Frequently Asked Questions

At BCC, we make it easy for you to get the care you need—no appointment necessary! Just walk in whenever it’s convenient for you.  You will be seen the day you come in. If you have any questions about our intake hours, feel free to reach out to us at 610-373-4281 or drop us an email at intake@berkscc.org. We're here to help! 

You’ll need your ID, insurance card, social security number, and medication list.

In most cases, you can have your intake on the same day. Private insurances may take a bit longer as we need to verify authorization for care.

After a thorough evaluation, each client embarks on a personalized journey with a tailored treatment plan that focuses on their unique recovery needs. Our dedicated team, made up of compassionate counselors, skilled psychiatrists, knowledgeable medical professionals, supportive health coaches, and understanding peers, is here to provide unwavering support every step of the way. Your path to healing is crafted just for you, ensuring that you feel understood and empowered throughout the process. 

Absolutely! When you visit BCC, you'll receive a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices. We want you to feel secure knowing that BCC is fully committed to upholding all state and federal guidelines, laws, and regulations to protect your patient confidentiality. Your privacy matters to us!

Get in touch with our integrated care nurse! They’re here to help you find the perfect appointment tailored to your specific needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Family members can be an incredible source of strength for those grappling with mental illness or substance abuse. When someone in the family is facing these challenges, it influences everyone around them. The good news is that involving family in the journey toward recovery can lead to meaningful change. There are many ways to support a loved one, such as joining our family support groups, connecting with others for social support, and learning about relapse prevention strategies. Together, we can make a real difference in the path to healing and renewal!

To learn more about how families can play a supportive role visit the National Alliance for Mental Illness or the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

At BCC, we’re dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to outpatient counseling. We accept various insurance plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, and Community Care Behavioral Health. If you have questions about your coverage, our team is here to help!

For those without insurance, we can assist you in securing benefits or accessing County funding. Many of our programs are fully funded and may be offered at no cost to you.

There’s never a wrong time to seek help—our expert staff is ready to guide you on your path to better mental health!

If you're in need of emergency housing, there are several local shelters ready to help you find a safe place to stay. You can turn to Hope Rescue Mission, Mary’s Shelter, Opportunity House, and Safe Berks for support. Plus, BCC is here to assist you in navigating your options and finding the right emergency housing solution for you. You're not alone in this!

Absolutely! At BCC, we totally get that life can get a bit hectic. Sometimes, unexpected events can make it tough to attend in-person sessions. But don’t worry—your well-being is our priority, and we’re here to ensure you get the support you need, no matter the circumstances. If you're interested in telehealth services, simply mention it during your intake. We're committed to making care accessible for you!

The term "homeless" refers to individuals who are currently unsheltered, living in a shelter, staying in a place not intended for habitation, or working with a street outreach worker. Even if you do not meet these specific criteria, BCC may still be able to assist you if you are struggling to find safe and affordable housing or have other housing-related concerns.

To start your journey with us, all patients are required to undergo a thorough screening, evaluation, and assessment process. This helps us determine if a psychiatric evaluation is necessary for your care. At BCC, we’re committed to providing psychiatric support in tandem with our counseling programs, ensuring you receive comprehensive care. Our dedicated team works diligently to connect you with a credentialed provider who accepts your insurance, so you can start your path to wellness as quickly as possible. We’re here for you every step of the way!

At BCC, we recognize the vital connection between physical and behavioral health through our CCBHC/ICWC model. Your journey with us starts with an initial health screening to find out if you have a primary care provider (PCP). If not, we’ll help you explore insurance eligibility for our onsite PCP and assist you in choosing the right provider.

We also offer a range of wellness services, including yoga, reiki, tai chi, nutrition guidance, and cooking classes to support your overall health. Additionally, starting in August 2021, we're launching individual and group smoking cessation programs to help you quit for good. Join us in embracing a healthier, happier lifestyle!

ACT is an intensive evidence-based model of care that is best practice for some patients with significant and serious mental health and/or substance abuse concerns.  BCC’s ACT Program is specific to transition age youth ages 16-25. Formal referrals to the program are approved through Community Care Behavioral Health.  For general questions related to ACT, feel free to contact the ACT Program at our main office at 610.373.4281.

BCC offers a variety of case management and peer and recovery support services within our bundled services regardless of which insurance plan you may have.  This means that mostly everyone is eligible for these services unless you already have them elsewhere. 

Case management programs include services for mental health, substance use, parenting teens, and mothers with dependents.  

Peer support services include traditional peer services and youth peer service for clients 14+ of age and are provided by Certified Peer Specialists who have lived experiences and help support clients in their own path to recovery. Recovery support services are provided by a Certified Recovery Specialist, also with lived experience, helps to support clients in their own path to recovery.

Call our main number at 610.373.4281 and ask to speak to the Medical Records Coordinator.

We accept most commercial insurances, Medicaid, and Medicare. Self-pay is also accepted.   For those persons without insurance, county funding and/or other funding sources may be available. 

What this simply means is that we’re a “one stop shop” meaning we offer a broad array of services and supports at ONE location. And that’s what it means for you. We can take care of the “whole” you which includes a strong focus on physical health and wellness along with mental health and well-being. Plus, our on-site Genoa Pharmacy can take care of all your prescription and general pharmacy needs.

These are treatments that have been PROVEN effective through research across time. BCC is committed to evidence-based treatment because of this research and because they have shown to produce positive outcomes.

You can donate using your credit card by going to the “Donate” tab on the website or you mail your donation to Berks Counseling Center, 645 Penn Street, Reading, PA 19601.

You can view open positions and apply directly by going to the “Careers” tab on the website and clicking on the “current openings” button. 

Yes, we do offer internship opportunities. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early, as a limited number of internship slots may be available. Please submit your inquiries related to internships to BCC@berkscc.org. Or feel free to call our main number (610-373-4281) and ask to speak to our Internship Coordinator, Bonnie Triebig.