Student Assistance Program Help for Berks County Students
The Berks County Student Assistance Program, known as SAP, is a mandated team process in schools that identifies students who are struggling with issues such as substance use and mental health concerns and helps them achieve, advance and remain in school. SAP uses existing school resources, family involvement and outside agency support when appropriate. It is a partnership between the Berks County Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Program, the Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA) and contracted SAP providers. COCA oversees SAP in Berks County, and its SAP trained Prevention Specialists visit SAP teams to monitor effectiveness, provide resources and support, and collaborate on gaps in resources and services.
Any person concerned about the overall well-being of a student may refer that student to SAP. A student can be referred by anyone. The most common referrals come from a parent, teacher, neighbor, school support staff, a peer, or the student themselves. All information is kept confidential.
Each school's SAP team is made up of school and community agency staff who have completed specialized training in the Student Assistance process. Members typically include school teachers, nurses, school administrators and school counselors, along with community mental health and drug and alcohol liaisons. The team identifies issues, determines whether the presenting issue lies within the responsibility of the school, and makes recommendations to assist the student and parent. When the issue is beyond the scope of the school, the team assists the parent and student so they can access services in the community. Team members do not diagnose, treat or refer to treatment, but they may refer a student to a SAP liaison who can assess for further community-based programs and supports. SAP liaisons attend SAP team meetings, communicate with school staff and parents, and complete behavioral health assessments.
After a referral is made, the referral form is received by the SAP team. The parent is notified and informed about the SAP process, and proper permission is obtained to continue. The team gathers observable behaviors about the student from people who have contact with the student, such as teachers and coaches, and information is also collected from the parent. A plan is collectively developed to address the barriers to learning, and the team then meets with the parent to discuss the plan and recommendations. The plan may include a behavioral health assessment or linkage to school or community resources. The SAP team continues to work with and support the student and family throughout the process.
Every school SAP team functions differently, and SAP runs through the schools themselves. To refer a student, check the school website for information or contact the school counselor, who will assist you. For contact information specific to your child's school, or for more information about Berks County's SAP services provided through COCA, contact Jaclyn Steed, the Council SAP Coordinator, by email at JSteed@cocaberks.org or by phone at (610) 376-8669, Ext. 107. The Council on Chemical Abuse's general number is (610) 376-8669, and its office is at 50 N. 5th Street, 5th Floor, Reading, PA 19601.
Services and resources from the Council on Chemical Abuse are for Berks County, PA organizations and residents only.
The page does not say what SAP costs or list office hours.
Source: cocaberks.org/coca-collaborations/student-assistant-progr…, read October 3, 2026.
The details
In Council on Chemical Abuse’s words
The Berks County Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a mandated team process designed to help identify students who are struggling with issues such as substance use and mental health concerns, and to help them achieve, advance and remain in school. SAP uses existing school resources, family involvement and outside agency support when appropriate. Berks County SAP is a partnership between the Berks County Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Program, Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA) and…
Organization
Council on Chemical Abuse
About this listing
This listing summarizes publicly available information from cocaberks.org/coca-collaborations/student-assistant-progr…. Last recorded review: October 3, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.