Delaware Guidance Services
Serving since 1953, DGS is Delaware’s largest provider of non-residential behavioral health services for children and families.
We operate offices in Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Lewes, and Seaford, and we are the only statewide not-for-profit outpatient behavioral health organization for children and adolescents accredited by JCAHO. DGS was honored as a Compassionate Champion for our dedication to serving youth and families using a trauma-informed approach.
Statewide Youth Crisis Response
Crisis Response Services are available 24/7 for children and teens. Our skilled intervention clinicians come to you, wherever, whenever you need it, to provide counseling and support.
Outpatient Counseling Referral
Our clinicians are focused on helping children to heal and learn constructive ways to deal with problems or issues. Be sure to download and submit our latest form.
We’re Here to Support Our Community
Providing a full spectrum of statewide services
DGS’ mission is “to provide quality therapeutic services to children, youth, and their families to increase their social, emotional, and behavioral wellness” and its vision for Delaware is “to have resilient families nurturing children’s well-being.
DGS creates respectful, competent, and culturally aware spaces for youth and families to process the impact of trauma and build resiliency.
Clients have access to outpatient counseling, group therapy, parent-child interaction therapy, and school- and community-based services.
Over 93% of DGS clients report improvement following treatment, and therapeutic benefits extend to clients’ siblings, classmates, and peers.
Outpatient Counseling
Outpatient counseling is also called “talk therapy” or just “therapy.” It’s a process of courageous conversations with a trained counselor that can help children, teens, and their parents or guardians in various difficult situations.
Outpatient Counseling in Schools & Community
Our therapists listen, guide, encourage, problem-solve, and advocate with students to improve school attendance, classroom behaviors, and academic performance.
DGS Clinical Team Support & Therapy for Families
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
Most every parent has experienced a child’s occasional temper tantrum, but when meltdowns, hitting, and shoving begin to make life impossible, it’s time for an intervention.
Trauma Support Services for Educators & Community Organizations
24-Hour Community-Based Crisis Response
Psychiatry Services
Therapeutic Classroom Support
Our Locations
New Castle County-Wilmington
1200 N. French Street
Community Education Building 7th Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801
P: (302) 652-3948
New Castle County-Newark
261 Chapman Road
Suite 102
Newark, DE 19702
P: (302) 455-9333
Kent County
103 Mont Blanc Blvd.
Dover, DE 19904
P: (302) 678-3020
Sussex County-Lewes
31168 Learning Lane
Lewes, DE 19958
P: (302) 645-5338
Sussex County-Seaford
900 Health Services Drive
Seaford, DE 19973
P: (302) 262-3505
Professional Development
Our Professional Development curriculum includes 10 stand-alone training modules grounded in trauma-informed care, building effective relationships, and effective classroom and student management. In one-on-one and group settings, DGS clinicians work directly with teachers and administrators to build skills that promote social-emotional well-being, good citizenship, appreciation of diversity, and resilience among students. Our Professional Development curriculum has been implemented successfully within Delaware school systems, and modules are customizable to each school district and school. Our clinicians also work directly with teachers and administrators to design new training modules to meet the specific needs of student populations.
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Come Join the DGS Family
Delaware Guidance Services (DGS) continues to experience steady growth. The agency is large enough to make an impact in the community, yet not too big to lose a caring work environment where employees can make a difference. With the wide variety of positions and programs, employees have several options to develop their careers.
Our employees tell us DGS is a great place to work. There is opportunity for work-life balance, challenging work, and a supportive and stimulating work environment. Employees have a great opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of children throughout the state of Delaware, and within their careers.
Recent News
Delaware Guidance Services to Celebrate 70th
You’ve been a part of the success of Delaware Guidance Services, now come celebrate our 70th anniversary with us!
Information Sessions about MRSS Crisis Program
Please join 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐞 for an information session about the 𝐌𝐑𝐒𝐒 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦.
What creates a safe, supportive learning environment
What creates a safe, supportive learning environment? Experts said restorative justice – a philosophy that emphasizes a community-oriented approach to address wrongdoings, needs and responsibilities of the classroom – is also crucial to a safe school environment.
We Achieved “The Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission”.
The highest national standards for safety and quality of care and is committed to continually improving patient care.