Counseling Degrees & Licenses in Delaware
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“Delaware’s communities are extremely diverse, and you will likely work with people from various backgrounds and identities. Improving your cultural awareness and competence is key to enhancing your effectiveness as a counselor and will help you build stronger client relationships.”
Brooke Feist, Clinical Supervisor, Brandywine Counseling & Community Services
The Delaware Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals oversees counseling degrees and licenses in Delaware. This board issues licenses to professional mental health counselors, associate mental health counselors, chemical dependency professionals, marriage and family therapists, and associate marriage and family therapists. They also recognize art therapists and associate art therapists.
Delaware reciprocates with other states and the District of Columbia. Those who have been licensed for at least five years in any jurisdiction (state) may be authorized by reciprocity with no further documentation needed. Those licensed less than five years in a jurisdiction must submit copies of the licensing laws and regulations from each jurisdiction where the license is held. The board will review the licensing standards of the other jurisdictions and determine if they are substantially similar to Delaware’s standards.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 149,000 adults in Delaware have a mental health condition, and 42,000 adults in the state have serious mental illness. The report also notes that 88,697 people in Delaware live in communities that do not have enough mental health professionals. According to Mental Health America, Delaware is ranked 11th out of 50 states and Washington, DC for providing access to mental health services.
There is an increased demand everywhere for licensed counselors. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), forecasts that careers in substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling fields will grow 19 percent nationally from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. The need for counselors, in general, will grow as a growing population seeks mental health counseling. Demand for rehabilitation counselors is expected to grow 2 percent. On the other hand, the job outlook for marriage and family therapists is expected to grow 16 percent.
Overall, students who pursue counseling degrees and licenses in Delaware can find rewarding and stable careers. Read on for accredited schools offering programs for counseling degrees and licenses in Delaware and an expert’s perspective.
Meet the Expert: Brooke Feist
Brooke Feist is a dedicated mental health professional with a strong foundation in counseling and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of her clients. She earned a bachelor’s degree in clinical counseling psychology from Kutztown University in 2019 and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at Eastern University, aspiring to become a licensed marriage and family therapist.
She joined Brandywine Counseling & Community Services in September 2019 as a substance abuse and trauma counselor and now serves as a clinical supervisor following her promotion in the summer of 2023. Through her work, she has grown personally and professionally, refining her clinical skills and fostering a compassionate, understanding, and client-centered approach to therapy. She remains deeply committed to supporting her clients with genuine care and helping them navigate life’s challenges.
CounselingSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about mental health counselors in Delaware?
Feist: Just like many states and cities, there are many aspects and challenges that we as mental health counselors face daily, and understanding these could help better support and show appreciation for our work. Mental health professionals provide support in many different areas, not just during a crisis but also for everyday challenges and long-term personal growth. We work with people on substance misuse, legal concerns, relationship issues and family dynamics, personal goals, and their overall mental wellness, which, in the end, aims to improve their quality of life.
Delaware, as do many states, has a growing need for mental health services, but the availability of counselors and overall mental health services can be limited for a number of reasons. This makes it difficult for people to receive services or even want to reach out for them. Mental health counselors often have to navigate high caseloads and even waiting lists, which results in clients facing delays in accessing services, which can be frustrating for everyone involved.
Delaware’s mental health counselors must complete intense training, including supervised clinical hours and licensing and credentialing exams. As mental health counselors, we may also commit to ongoing education to stay current in the field and updated on the constant changes and better practices. This ensures that our care is of high quality, though it often comes with personal and even financial sacrifice for us as counselors.
Overall, mental health professionals play a vital role in the well-being of Delaware’s communities. With a better public understanding of our work, we can continue to encourage more people to seek support without hesitation and help all counselors feel valued in their essential roles.
CounselingSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring mental health counseling students in Delaware?
Feist: My first piece of advice for aspiring mental health counseling students in Delaware is to embrace self-care early on. This field can be incredibly rewarding but also emotionally draining and intense. Make sure to devise a self-care routine now and continue that as you go through your education and career. Recognizing signs of burnout is important because we need to set personal and professional boundaries to continue working in the field we love.
Delaware, as well as many other states, has specific requirements for supervised clinical hours. Finding a supervisor who meets these requirements and provides meaningful mentorship and support will be very important and, honestly, a game changer. A good supervisor will help you develop clinical skills, process challenging cases, guide you as you build confidence in your abilities, and, most importantly, support you in your career by encouraging instead of putting you down.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with documentation, ethical considerations, and confidentiality protocols, as these are essential parts of the job. Everything is online nowadays, so learning how to manage client notes efficiently, treatment plans, and any other “paperwork” through an electronic health records system in a time-efficient way while staying organized will make a big difference in your workday and almost ensure you stay on top of all work responsibilities.
