Behavioral Health Services in Delaware help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) manage emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. These services are provided under the Delaware Lifespan Waiver and monitored by the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) in collaboration with the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)
Role: Authorizes Behavioral Health Services under the Lifespan Waiver and monitors service delivery for compliance and quality

Agency: Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA)
Role: Provides Medicaid reimbursement and ensures program integrity

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Ensures all HCBS behavioral health services meet federal person-centered and clinical standards

2. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICE OVERVIEW

Behavioral Health Services provide assessment, intervention, and treatment planning to address behavioral challenges that impact a person’s functioning, safety, or community integration. Services must be aligned with the Individual Service Plan (ISP) and delivered by licensed or credentialed professionals.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA)
• Development and implementation of Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs)
• Individual and group therapy sessions
• Caregiver training and behavioral consultation
• Crisis prevention and intervention planning
• Documentation of behavior goals, data tracking, and plan outcomes

​

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Delaware Division of Corporations
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Employ or contract with licensed behavioral health professionals (e.g., BCBA, LCSW, LPCMH, psychologist)
• Apply as a Behavioral Health Services Provider through DDDS
• Enroll with Delaware Medicaid (DMAP) if billing Medicaid directly
• Maintain professional liability insurance and secure, HIPAA-compliant systems

​

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your business and obtain NPI
Step 2: Submit an application to DDDS for Behavioral Health Services

Include clinician licenses, resumes, service protocols, and sample documentation

Step 3: Enroll with Delaware Medicaid (DMAP) as a behavioral health provider
Step 4: Coordinate with Support Coordinators and case managers for referrals and ISP authorizations
Step 5: Begin service delivery and maintain compliance with DDDS documentation requirements

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or business registration
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Professional licensure of clinical staff (BCBA, LCSW, psychologist)
• Liability insurance and Medicaid enrollment documentation
• DDDS provider approval

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Behavioral assessment and intervention planning forms
• Service delivery tracking and data collection tools
• Crisis response and de-escalation procedures
• HIPAA and participant confidentiality compliance
• Incident reporting and follow-up policies
• Staff supervision and training logs
• Grievance process and participant rights documentation

​

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Licensed Behavior Analyst / Behavioral Health Clinician
Requirements:

• Current Delaware license or certification ( BCBA, psychologist, LCSW, LPCMH)
• Background check, CPR/First Aid, and Medicaid compliance training

Role: Behavioral Support Technician / Implementation Specialist
Requirements:

• Supervised by a licensed clinician
• Trained in behavior plan implementation, data collection, and client interaction

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• HIPAA and documentation protocols
• Crisis prevention and positive behavior support
• Mandated reporting and abuse prevention
• ISP integration and goal documentation
• CEU tracking and supervision compliance

​

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Behavioral Health Services are reimbursed under:

• Delaware Lifespan Waiver (administered by DDDS)
• Delaware Medicaid State Plan (in some cases for eligible therapeutic services)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Behavior support plan development and monitoring
• Individual and family therapy
• Clinical documentation aligned with ISP outcomes
• Crisis prevention strategies and staff/caregiver training

​

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: DDDS Application Submission
Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment (DMAP)
Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Clinical Onboarding and Referral Coordination
Timeline: Ongoing

​

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)
Phone: (302) 744-9600
Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ddds

Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA)
Phone: (302) 255-9500
Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma

Delaware Medicaid Provider Enrollment (DMAP)
Website: https://www.demap.dhss.delaware.gov

​

10. SCOPE OF WORK 

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• DDDS and Medicaid provider enrollment support
• Policy & procedure manual for assessments, therapy, and documentation
• Templates for behavior plans, session notes, and outcome tracking
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing trackers and license verification tools
• Client intake packet, consent forms, and HIPAA disclosures
• Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools
• Referral networking with DDDS, case managers, and schools