Berks County Student Assistance Program for Students Struggling in School
The Berks County Student Assistance Program, known as SAP, is a team process in schools that identifies students struggling with things like substance use and mental health concerns and helps them stay in school and do well there. It is a partnership between the Berks County Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Program, the Council on Chemical Abuse and contracted SAP providers. The Council on Chemical Abuse oversees SAP in the county, and its SAP trained Prevention Specialists visit SAP teams to monitor how they are working, provide resources and support, and collaborate on gaps in services.
Anyone concerned about a student's overall well being can refer that student to SAP. A student can be referred by anyone, and the most common referrals come from a parent, teacher, neighbor, school support staff, a classmate, 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, usually teachers, nurses, administrators and school counselors, along with community mental health and drug and alcohol liaisons. The team identifies the issue, decides whether it is the school's responsibility, and makes recommendations for the student and parent. When the issue is beyond what the school can handle, the team helps the parent and student get 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 team meetings, talk with school staff and parents, and complete behavioral health assessments.
After a referral comes in, the SAP team receives the referral form. The parent is notified and told about the SAP process, and proper permission is obtained before anything continues. The team gathers observable behaviors about the student from people who have contact with the student, such as teachers and coaches, and collects information from the parent as well. The team develops a plan to address the barriers to learning and then meets with the parent to go over the plan and recommendations. The plan may include a behavioral health assessment or a link to school or community resources. The team keeps working with the student and family throughout the process.
Every school SAP team works differently. To make a referral, check the school website or contact the school counselor, who will help you refer a student. For contact information specific to your child's school, reach Jaclyn Steed, the Council SAP Coordinator, at JSteed@cocaberks.org or (610) 376-8669, Ext. 107. The Council on Chemical Abuse is at 50 N. 5th Street, 5th Floor, Reading, PA 19601, and its main number is (610) 376-8669.
The page does not say what SAP costs or give office hours, so ask when you call.
Source: cocaberks.org/coca-collaborations/student-assistant-progr…, read September 18, 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: September 18, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.