Delaware’s communities are extremely diverse, and you will likely work with people from various backgrounds and identities. Improving your cultural awareness and competence is key to enhancing your effectiveness as a counselor and will help you build stronger client relationships. It will help to prioritize this and understand how culture, socioeconomic factors, and other important systemic issues impact mental health and this field overall.
Remember to remain flexible and open-minded throughout your education and career, as each client is unique. All the theories and techniques taught in school and during employment might not always work as expected in real-life “here and now” situations. Remaining adaptable and open-minded will allow you to meet clients where they are.
Being in the mental health field is a lifelong commitment as it is always evolving with new research, techniques, and insights emerging regularly. Pursuing continuing education opportunities and certifications will allow you to stay current and serve clients better, which is why I decided to return to school.
Starting a career in mental health counseling in Delaware (or anywhere) is a meaningful and passionate choice, but the path can be demanding depending on the route you want to take and where you see yourself working long-term. By building resilience, seeking mentorship, staying curious, and always serving clients with compassion, you’ll be well-prepared to make a positive impact on the clients and communities you serve.
Accredited Counseling Degree Programs in Delaware
Wilmington University is a private university founded in 1968. The school, known as WilmU, offers most programs at its main campus but also has six additional campuses in Delaware, several locations in New Jersey, and a location in northeastern Maryland.
The College of Education offers a master of education in elementary and secondary school counseling. WilmU’s school counseling degree program fulfills Delaware State Department of Education requirements.
Graduates of the certification track are eligible for state licensure as a school counselors in public, private, or charter schools. The program’s non-certification track is designed for those who wish to work with children or youth in non-school settings that do not require state licensure. Students who graduate from the non-certification track can find careers at state or nonprofit agencies, mental health settings, group homes, a.
The school’s master of science in clinical mental health counseling is the only Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs-accredited (CACREP) program of its kind in the region. After completing the program, students will be eligible to take the National Counselor Examination administered by the National Board of Certified Counselors and may then begin to work toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH) in Delaware.
- Location: New Castle, Delaware
- Duration: The clinical mental health counseling program is 60 credits; school counseling is 51 credits
- Accreditation: The clinical mental health counseling program is accredited by CACREP; the school counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Goldey–Beacom College is a private college with a 24-acre campus. It was founded in 1886. The school offers a master of arts in counseling psychology, which prepares students to become licensed professional counselors. Additional counseling hours beyond the practicum conducted in the program are also required to earn a license.
- Location: Pike Creek Valley, Delaware
- Duration: 60 credits
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
How Much Do Counselors Make in Delaware?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2023—the latest data available as of January 2025.
Marriage and Family Therapist Salaries
| United States | Delaware | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 63,340 | 410 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $68,730 | $60,330 |
| 10th percentile | $39,090 | $48,120 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $58,510 | $60,130 |
| 90th percentile | $104,710 | $73,890 |
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
| United States | Delaware | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 327,660 | 1,480 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $66,990 | $68,680 |
| 10th percentile | $40,140 | $42,490 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $61,710 | $72,240 |
| 90th percentile | $100,050 | $95,120 |
Rehabilitation Counselors
| United States | Delaware | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 84,750 | 510 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $48,430 | $41,520 |
| 10th percentile | $31,390 | $33,680 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $44,040 | $37,050 |
| 90th percentile | $73,710 | $55,420 |
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
| United States | Delaware | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 397,880 | 1,500 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $60,080 | $51,220 |
| 10th percentile | $36,700 | $34,090 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $53,710 | $45,810 |
| 90th percentile | $89,920 | $71,210 |
All Other Counselors
| United States | Delaware | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 35,580 | 70 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $52,360 | $67,250 |
| 10th percentile | $33,300 | $41,880 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $46,130 | $65,470 |
| 90th percentile | $79,880 | $90,080 |
Counseling Professional Associations & Resources in Delaware
- The Delaware School Counselor Association (DSCA)
- The Mental Health Association (MHA) in Delaware
- Delaware Psychological Association (DPA)
- American Counseling Association (ACA) – Delaware Branch
- Delaware CORE (Community Outreach, Referral, and Early Intervention)
- Delaware Occupational Therapy Association (DOTA)
- Art Therapy in Delaware
- Survivors of Abuse in Recovery (SOAR)
- Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Delaware
- Delaware Psychological Services (DPS)
- Division of Family Services in Delaware
Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) Licenses in Delaware: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals | There are two professional counselor licenses issued in Delaware: a Licensed Associate Counselor of Mental Health (LACMH) and the Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH). Associate counselors are required to submit the following:
