Delaware Child Psychiatry Access Program Joins Delaware Division of Public Health

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is pleased to announce that the Delaware Child Psychiatry Access Program (DCPAP) has officially transitioned from the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families (DSCYF) to DPH. This strategic move enhances DCPAP’s capacity to serve more children and families across the state by tapping into DPH’s extensive resources and statewide partnerships.

Empowering Pediatric Providers in Mental Health Care

DCPAP is a no-cost consultation and education service that supports pediatric care providers in addressing the growing need for youth mental health services. Available to those serving patients up to age 21, the program connects providers with experienced child psychiatrists who offer expert guidance on screenings, diagnoses, medication, and treatment planning.

Pediatric care providers are often the first to identify mental or behavioral health concerns in youth, so programs like DCPAP are essential in helping them deliver informed, timely care — especially amid a national shortage of child mental health professionals.

Quick, Easy Access to Expert Support

Requesting support from DCPAP is simple and convenient. Providers can reach out via a direct phone line, text, or email and will receive a response from a child and adolescent psychiatrist within 24 hours, during their business hours, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Contact details and more information are available on the DCPAP website.

To improve access, DCPAP has recently launched dedicated office hours every Tuesday and Thursday, from noon to 2 p.m. During these times, a child psychiatrist is “on call” to provide real-time consultation. All patient data shared during these interactions is deidentified — limited to age, gender, and behavioral health concerns. Plans are underway to expand these office hours to every weekday.

Continuing Education and Training Opportunities

DCPAP also offers training and education for pediatric care providers, their staff, and others in the behavioral health community. In partnership with the Medical Society of Delaware, some of these training opportunities are eligible for continuing medical education (CME) credits — at no cost to participants.

A Growing Statewide Network

“More than 300 providers are enrolled with DCPAP throughout Delaware,” said Joseph Hughes, DCPAP project manager. “We hope to engage with more providers throughout the state, so more children gain quicker access to the resources desperately needed. We are excited to work with our new partners within DPH, who share the common goal of increasing access to care. After all, mental health is health.”

Learn More and Get Involved

To learn more about how DCPAP can support your practice or to enroll, visit the DCPAP website. For direct inquiries, reach out to Joseph Hughes at 302-513-0929.

Please join us in welcoming DCPAP to the Division of Public Health!