Sussex County families face unique challenges when it comes to accessing mental health care for their children. With fewer providers, longer wait times, and greater distances between services, many parents in Georgetown, Seaford, and Milford struggle to find timely, affordable therapy for their kids. School-based mental health services are changing that — bringing licensed therapists directly into the schools where your children already spend their day.
The Mental Health Gap in Sussex County
Sussex County has historically been underserved when it comes to children's mental health. While New Castle County has a concentration of providers, families in lower Delaware often face:
- Waitlists of 3-6 months for outpatient therapy
- 30-60 minute drives to reach a specialized children's therapist
- Limited bilingual providers for Spanish-speaking families
- Fewer options for specialized treatments like EMDR or play therapy
School-based therapy eliminates many of these barriers. When a therapist is in your child's school, there's no transportation problem, no missed work, and no waitlist — your child gets help where they already are.
School Districts We Serve in Sussex County
Indian River School District (Georgetown)
The Indian River School District serves over 11,000 students across Georgetown and surrounding communities. The district has invested in student wellness resources, including school counselors, psychologists, and partnerships with community mental health providers like CCD.
CCD therapists in Indian River schools provide individual therapy, group counseling, and crisis support for students dealing with anxiety, trauma, behavioral challenges, family disruption, and more. We also offer bilingual services in Spanish — critical for the many Spanish-speaking families in the Georgetown area. Visite nuestra página en español para más información.
Seaford Area Families
The Seaford area serves approximately 3,500 students across local schools. CCD provides telehealth therapy services for Seaford families, connecting children and teens with licensed therapists from the comfort of home. Our Seaford-area therapists specialize in anxiety, trauma, EMDR, and play therapy — no long drive required.
Milford School District
Milford School District serves around 4,500 students and has been proactive about connecting families with mental health resources. CCD's presence in Milford schools means students can access therapy without the barriers that often prevent Sussex County families from getting help.
What School-Based Therapy Looks Like
Parents often wonder what happens during school-based therapy sessions. Here's what you can expect:
- Confidential space: Sessions happen in a private room within the school — not in front of classmates or teachers.
- Age-appropriate methods: For younger children, we use play therapy — using games, art, and creative activities to help children express feelings they can't yet put into words. For teens, we use talk therapy, CBT, and other evidence-based approaches.
- Minimal class disruption: Sessions are scheduled during non-core academic times when possible. Teachers are informed of session times but not session content.
- Parent involvement: You'll receive regular updates and be invited to participate in treatment planning. Your input is essential.
Bilingual Mental Health Services
Sussex County has a significant Spanish-speaking population, and many families face an additional barrier: finding a therapist who speaks their language. CCD has bilingual clinicians who provide therapy in Spanish, ensuring that language is never a barrier to your child getting help.
Nuestros terapeutas bilingües entienden las necesidades únicas de las familias latinas. No solo hablamos su idioma — entendemos su cultura. Conozca más sobre nuestros servicios en español.
Community Resources in Sussex County
In addition to school-based therapy, Sussex County families can access:
- Delaware Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services (DPBHS): Community-based mental health services for children, including PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy) and family therapy
- La Esperanza: Bilingual and bicultural services for families in Sussex County, including mental health referrals and family support — (302) 854-9262
- Mobile Response Stabilization Services: 24/7 crisis support for children — 1-800-969-4357
- Delaware 211: Call 211 for referrals to local mental health services, food assistance, and family support programs
Getting Started
If your child is in a Sussex County school and you'd like to explore school-based therapy, here's how:
- Call CCD: (302) 292-1334 — we'll help you determine if services are available at your child's school
- Talk to your school counselor: They can initiate a referral to our on-site therapist
- Email us: [email protected]
We also offer telehealth therapy for families who prefer sessions from home, or whose school doesn't yet have an on-site CCD therapist.
Visit our location pages for more information: Georgetown | Seaford | Milford
Every child in Sussex County deserves access to quality mental health care — regardless of where they live, what language they speak, or what their family can afford. We're here to help.