To transition from a LACMH to an LPCMH, candidates must meet all of the above requirements, as well as submit:
Also, candidates must complete all hours in more than two years but less than four. |
In Delaware, licenses are renewed biennially in September of even years. To renew applicants must:
|
School Counseling Licenses in Delaware
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Department of Education |
The Delaware Department of Education requires school counselors to be licensed teachers and earn either the Elementary School Counselor Standard Certificate or the Secondary School Counselor Standard Certificate. The requirements for an initial teaching license with an elementary school counselor endorsement are:
Secondary School Counselors must meet the same requirements, except the work experience must be completed in a secondary school. |
The first renewal in Delaware is required four years after initial licensure and will advance the license from an initial license to a continuing one. For this application, candidates must:
Continuing licenses must be renewed every five years. To renew, candidates must complete 90 hours of continuing education and submit an online application |
Substance Abuse Counseling Licenses in Delaware
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Division of Professional Regulation National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals |
The Division of Professional Regulation requires applicants to be certified with either the Delaware Certification Board or NAADAC. In addition to providing proof of either certification, candidates must submit an application, proof of education and clinical hours, and pay a $252 licensing fee. To earn an NAADAC certification in either National Certified Addiction Counselor (NCAC) or Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), candidates must submit:
In order to earn the Delaware Certification Board Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification, candidates must:
Candidates for the more advanced Chemical Dependency Professional Licensure must:
|
The Division of Professional Regulation requires applicants to be certified with either the Delaware Certification Board or NAADAC. These agencies have different renewal requirements. Licenses issued by the Division of Professional Regulation expire biennially on September 30th of even-numbered. Renewals cost $235 and must be accompanied by 40 hours of continuing education. Delaware Certification Board certification renewals expire every two years. Renewals cost $150 and must be accompanied by 40 hours of continuing education relevant to substance abuse, including three hours in ethics. NCAC and MAC renewals are due every two years. To renew, candidates must provide evidence of current state credentials, 40 hours of continuing education hours, two years of work history, and a signed statement of having read the code of ethics. It costs $200. |
Rehabilitation Counseling Licenses in Delaware
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals | Rehabilitation counselors in Delaware must earn one of two professional counselor licenses: a Licensed Associate Counselor of Mental Health (LACMH) and the Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH). Associate counselors are required to submit the following:
To transition from a LACMH to an LPCMH, candidates must meet all of the above requirements, as well as submit:
Also, candidates must complete all hours in more than two years but less than four. |
In Delaware, licenses are renewed biennially in September of even years. To renew applicants must:
|
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Licenses in Delaware
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) for national certification | Currently, there are no state certification or licensing requirements for applied behavior analysts in Delaware. However, the 2102 Autism Service Providers’ law stipulates that ABA therapy must be provided by a BCBA-certified provider for insurance to reimburse. | Those providing ABA therapy in Delaware and who want to bill insurance will need to maintain a national BCBA certification and meet those continuing education standards. |
Marriage and Family Therapy Licenses in Delaware
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals |
The Delaware Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals issues Marital and Family Therapist Associate and Marital and Family Therapist licenses. Candidates for a Marital and Family Therapist Associate license must:
Marital and Family Therapist license applicants must meet all the requirements for an associate license, as well as:
|
In Delaware, MFT licenses are renewed biennially in September of even-numbered years. To renew, applicants must:
Associate license holders are not required to complete continuing education hours. |
Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapy Licenses in Delaware
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals | Child therapists in Delaware must earn one of two professional counselor licenses: a Licensed Associate Counselor of Mental Health (LACMH) and the Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH). Associate counselors are required to submit the following:
To transition from a LACMH to an LPCMH, candidates must meet all of the above requirements, as well as submit:
Also, candidates must complete all hours in more than two years but less than four. |
In Delaware, licenses are renewed biennially in September of even years. To renew applicants must:
|
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAt CounselingSchools.com, Kimmy Gustafson’s expertly crafted articles delve into the world of counseling and mental health, providing valuable insights and guidance to readers since 2020. In addition to feature pieces and interviews, she keeps the state licensing tables current. Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.
Vanessa Salvia
WriterVanessa Salvia is an Oregon-based freelance writer and editor with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. As fun as rigorous studies in math and science were, Vanessa took an independent path and developed a prolific career covering lifestyle and healthcare topics for magazines and newspapers, important industries such as concrete construction and building waterproofing, and even hard science. You can get in touch at Sage Media and Marketing.