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Division of Prevention & Behavioral Health Services

Information for Families


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  2. Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services (DPBHS)
  3. Information for Families


The Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services provides behavioral health assistance to youth

  • who are uninsured, enrolled in Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and require services more intensive than the initial 30 hours of outpatient treatment covered by the Medicaid basic child health benefit provided through the Managed Care Organizations (MCOs)
  • who do not have Medicaid benefits and/or private mental health or substance abuse benefits; or
  • who have exhausted all applicable private mental health or substance abuse benefits

However, DPBHS Prevention services are available to anyone despite the type of insurance coverage they carry or their income. Some programs have specific eligibility requirements.

A mother, father, and their two children holding hands

The Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services (DPBHS) provides a statewide range of voluntary mental health, substance abuse treatment and prevention services for children and youth, under the age of 18.

We provide varying levels and degrees of services depending upon the child’s needs.  Our services are child centered and family focused.

For more detailed information, please call the DPBHS Information and Referral Unit weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 302-633-2571 or 1-800-722-7710 or email at: DSCYF_Intake_General@delaware.gov).

DPBHS authorizes and pays 100% of services for families covered by Medicaid only.  For families covered by private/commercial insurance and Medicaid, your private/commercial insurance is the primary payer, and Medicaid is the secondary payer.  DPBHS will work with your private/commercial insurance to arrange for treatment services.

Please visit:

Care Coordination Unit Youth and Family Handbook

Higher Level of Care Referral Form

Visit the Resource Hub for additional information