Credentialing Overview

On behalf of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH), the following checklist provides the necessary information to become credentialed as a mental health screener in the State of Delaware.  Title 16, Chapter 51 of the Delaware Code states that only psychiatrists and approved professionals have the authority to detain or revoke a detainment of an individual for a psychiatric evaluation.   

1. Application Requirements:
   1. Completed Screener Application or Physician Screener Application
   2. Resume
   3. Copy of active license and/or certifications, if applicable
   4. Copy of job description for all positions other than physicians
   5. A professional reference letter
   6. Create a Delaware Learning Center Account (DLC) Account
2. Training Requirements:
   1. Completion of 2-day in-person training at DSAMH located in New Castle, DE
   2. Completion of the on-line training required by DSAMH
3. Approved Professionals:
   1. Licensed Psychiatrist in the State of Delaware
   2. Licensed Physician in the State of Delaware and Board Certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine – Completed Physician Application
   3. Licensed Physicians in the State of Delaware
   4. Licensed Physician’s Assistant in the State of Delaware
   5. Licensed Advanced Practice Nurse in the State of Delaware
   6. Licensed Registered Nurse in the State of Delaware with a BSN degree
   7. Licensed Psychologist in the State of Delaware
   8. Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Delaware
   9. Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health in the State of Delaware
   10. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Delaware
   11. Unlicensed Mental Health Professionals under direct supervision of a Psychiatrist

Each credentialed screener shall complete the forty - hour training comprised of the in-person and on-line training.  DSAMH will facilitate the training twice per year-January and June located at the Springer Building, New Castle, DE.   

Each screener shall be required to re-apply every two (2) years for the DSAMH renewal.  Each individual shall submit required CEU’s as well as an updated application, a  copy of his or her active license or certifications, an updated job description and resume, if applicable, to meet the renewal requirements.

Please contact Ann-Marie Lavelle at Annmarie.Lavelle@delaware.gov if you have any procedural questions. If you need additional information, please contact Judith A. Caprio, at Judith.Caprio@delaware.gov.

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