The Student Assistance Program (SAP)
The Student Assistance Program:
The Pennsylvania Student Assistance Program is a systematic team process used to mobilize school resources to remove barriers to learning. SAP is designed to assist in identifying issues, including alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and mental health issues that pose a barrier to a student’s success. The primary goal of the Student Assistance Program is to help students overcome these barriers so that they may achieve, advance, and remain in school. While Student Assistance Programs exist in other areas of the country, the structure and operation of the program in Pennsylvania is a unique expression of an integrated model that serves the needs of Pennsylvania families and students. These programs are overseen by the PA Network for Student Assistance Services (PNSAS) under PDE, OMHSAS, and DDAP.
SAP Mental Health Liaison Services:
Through contacts with our counties and local school districts, the Dickinson Center, Inc. Children’s Prevention Services team provides SAP Mental Health Liaisons to serve on the SAP teams within each school. SAP Mental Health Liaisons fill the role of mental health consultant for each team, provide Level of Care Assessments to students, and provide preventative support services to students. These services include individual and group supportive counseling, crisis intervention, and recommendations and referrals for appropriate services within the school and community.
Liaisons can also be made available to support faculty and students following any traumatic school-wide event, which can include grief and loss services and/or postvention education. All services provided are confidential.
Service Area:
SAP Mental Health Liaison services are offered through the Elk and Cameron County school districts.
- Cameron County School District
- Elk County Catholic School System
- Johnsonburg Area School District
- Ridgway Area School District
- St. Marys Area School District
Service Access:
Anyone may refer a student to SAP MH Liaison services, including students, friends, teachers, faculty, coaches, guardians, family members, or other service providers.
Referrals can be made through the school counselor’s office, the SAP Mental Health Liaison, or any SAP Team member.
Any student may be referred; there are no admission criteria. Permission from a legal guardian is required. Services are available during the academic year.
Service Cost:
SAP MH Liaison services are offered at no charge to students.
Services are funded by the state of Pennsylvania.
Contact Information:
Dickinson Center, Inc.
Children’s Prevention Services
4 Erie Avenue, Suite 302
St. Marys, PA 15857
Sierra Himes, Director of Children’s Prevention & Assessment Services
Phone: 814.834.2602