Student Assistance Program

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What is a Student Assistance Program (SAP)?

A Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a confidential, professional support service that helps students overcome personal, emotional, and psychological challenges affecting their well-being, learning, and development. By giving students timely access to expert help, the BetterCare™ SAP creates safer, healthier, and more positive learning environments for all ages.

The BetterCare™ SAP

BetterCare™ Mental Health Services Ltd. is a leading Irish mental health provider, proudly Irish All-Star Accredited and voted Best Private Mental Health Company in Ireland 2025. Our SAP is tailored for primary, secondary, and third-level institutions, offering flexible, high-quality support in person or securely online (over 10).

Student Assistance Program Services are delivered by fully accredited counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, ensuring the highest standard of care. We provide direct access with no waiting lists, making integration into school or home life easy and efficient.

  • Age-appropriate counselling for emotional regulation, anxiety, and social skills
  • Psychological assessments (e.g., ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder)
  • Support with school transitions and family changes
  • Play therapy & creative therapies (at select locations)
  • Early intervention & resilience-building programmes
  • Parental guidance and support
  • Counselling for stress, exam anxiety, and peer relationship challenges
  • Psychological assessments (e.g., ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder)
  • Support for self-esteem, bullying, and online safety issues
  • Early intervention for emerging mental health concerns
  • Group workshops on coping skills, resilience, and well-being
  • Parental and teacher consultation
  • Counselling & psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, and adjustment difficulties
  • Psychological assessments (e.g., ADHD, Anxiety/OCD, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder)

     

  • Academic stress and performance coaching

     

  • Psychiatric assessments where required

     

  • Crisis intervention and safety planning

     

  • Life skills, resilience, and personal development workshops
  • Direct access – no waiting lists
  • Free screening & triage for early intervention
  • Multidisciplinary care under one umbrella
  • Confidential, GDPR-compliant processes
  • Family & educator support to strengthen care networks
  • Minimum 50-minute sessions for meaningful impact
  • Flexible scheduling during or outside school hours

By partnering with BetterCare™, schools create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where every student can thrive.

Our multidisciplinary Student Assistance Program team offers both in-person and secure online services (over 10). Professionals include:

  • Psychotherapists
  • Play Therapists (at select locations)
  • Art Therapists
  • Clinical & Counselling Psychologists
  • Educational Psychologists
  • Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists (8+)
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Speech & Language Therapists

We also create Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) to guide effective, personalised learning support.

All assessments are fully recognised by the Department of Education and Department of Health.

  • ADHD (7+)
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (all ages)
  • Anxiety Disorders (8+)
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (8+)
  • Dyslexia (8+)
  • Dysgraphia (8+)
  • Dyscalculia (8+)
  • Dyspraxia
  • Sensory Processing Disorder
  • Assessment of Needs (AON)

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Find out more about our Student Assistance Programme

Yes. All sessions are strictly confidential. No personal details are shared with schools, parents, or third parties without the student’s (and parent/guardian’s, where applicable) consent, except in rare cases where safety is at risk.

Absolutely. We offer flexible scheduling, including during school hours, after school, or outside term time, with both in-person and secure online options available.

We work with primary, secondary, and third-level students. Some specialist services and assessments have minimum age requirements (e.g., ADHD assessment from age 7, psychiatry from age 8).

We offer direct access with no waiting lists. Most students are offered an initial session within days of referral.

We can address a wide range of needs including anxiety, depression, stress, exam pressure, behavioural issues, social skills, learning differences, bullying, and emotional regulation.

Yes. All BetterCare™ professionals are fully accredited and registered with recognised Irish and international bodies such as the IACP, ICP, PSI & IMC, ensuring the highest standard of care.

We offer recognised assessments for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, OCD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Assessment of Needs (AON).

Yes. All assessments and diagnostic reports are recognised by the Department of Education and Department of Health in Ireland.

Absolutely. We offer free consultations to help understand your institution's requirements and help guide you in creating the best possible strategy for your students.