Youth in Transition counseling program

Volunteer-based therapy support for youth aging out of foster care

Youth in Transition connects transition-age young people in Berks County, PA with licensed volunteer therapists for supportive counseling during a major life transition. If you’re a young person looking for support—or a clinician looking to volunteer—this program helps you find the right next step.

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What Youth in Transition is

Counseling support for foster youth, centered on stability

Youth in Transition is a counseling program offered through CASA of Berks County to support young people who are transitioning out of foster care or navigating life after care. The program is built around volunteer-based therapy with licensed clinicians, so youth can access consistent support without cost getting in the way. Most sessions take place through secure telehealth, making it easier to participate from Reading, Wyomissing, or anywhere else in Berks County. The focus is on ongoing counseling and real-life coping, not emergency response. Matching and coordination are handled with care so youth and therapists can start with clarity and appropriate expectations.

Choose your next step

Two paths, one goal: steady support during transition

Start with the option that matches who you are and what you need right now. You’ll find clear guidance and a simple way forward in each option below.

For Youth

If you’re 16–21 and have been in foster care, you can request a therapist for free counseling support that’s built around your goals and your pace. You’ll learn what to expect, how matching works, and how to reach out in a way that feels comfortable.

For Therapists

If you’re a licensed clinician in Pennsylvania, you can volunteer a small, manageable amount of time to provide pro bono counseling to a young person who’s ready to engage. You’ll see how referrals and matching work, what support is provided, and what boundaries are in place to keep the role sustainable.

Why transition-age support matters

A critical window for stability and mental health

Aging out of foster care can mean losing built-in supports right when adult responsibilities speed up—housing, work, school, relationships, and finances can all collide at once. A steady therapeutic relationship can help a young person process what they’ve lived through, manage stress, and make decisions with more clarity and confidence.


This support matters locally, too: when young people have consistent mental health care and a trusted adult in their corner, they’re better positioned to stay connected to school, work, and safe relationships. Youth in Transition exists to offer that steadiness in Berks County—through a model that’s practical, coordinated, and grounded in real-life needs.

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FAQs

Answers to common questions about Youth in Transition

  • What is the Youth in Transition program?

    Youth in Transition is a counseling program through CASA of Berks County designed for young people impacted by foster care during a major life transition. It connects youth with licensed volunteer therapists for supportive, ongoing counseling. The program focuses on stability, coping skills, and navigating real-life transitions. It’s meant to be approachable and consistent—not complicated or clinical-feeling.

  • Who is this program for?

    This program is intended for transition-age youth (often around ages 15–21) who are in foster care or have been in foster care and want counseling support. It is primarily for young people located in Berks County, including Reading and surrounding communities. A short intake conversation helps confirm fit and readiness for counseling. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, reaching out is still worthwhile—you can get a clear answer without pressure.

  • Is this crisis counseling or an emergency service?

    No, this program is not designed as crisis counseling or emergency response. Youth are screened and matched for ongoing therapy support, not immediate crisis intervention. If someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent help, they should call 911 or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The program’s goal is steady support over time, with clear boundaries to keep care appropriate and consistent.

  • Do I need insurance or payment to participate?

    The program is designed to remove cost as a barrier, using volunteer-based therapy so youth can access counseling without needing insurance for sessions. You’ll receive clear guidance during intake about what’s included and what to expect. Because models can vary based on program capacity, it’s always best to confirm details during your first contact. If you have concerns about privacy, cost, or access, you can ask them directly during intake.

  • How does matching work, and how long does it take?

    Matching starts with a brief intake conversation to understand needs, preferences, and readiness for telehealth counseling. A coordinator then looks for a good fit with an available licensed volunteer therapist and shares next steps clearly. Timing can vary depending on therapist availability and fit factors, but the process is designed to be straightforward and respectful. If the first match doesn’t feel right, you can request support in finding a better fit.