DGS is the largest non-profit provider of outpatient behavioral health services for children and families in Delaware. Our vision for Delaware, “resilient families nurturing children’s well-being”, flows from our mission to provide high-quality therapeutic services to increase social, emotional, and behavioral wellness. DGS has maintained continuous accreditation from The Joint Commission since 1999, demonstrating our commitment to quality and excellence. In 2025, we were honored to be selected as a Delaware Top Workplaces winner!

Every child deserves access to excellent care, and we are proud to bring high-quality behavioral health services to Delaware. Our clinical lines operate 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, to serve an average of 3,500 children and youth annually. Therapeutic options are available for young people experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, eating disorders, traumatic stress-related disorders, suicidal ideation, and other behavioral health problems. We provide care to anyone in need, regardless of their ability to pay. Over 93% of DGS clients report improvement in their level of functioning following treatment, and therapeutic benefits extend to clients’ siblings, caregivers, classmates, and peers. 

Outpatient therapy services are available at all 5 of our office locations in Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Lewes, and Seaford. Our community-based clinicians work with clients and families in the home, school, and community settings. DGS' Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) program operates 24/7, 365 days per year to respond to children experiencing acute behavioral health crises. In 2024, our Call Center triaged over 6,000 calls to the Youth Crisis Support Hotline (1-800-969-HELP), and our Crisis clinicians traveled statewide to conduct over 2,000 risk assessments. 

Our clinical staff has the capacity and expertise to handle complex cases that require evaluation, intensive treatment, and/or medication therapy. Interconnectedness among service lines creates a continuum of care for the clients and families we serve. DGS’ services emphasize prevention, early identification, and timely treatment of behavioral health problems while offering varying levels of intensity to meet the needs of each child and family. For over 70 years, DGS has created positive lasting impact for Delaware children and families in need.