Delaware Behavioral & Emotional Support Team (DE BEST)

DE BEST Mission Statement

“It is the DE BEST Team’s mission to build and enhance resilience in Delaware before, during and after community crisis or disaster.”

The Delaware Behavioral & Emotional Support Team (DE BEST) Members are volunteers who are trained to provide behavioral and emotional support for survivors and responders during AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER emergencies and disasters at resources centers and disaster shelters. DE BEST Volunteers also build community resilience through partnership programs, community and volunteer education, distribution of outreach materials, linking survivors to resources in the community and much more.

Training is FREE… Any individual with a caring heart and a willingness to listen can make a significant difference during someone’s greatest time of need! We encourage mental health professionals and faith leaders to inquire about becoming DE BEST Volunteer leaders and/or team mentors. Please contact DE BEST Admin for more informations.

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 Training Plan (for RespondDE MRC) and a 6-8 hour Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training. DE BEST Team members are recommended to participate in other disaster response related training/s and exercises, DE BEST Quarterly Meetings, Bi-Monthly Committee Meetings, and behavioral health related training/s (offered throughout the year).

You may join our team and begin participating in DE BEST responses after completing required trainings listed on our Training Page, which includes the two FREE trainings listed for our specialty team. Be sure to send your certificate of completion for all Required Trainings Listed to us at: DE BEST Admin.

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 DE BEST if you would like additional information, or if you are interested in joining our DE BEST team!

NOTE: Click here for Mental Health Information, Links and Resources for our Delaware community.