Therapy in Delaware: Costs, Licensing & How to Find Help
A guide to therapy in Delaware — costs, licensing, telehealth rules, and how to find a therapist.
$160
Avg. session cost
#15
MH ranking (of 51)
285
Providers per 100K
5.8%
Uninsured rate
Therapist Licensing Requirements
Overseen by the Delaware Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals.
| Credential | Title | Supervised Hours | Required Exams |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPCMH | Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health | 3,200 | NCE, NCMHCE |
| LCSW | Licensed Clinical Social Worker | 3,200 | ASWB Clinical |
| LMFT | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | 3,200 | MFT National Exam |
| Licensed Psychologist | Licensed Psychologist | 4,000 | EPPP |
Therapy Costs in Delaware
The average therapy session in Delaware costs $160 — $15 below the national average of $175. Online therapy is typically 15% less.
| Metro Area | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | $165 | $125–$210 |
| Dover | $150 | $115–$190 |
Telehealth Rules in Delaware
PSYPACT Member (since 2019)
PSYPACT member state. Out-of-state psychologists may practice via APIT. Other mental health providers must be licensed in Delaware.
Audio-only therapy: Allowed
Medicaid telemental health: Covered
Consent: Informed consent required before telehealth treatment; does not mandate written consent specifically, but documentation must be retained in patient records.
Insurance & Parity in Delaware
Parity enforcement: moderate
Medicaid expanded: Yes (no session cap)
Typical in-network copay: $25–$50
Major insurers: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware, Aetna, Cigna
Crisis Resources in Delaware
Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH)
Crisis Lines
Notable Programs
- Delaware's Behavioral Health Consortium coordinates statewide mental health planning and service delivery.
- The DSAMH Crisis Intervention Services program deploys mobile crisis teams across all three counties.
- Delaware's Help Is Here initiative connects residents to free behavioral health screenings and referrals.
Therapy Landscape in Delaware
Delaware's small size belies the diversity of its mental health needs. The northern part of the state around Wilmington is part of the Philadelphia metro corridor with good provider access, while southern Delaware — particularly Sussex County — is more rural and underserved. The state has invested in its Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, which coordinates community-based services. Delaware has also been proactive about mental health parity enforcement. Out-of-pocket therapy costs typically range from $120 to $190 per session. Highmark and Aetna are major insurers. Delaware Medicaid (Diamond State Health Plan) covers comprehensive behavioral health services.
Finding a Therapist in Delaware
Delaware licenses professional counselors of mental health (LPCMHs), clinical social workers (LCSWs), psychologists, and marriage and family therapists (LMFTs). The Board of Professional Counselors of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals oversees counselor licensing. Delaware participates in PSYPACT, and telehealth is well-supported across the state. Given Delaware's proximity to Philadelphia, Maryland, and New Jersey, cross-state telehealth compacts are particularly useful for residents near state borders.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely practiced across Delaware for anxiety and depression. The state's proximity to major academic medical centers also means residents can access specialized approaches like DBT and IFS relatively easily.
Without insurance, sessions typically cost $120 to $190. Insurance copays range from $20 to $50. Community behavioral health centers offer sliding-scale fees based on income.
Yes. The Diamond State Health Plan covers outpatient mental health services including individual therapy, group therapy, crisis services, and substance use treatment.
Potentially. Delaware's PSYPACT membership allows you to work with psychologists in other PSYPACT states. For other provider types, check whether the Counseling Compact or other agreements apply.
Sussex County has fewer providers than the Wilmington area. Telehealth, community health centers, and the state's behavioral health services can help bridge this gap.
Look for LPCMH, LCSW, licensed psychologist, or LMFT. All are regulated by Delaware licensing boards and require graduate education and supervised clinical hours.
Licensing and Credentials in Delaware
Delaware uses a unique credential title for its primary counselor license: Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH). These professionals are overseen by the Board of Professional Counselors of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) are regulated by the Board of Social Work Examiners. Licensed Psychologists hold doctoral degrees and are overseen by the Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) are also available.
Pre-licensed professionals in Delaware work under supervision and can offer more affordable sessions. Given the state's small size, many providers serve clients across all three counties. Verify any provider through the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.
Teletherapy Laws in Delaware
Delaware supports telehealth for mental health services, and insurers are required to cover virtual sessions. Both video and audio-only therapy are permitted. Delaware participates in PSYPACT, which allows psychologists from other member states to provide telehealth to Delaware residents — a particularly useful benefit given the state's proximity to Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey.
The Counseling Compact may further expand cross-state telehealth options for counselors. For LPCMHs and LCSWs, providers must currently hold a Delaware license. Telehealth is valuable for residents in Sussex County, where in-person options are more limited than in the Wilmington area.
Medicaid and Insurance Coverage in Delaware
The Diamond State Health Plan, Delaware's Medicaid program, covers comprehensive behavioral health services including individual therapy, group therapy, crisis services, and substance use treatment. Delaware expanded Medicaid under the ACA, providing coverage for low-income adults.
Major private insurers in Delaware include Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and AmeriHealth Caritas. Delaware has been proactive about mental health parity enforcement, ensuring that insurers cover therapy at the same level as medical services. For tips on navigating insurance coverage, see our how to pay for therapy guide.
Cost of Therapy in Delaware
Therapy costs in Delaware reflect the state's moderate-to-high cost of living. Out-of-pocket sessions typically range from $120 to $190, with New Castle County (Wilmington area) at the higher end. Insurance copays generally fall between $20 and $50.
Community behavioral health centers offer sliding-scale fees based on income, and some provide services at no cost for those who qualify. Delaware's proximity to Philadelphia also means residents in northern Delaware can sometimes access Pennsylvania-based university training clinics. For a nationwide cost comparison, visit our therapy cost by state guide.
Crisis Resources in Delaware
If you or someone you know needs help now:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 for 24/7 support
- Delaware Crisis Intervention Services — 1-800-652-2929 (24/7 crisis support and referrals)
- SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-4357 for treatment referrals
- Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health — 302-255-9399
Delaware's Crisis Intervention Services can connect you with same-day crisis counseling and referrals to ongoing care.
How to Get Started with Therapy in Delaware
Here is a practical path to finding a therapist in Delaware:
- Check your insurance — Contact your plan for in-network providers. If you have the Diamond State Health Plan, behavioral health services are covered through your managed care organization.
- Search provider directories — Psychology Today and the Delaware Psychological Association directory are useful tools for finding local providers.
- Contact community behavioral health centers — If cost is a concern, these centers offer sliding-scale and no-cost services.
- Consider cross-state options — Delaware's PSYPACT membership means you can access psychologists in other states via telehealth. This is particularly useful if you need a specialist not available locally.
- Call Crisis Intervention Services — If you need immediate support or a referral, call 1-800-652-2929.
For more information, see our how to find a therapist guide or what to expect in your first therapy session.
Delaware's combination of strong parity enforcement, community services, and telehealth access makes therapy reachable for most residents. If you are in southern Delaware, telehealth can significantly expand your options beyond local providers.