The Office of Behavioral Health provides information about services that address both the mental health and drug and alcohol needs of persons living in Delaware County. The questions, “in quotations”, are those most frequently asked about mental health and drug and alcohol services. The answers, written in blue type, immediately follow each question. If you have additional questions, or need additional information, you may view other areas contained on this website or its affiliated links, or contact the Office of Behavioral Health directly, by calling (610) 713-2365.

Mental Health FAQs:

1. Where and how do I get help for mental health problems?

Help is available from either of two Base Service Units (BSUs). You may contact the BSU intake unit nearest to you by calling: Northwestern Human Services in Sharon Hill, at (610) 534-3636, or Crozer Chester Medical Center in Chester, at (610) 497-7700.

2. What services are available for someone having a mental health crisis?

Project REACH provides 24-hour telephone crisis counseling and mobile crisis outreach services at (610) 352-4703. There are also two 24-hour Walk-in Crisis Units available. You may contact the Crisis Unit nearest to you by calling: Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, at (610) 237-4210, or Crozer Chester Medical Center in Chester, at (610) 447-7600.

3. I am a family member of an adult who has a mental illness. Where can I go to get information and support from other family members who have already learned how to navigate the mental health system for their loved ones?

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is a mental health advocacy and support group with three local chapters. You may contact any of the chapters for assistance: NAMI of Delaware County, (610) 623-0071; NAMI of the Main Line, (610) 566-5545; and NAMI of Chester City, (610) 497-4300.

4. I am a parent of a child/adolescent with mental illness. Where can I turn for information and support about children's mental health issues and services?

The Parents Involved Network (PIN) is an advocacy and support group with a Delaware County Chapter. You can contact PIN directly at (610) 713-9401.

5. What can I do if I have not been able to get the help I need for my mental health problem?

Contact the Community Advocate in the Office of Behavioral Health at (610) 713-2387. The Community Advocate will help you to identify and access the services that you need, and will assist you to resolve problems if those services are not helpful to you.

Drug and Alcohol FAQs:

6. Where and how do I get help for drug and alcohol problems?

Help is available from any of the three Anchor Providers. You may contact the Anchor Provider nearest to you by: calling Northwestern Human Services in Sharon Hill, at (610) 534-3636 to schedule an appointment; walk-in hours, 7 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday, at Crozer Chester Medical Center in Chester or call (610) 497-7223, or contact Mirmont Treatment Center in Lima, at (610) 744-1400, which has 24 hour walk-in access.

7. I don't have health insurance. How can I get treatment for myself or my family members with substance abuse problems?

The Office of Behavioral Health provides funding assistance to Delaware County residents for drug and alcohol treatment for persons who are uninsured. You may contact the nearest Anchor Provider (see question #6) and arrange for an assessment, referral to an appropriate program, and funding assistance from the Office of Behavioral Health.

8. If I need to attend DUI classes, where and how do I register?

To register by telephone for DUI Alcohol Highway Safety Educational Classes (AHSC) and/or DUI Outpatient Intervention, you may contact the Delaware County Emergency Services Training Center, in Sharon Hill, at (610) 237-8630. To register on-line, go to www.delcoestc.org. Click on Courses and click on either: Safe Driving Track I, Safe Driving Track II, or DUI Outpatient Track 1.

9. Some of my friends and relatives have a problem. How can I get them to admit they have a drug or alcohol problem and seek help?

You may not be able to get them to admit they have a problem. You can contact Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems in Media, at (484) 444-0412, and talk to some one who will help you understand the issues of substance abuse, addiction, denial and recovery. Once a person is willing to seek help, there are many treatment options available to assist them in their recovery.

10. I think my child may be using drugs, what should I do?

Contact Holcomb Behavioral Health Services in Media (484) 444-0412 and speak with a Prevention Specialist. You may also want to contact your primary care physician. They can offer advice and strategies for parents to help a child who may be using drugs.

11. Where can I get a list of AA/NA meetings?

For Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings you may contact Southeastern Pennsylvania Intergroup Association at (877) 9-DIALAA or contact their website at www.sepennaa.org.

For Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings you may contact Narcotics Anonymous at (610) 534-9510 or Philadelphia Region (215) 440-8400. There is also a