What Does Delaware Medicaid Cover for Child Therapy?
· Parent Resources · By The CCD Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Lisa R. Savage, LCSW
More than most parents expect: therapy, psychiatric care, school-based sessions, and telehealth, usually with no copay. Here is what is covered, which plans CCD accepts, and how to get started.
The short answer
Yes. Delaware Medicaid covers mental health care for children, and it covers a lot more than most parents expect: therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, family sessions, and care delivered at school or by telehealth. For children, there is usually no copay. The Center for Child Development accepts most Delaware Medicaid plans, and our intake team checks your child's coverage before the first visit. If you've been putting off a call because you assumed therapy wasn't covered, this is your sign to call.
Which Delaware Medicaid plans does CCD accept?
In Delaware, Medicaid is delivered through managed care plans. When you enroll, you choose one. We accept:
- Highmark Health Options
- AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware
- Delaware First Health
Not sure which plan your child has? It's printed on the insurance card, usually near the top. If you can't find it, call us at (302) 292-1334 and we'll help you figure it out.
What does Medicaid cover for a child's mental health?
Under a federal rule called EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment), children on Medicaid are entitled to the care they need to stay healthy, and mental health counts. In practice, that means Delaware Medicaid covers:
- Individual therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, behavioral concerns, and more
- Play therapy for young children, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for ages 2 to 7
- Family therapy and parent sessions
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication management with our provider, Taneka Johnson, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
- School-based therapy in CCD partner schools, so your child can be seen during the school day
- Telehealth sessions from home, for families anywhere in Delaware
- Evaluations, including ADHD evaluation and autism assessment, when they're medically necessary
Coverage details vary a little from plan to plan, which is why we verify benefits for every family before care begins.
Is there a copay?
For children under 18 on Delaware Medicaid, there is generally no copay for mental health visits. Some services need approval from the plan first, which we handle for you. If anything about your child's plan would cost you money, we tell you before the first appointment, not after.
Do I need a referral from the pediatrician?
Usually not. Most Delaware Medicaid plans let families go directly to a mental health provider for outpatient therapy. A few services, like certain evaluations, may need a referral or prior authorization. We check that when we verify your benefits and take care of the paperwork.
What if my child is on CHIP?
Delaware's CHIP program (the Delaware Healthy Children Program) is run through the same managed care plans, so coverage for therapy and psychiatric care works the same way. Bring the card and we'll confirm the details.
My child isn't enrolled yet. How do I apply?
You can apply for Delaware Medicaid and CHIP online through the state's ASSIST portal at assist.dhss.delaware.gov, or by calling Delaware Medicaid customer relations at 1-800-372-2022. Eligibility is based on household size and income, and many working families qualify for their children even when the parents don't. If you're waiting on an application, call us anyway. We can talk through timing and options. While you wait, or if your family doesn't qualify, we offer a sliding fee scale based on household size and income, with sessions starting at $25.
How school-based therapy works with Medicaid
CCD is Delaware's largest school-based mental health provider, with therapists in partner schools across the state. When your child sees a CCD therapist at school, the visit is billed to your child's Medicaid plan the same way an office visit would be. You sign consent, we verify coverage, and your child gets support without missing work for you or a full day of class for them. Ask us whether your child's school is a partner.
How to get started
- Call (302) 292-1334 or complete new client paperwork at ccddelaware.com. Have your child's Medicaid card handy.
- Our intake team verifies benefits and tells you exactly what to expect.
- We match your child with a therapist who fits their age and needs. Most families are seen within one to two weeks.
Full details on every plan we accept are on our insurance page.
Frequently asked questions
Does CCD accept Delaware Medicaid for teens?
Yes. Coverage applies through age 18, and often to age 21 for young adults still enrolled. Our teen therapy program is fully covered under the plans we accept.
Can my child see a psychiatric provider on Medicaid?
Yes. Psychiatric evaluation and medication management are covered. At CCD, that care is provided by Taneka Johnson, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, in person in Newark or by telehealth.
Is there a limit on how many therapy sessions Medicaid covers?
Delaware Medicaid covers therapy that's medically necessary rather than capping visits at a fixed number. Your child's therapist reviews progress regularly, and if a plan ever requires additional authorization for continued care, we request it for you.
What if we switch Medicaid plans mid-treatment?
Tell us as soon as you know. Because we accept all three Delaware plans, your child can usually keep the same therapist without interruption.
Money should never be the reason a child waits for help. If you have Delaware Medicaid, you likely have more coverage than you think. Call us and let's find out together.