Frequently Asked Questions

Right now admissions are being completed in person (days/times vary) and via telehealth. Please call us at 610-373-4281 to coordinate a time for your intake.

Following evaluation, each client receives an integrated, recovery focused treatment plan based uniquely on their specific needs. All clients are supported by a team of caring professionals including counselors, psychiatrists, medical professionals, health coaches and peers.

Yes. When you come to BCC you will receive a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices.  BCC complies fully with all state and federal guidelines, laws, and regulations with regard to patient confidentiality.

Contact the integrated care nurse, who will assist you in getting an appointment based on your needs.

Family members can be a tremendous source of strength for persons suffering from mental illness and/or substance abuse. When a person is struggling with mental illness, drug or alcohol addiction, everyone in the family is affected. Fortunately, involving family in addiction and mental health recovery can have a major positive impact on their loved one. There are several ways you can help, which include attending one of our family support groups, seeking social support and understanding relapse prevention.

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.

In general, many outpatient counseling services can be covered by insurance.  BCC accepts many plans including Medicaid, Medicare, and Community Care Behavioral Health.  If you have any questions regarding insurance coverage, we will assist you.  BCC can also help those with no insurance to access treatment either by assisting you in securing benefits or helping you access County funding which may be available for those without ability to pay.  Several of BCC’s programs are fully funded and may be provided at no cost to you.  There is never a reason not to access care.  BCC staff are expert at helping you navigate access to services.

No, emergency housing can be found at several local shelters such as: Hope Rescue Mission; Mary’s Shelter; Opportunity House; and Safe Berks.  BCC can assist you in finding appropriate emergency housing. 

Homeless means that you are currently unsheltered, residing in a shelter, staying at a place not meant for habitation or working with a street outreach worker. Even if you do not meet these formal criteria, if you are struggling to find safe, affordable housing, and/or have other housing related concerns, BCC may be able to assist you.

All patients must first complete a comprehensive screening, evaluation, and assessment process at which time it may be determined that a psychiatric evaluation is needed. BCC provides psychiatric care only in coordination with its counseling programs. We try our best to get you seen as soon as possible with a provider that is credentialed with your insurance. 

As a CCBHC/ICWC model, we emphasize the importance of understanding the connection between physical health and behavioral health. At BCC, all clients receive an initial health screen to assess if they have a primary care provider (PCP) so we can coordinate care with them. If clients do not have a PCP, we can determine if they meet the insurance eligibility requirements for our onsite PCP. If this is the case, we then help clients select a PCP based on their insurance’s plans-whether it is with our onsite PCP or another PCP in the community that accepts their insurance.  Additionally, we offer health and wellness services to support your overall wellness.  Some of these services include yoga, reiki, tai chi, nutrition, and exercise guidance, cooking nutritious foods, and walking groups. Beginning August 2021, we are offering individual and group smoking cessation programs.

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, Denise Ebelhar.

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.

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