School superintendents (n = 1,526) were asked to complete a questionnaire designed to determine the process for identifying and providing assistance to students who demonstrate a variety of problem behaviors that interfere with learning or co-curricular performance in school. The majority indicated that their school had a formal written policy for helping students and most also had a formal written procedure. The student assistance program was predominantly found at high school level. A full-time student assistance counselor paid by the school district or a grant-funded position conducted the program. Students used the programs for alcohol, drug, family, school behavior and academic problems, among others. The major referral sources to assistance programs were teachers, guidance counselors and the students themselves. The programs were described as somewhat effective to very effective in helping students. Parents were the major barrier to effective use of the programs because of their lack of knowledge of where or how to refer, denial that their child had a problem or disinterest. Lack of time in the school day and fear of negative reactions also inhibited the programs. Tables