The Delaware Psychiatric Center (DPC) is the only state-operated psychiatric facility in Delaware, providing secured, inpatient acute care and treatment for adults experiencing severe mental illness. The facility offers 24-hour observation, care, and treatment administered by psychiatrists, licensed therapists, registered nurses specializing in behavioral health, and other trained professionals who professionally and compassionately engage clients to prepare them for successful community living.
Housed in the Mitchell Building on the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Herman M. Holloway Sr. Campus in New Castle, Delaware, the 42-bed Delaware Psychiatric Center is a forensic psychiatry unit for both men and women. The facility offers court-supervised mental health treatment and support (including medication, counseling and housing) as an alternative to prison for nonviolent offenders.
Administrative and crisis intervention services are located in the Springer Building, also on the DHSS Holloway Campus. The Delaware Psychiatric Center is operated by the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visiting the Delaware Psychiatric Center
- Visiting hours should be confirmed with the facility staff overseeing the care of the patient. It is recommended to call the facility to confirm any specific visiting arrangements, as therapy sessions and treatment often limit visiting time.
- All guests must present a photo ID and sign in and out on the visitor log.
- Guests will be escorted by staff while on the premises.
DPC History
The Delaware Psychiatric Center was originally established as the Delaware State Hospital at Farnhurst in 1889, in what is now the Main Administration Building for the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services on the Herman M. Holloway Sr. Campus in New Castle, Delaware.
At some point, DPC moved to another building on the same campus, known as the Comegys Building, named after Governor Cornelius P. Comegys (1780-1851), a veteran of the War of 1812 who served as the 31st Governor of Delaware between 1837-1841. DPC operated there as a treatment center for the criminally insane until the Comegys Building burned down and was replaced in 1999 by the newly constructed Mitchell Building.
The current Delaware Psychiatric Center facility is named after Jane E. Mitchell, RN, the first African American nurse to work in a Delaware hospital. The building stands as a tribute to her groundbreaking contributions. During her tenure at the Delaware Psychiatric Center from 19 63-1980, Mitchell achieved numerous milestones, including becoming the first African American Director of Nursing in the state. Recognized for her leadership, Mitchell received awards such as the University of Delaware’s Medial of Merit, the Unsung Heroine Award from the NAACP, and an induction into the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame.
Shoppable Services and Standard Charges
The Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) recognizes the importance of clients’ access to information regarding services offered at the Delaware Psychiatric Center (DPC) and is committed to making this information available in a user-friendly format.
Updated annually, this list reflects the most up-to-date pricing for shoppable services at DPC as defined by CMS.
In accordance with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Pricing Transparency Rule, effective January 1, 2021, healthcare consumers may also schedule a time to view or pick up a copy of documentation identifying the shoppable services as defined by CMS from the Delaware Psychiatric Center. For questions about treatment services or to schedule a review of shoppable services documentation, please call 302-255-2700.
DPC Administrative Team
Gerard Gallucci, M.D., MHS, Acting Medical Director
Jessica Conlan, Assistant Director of Nursing
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Tracey Carpentier, Admission Director
Herman M. Holloway Campus
Springer and Mitchell Buildings
1901 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720
302-255-2700
