Delaware Behavioral & Emotional Support Team (DE BEST)
The Delaware Behavioral & Emotional Support Team (DE BEST) Members are volunteers who are trained to assist victims and first responders during AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER emergencies and disasters with behavior and emotional supports. DE BEST Volunteers assist with shelter counseling, community crisis response, distribution of outreach materials, and referrals within the community and much more.
Anyone can be one of Delaware’s BEST. Any individual with a caring heart and a willingness to listen can make a significant difference during someone’s greatest time of need! We do encourage mental health professionals and faith leaders to inquire about becoming DE BEST Volunteer Committee members and/or team leads – please contact RespondDE/DMRC DE BEST Team for more information on what this entails. Click here if you’d like to know more about volunteering with DE BEST.
RespondDE/DMRC Delaware Behavioral and Emotional Support Team (DE BEST) requires all team members to submit to a background check or be credentialed through their professional licensure to participate in activities. DE BEST members are also required to complete the online Orientation Training (for DMRC) and a 6-8 hour Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training. Additionally, all DE BEST Team members are recommended to participate in RespondDE/DMRC Meetings disaster response related training/s as well as DE BEST Team Quarterly Meetings, Monthly Committee Meetings, and behavioral health related training/s (offered at least twice a year). Please NOTE: DE BEST volunteers must report their time and activities after participation in any event or deployment.
You may join our team and begin participating in DE BEST responses after completing one or both of the required trainings listed below. Be sure to send your Certificate upon completion (DE BEST Team Leader).
DE BEST Required Trainings:
- Psychological First Aid – Required for DE BEST volunteers:
- NOTE: This training may be found online and with other agencies. (Click here for details.)
- Crisis Counseling Program Training (SAMHSA) – Required for DE BEST volunteers:
- SAMHSA’s “Just In Time” version is an online, self-led video series. (Click here to begin this course.)
- This “Core” version of this training is offered virtually through SAMHSA (8-hour course).
Contact RespondDE/DMRC DE BEST if you would like additional information, or if you are interested in joining our DE BEST team!
NOTE: Mental Health Information, Links and Resources are available (click here).
