county courthouses (New Castle, Kent, Sussex). The Division of Child Support Services operates under DSS. Delaware's small size means one consistent state system. Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI) and Legal Services Corporation of Delaware offer free legal representation.

9 Resources

1. Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health — Free

State agency providing mental health services, crisis intervention, and treatment referrals for Delaware adults statewide, based in New Castle. Fathers struggling with depression, anxiety, grief after separation, or substance use can call for referrals to community providers. Bring photo ID and insurance information if available at intake; uninsured and low-income dads can be connected to sliding-scale or public-pay programs.

(302) 255-9399 · 1901 N DuPont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Delaware — Free

National crisis line with local Delaware counselors for suicide prevention, emotional distress, and mental health emergencies. Available 24/7 by call, text, or chat, the service is free and confidential. Fathers in acute crisis, coping with custody stress, or worried about a loved one can reach a trained counselor any hour. No insurance, ID, or appointment required to use the service statewide.

988 · Statewide service · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Mental Health Association in Delaware — Paid

Counseling, support groups, and mental health education for Delaware residents, run from the Wilmington office. Programs include peer support, public outreach, and referrals to clinicians. Fathers coping with divorce, custody stress, or parenting overwhelm can call or walk in during weekday hours. Fees vary by program; bring photo ID and insurance information at intake when scheduling counseling.

(302) 654-6833 · 100 W 10th St Suite 600, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Delaware Guidance Services for Children & Youth — Paid

Outpatient mental health services for children, adolescents, and their families across Delaware, with a main office on Delaware Avenue in Wilmington. Therapists treat anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral concerns. Fathers can request an appointment for their child by phone during weekday hours. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid information, and copies of any custody or school records at intake.

(302) 652-3948 · 1213 Delaware Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-8pm · Visit Website

5. Veterans Crisis Line — Delaware — Free

Crisis support specifically for veterans and their families experiencing mental health emergencies, accessed by dialing 988 and pressing 1. Trained responders include many who are veterans themselves and understand military culture and stressors. Delaware veteran fathers in crisis, at risk of self-harm, or struggling with PTSD can call, text, or chat 24/7 without insurance, ID, or appointment.

988 (press 1) · Nationwide service · 24/7 · Visit Website

6. Beebe Healthcare Behavioral Health — Sussex County — Paid

Outpatient mental health and psychiatric services for adults and families in Sussex County, with a main office in Lewes. Services include evaluation, therapy, and medication management. Fathers in lower Delaware can call for intake during weekday hours. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid cards, a list of current medications, and relevant medical history to the first appointment.

(302) 645-3332 · 424 Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE 19958 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Connections CSP — Mental Health Services — Paid

Outpatient mental health counseling, case management, and community support services for Delaware adults, with a West 10th Street office in Wilmington. Accepts many public and private insurance plans and offers supports for dads navigating custody, recovery, or housing challenges. Bring photo ID, insurance information, and a list of current medications to the first appointment scheduled by phone.

(302) 655-1619 · 500 W 10th St, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Delaware Men's Mental Health Support Group — Free

Peer-led support groups for men navigating divorce, co-parenting stress, grief, and other life transitions, hosted through NAMI Delaware in Wilmington. Groups meet on varying evenings and are free to attend. Fathers can walk in or call NAMI during weekday hours to confirm current meeting times. No referral or insurance needed; bring only yourself and a willingness to share at your own pace.

(302) 427-0787 · 2400 W 4th St, Wilmington, DE 19805 · Evenings, varies · Visit Website

9. Open Door — Delaware Counseling — Paid

Sliding-scale outpatient counseling for individuals, couples, and families in the Newark area, open during extended weekday hours to accommodate working parents. Fathers can self-refer by phone for appointments addressing anxiety, depression, relationship stress, or parenting challenges. Bring photo ID, insurance information if available, and be prepared to discuss income for sliding-scale fee determination.

(302) 368-6546 · 4 Omega Dr Suite 4, Newark, DE 19713 · Mon-Fri 9am-7pm · Visit Website

Mental Health — Common Questions

I'm in crisis right now — who do I call?
Dial or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free and confidential, 24/7 nationwide. Veterans press 1. For non-crisis mental health support, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
How do I find a therapist I can afford?
Community Mental Health Centers (every state has them) charge on sliding-scale based on income. Medicaid covers therapy in all states. Private insurance must cover mental health at parity with medical care. Psychology Today's therapist finder lets you filter by insurance. Open Path Collective offers
0–$80 sessions.
Can therapy hurt my custody case?
Almost always no — judges view voluntarily-sought mental health treatment as responsible parenting. Therapists must keep sessions confidential (with narrow exceptions: child abuse disclosure, imminent self-harm). Court-ordered evaluations are different from voluntary therapy.
Is there support specifically for men?
Yes. Face It Foundation, HeadsUpGuys, Men's Sheds, and Man Therapy run men-focused programs. Many community mental health centers run men-only groups. Fatherhood programs often include peer support as part of their model.