The GAP is the Student Assistance Program (SAP) at Glendale. It is a systemic process using techniques to mobilize school resources to remove barriers to learning. The core of the program is a professionally trained team, including school staff and liaisons from community alcohol and drug and mental health agencies.   

SAP team members are trained to identify problems, determine whether or not the presenting problem lies within the responsibility of the school, and to make recommendations to assist the student and the parent. 

When the problem lies beyond the scope of the school, the SAP team will assist the parent and student, so they may access services within the community. The student assistance team members do not diagnose, treat, or refer to treatment; however, they may refer for a screening or an assessment for treatment.

Four Phases of Student Assistance 

1. Referral - Anyone can refer a student to SAP when they are concerned about the student’s behavior. This includes any school staff, a student’s friend, a family member, or community member. The students themselves can even go directly to the SAP team to ask for help. The SAP team contacts the parent for permission to proceed with the SAP process.

2. Team Planning – The SAP team gathers objective information about the student’s performance in school from all school personnel who have contact with the student. We also collect information from the parent. The team meets with the parent to discuss the data collected and also meets with the student. Together, we develop a plan that includes strategies for removing the learning barriers and promoting the student’s academic and personal success to include in-school and/or community-based services and activities.

3. Intervention and Recommendations – The plan is put into action. The team assists in linking the student to in-school and/or community-based services and activities. The team might also recommend a drug and alcohol or mental health assessment. 

4. Support and Follow-Up – The SAP team continues to work with and support the student and their family. Follow-up includes monitoring, mentoring, and motivating for academic success.

R.E.A.C.H Program

**Reaching Educational Achievements with Clinical Mental Health

About Us
R.E.A.C.H. is a non-profit, clinical mental health counseling agency serving school districts in Somerset, Cambria, and Indiana Counties. Since 2018, we have successfully developed and implemented programs in local school districts and were established as a non-profit in 2020 to provide additional funding options for program sustainability.

We are committed to delivering client-focused mental health care to students and their families within the school system. Our professional staff operate with clinical and ethical integrity, working as a team to meet students' mental health needs. As we address these needs, we foster positive changes in school culture, leading to greater academic achievements, stronger families, and a positive community impact.

Our Vision
R.E.A.C.H. envisions providing year-round, high-quality clinical mental health services to students, families, and faculty within the school setting. By integrating mental health staff into the school system and partnering with school staff, we remove barriers to care and ensure students receive timely intervention, prevention education, and therapeutic services.

Our Mission
Our mission is to provide client-focused mental health care to all students, families, and faculty in the school system, resulting in improved academic success, stronger family units, and a positive impact on the community.

R.E.A.C.H.  Reaching Educational Achievements with Clinical Mental Health

Glendale Jr.-Sr. High School Contact:

Sandra McCoy

smccoy@gsd1.org

814-687-4261 ext. 1016