The STARS Student Assistance Program (SAP) is an award-winning, evidence-based program that addresses social and emotional barriers for youth, such as substance abuse, violence, and bullying, to strengthen social and emotional competencies.

 SAP counselors will provide prevention education through assemblies and classroom presentations. We also provide counseling for individuals and groups. Please understand that this is not a “formal therapy” arrangement.  The STARS Counselor is available to help students cope with challenges that impact them at school so that they are able to focus more effectively in class.  This may occur on a “drop-in” or more regularly scheduled basis.  However, as STARS Counselors often are on call to manage crisis needs for any student at the school, they cannot guarantee that they will be available at the same time every week.  

The STARS Enhanced School Assistance Program (ESAP) is an in-school mental health treatment program that was created to allow students to receive therapy onsite in their own schools. STARS ESAP Therapists serve students in Williamson County Schools who are in need of this level of intervention and who are not able to access mental health services outside of the school. This program is free for students and families.  It is funded by a variety of sources, including the Board of Education, United Way, and private foundations and donors.

Individual therapy is provided on a weekly basis. The STARS Therapist works closely with the school to ensure that this is scheduled during a time to minimize academic disruption. In addition, with permission from parents/guardians, the STARS Therapist may collaborate with teachers, counselors, administrators, and other team members to maximize the effectiveness of interventions and best support the student at school. Parents/guardians may also request consultation around structure and supervision at home, communicating effectively with their children, or other parenting or resource-related concerns.