When someone you love is struggling, it can be hard to know what to say or where to turn. This guide shares national and local Wilmington-New Castle mental health resources for people experiencing a crisis, as well as for parents, caregivers, and friends who are concerned about someone they love.
Need help now?
- Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7 for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, a mental-health or substance-use crisis, or emotional distress — or for anyone worried about a loved one. You can also chat online.
- If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Mental health resources in Wilmington, DE
In addition to 988, there is local support available in Wilmington, DE for people experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide.
| Delaware 2-1-1 | DE 211 connects DE residents to statewide essential resources | |
| Delaware Hope Line | Operated 24/7 by the department of health and social services | 833-946-7333 | Text DEHOPE to 55753 |
| Christiana Care | Behavioral Health: 302-320-2100 ER: 800-693-2273 | |
Help is Here | Comprehensive list of mental health and substance abuse resources. | |
| Mental Health Association in Delaware Helpline | Weekdays from 8 AM to 4 PM | 302-654-6833 |
| NAMI Delaware | Please reach out for support, educational materials, advocacy questions and concerns, to share your story, or with any questions. | (302) 427–0787 | En español, oprime el 8 | engage@namide.org |
| New Castle County Behavioral Health Unit | A NCC Police officer and a Christiana Care clinician respond together to mental health calls for service. | 302-395-2855 | BehavioralHealthUnit@newcastlede.gov |
| Pushing Through | Provides a supportive community where individuals of all ages and genders can seek comfort and healing. |
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| Safe DE | A free 24/7 support app for students, families, and school employees | Download via Google Play or the App Store |
| State Suicide Intervention Hotline (Northern DE) | 800-652-2929 | |
| 24/7 Youth Crisis Support | Staffed by DE Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families |
If your child tells you they may hurt themselves
Hearing this can feel frightening, but you do not have to handle it alone. Stay calm, listen without judgment, and thank your child for telling you. It is OK to ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Research shows that asking does not increase suicidal thoughts or behavior.
- Take every statement, note, or threat seriously.
- Stay with your child if you believe they may be in immediate danger.
- Help make the environment safer by securing medications, firearms, and other potentially dangerous items.
- Call or text 988 together for immediate guidance and support.
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if there is immediate danger.
- Follow up with a pediatrician, therapist, school counselor, or other qualified mental-health professional for continued support.
These tips are adapted from the National Institute of Mental Health’s 5 Action Steps to Help Someone Having Thoughts of Suicide and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
How to support someone you are worried about
You do not need to have the perfect words. A caring, direct conversation can be an important first step. Listen without judgment and let them share what they are feeling.
- Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide.
- Do not promise to keep suicidal thoughts a secret.
- Help connect them with support, including 988, a trusted adult, or a mental-health professional.
- Check in again after the conversation.
For more guidance, read the National Institute of Mental Health’s 5 Action Steps to Help Someone Having Thoughts of Suicide.
Small acts of care and connection matter. Reach out, listen, and remind the people you love that they are not alone and help is available.
For more information about warning signs and how to help someone in crisis, visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or the National Institute of Mental Health.
