If you have an emergency, please dial 911. The national and state mandates continue to change rapidly, so please check the Penn State Altoona website as well as Penn State’s Coronavirus Information site.
Accessing counseling services during remote learning
Tele-mental health services are available to students. Students can call the Health and Wellness Center during their current hours of operation, Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
What happens when I call Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)?
When you call the Health and Wellness Center during our current hours of operation, an administrative support assistant will schedule you for a telephone appointment with a CAPS counselor. It is important that you are ready for the phone call at your scheduled time and that you are in a private location for the call.
- These appointments will be scheduled for up to one hour.
- This appointment is to gather information about you and how we can be of service. We will also complete a risk assessment.
- Safety is our number one priority. Due to separate locations, the counselor will always start the session by confirming your current location and the best phone number to reach you.
Based on this appointment, one of the following may happen:
- We can provide appropriate resources, problem-solve, and come to a resolution during this appointment. No further appointments would be scheduled. You can contact CAPS for future/crisis services. The Penn State Crisis Line is also available to you 24/7.
- Sometimes there are legal limitations for providing services across state lines. In this case, we will provide you with resources/referrals for you to contact in your state. You can contact CAPS for future/crisis services. The Penn State Crisis Line is also available to you 24/7.
- Sometimes, tele-mental health is not the best practice or recommended. In this case, we will provide you with resources/referrals for you to contact in your area. You can contact CAPS for future/crisis services. The Penn State Crisis Line is also available to you 24/7.
- Short term tele- mental health sessions are appropriate.
- You will be assigned to a brief waitlist, then scheduled for your first appointment with a counselor.
- The counselor will notify you of your zoom appointment date and time by secure message so you need to check your emails.
- You will be sent information (also via secure message) about telehealth expectations (e.g. how appointments are scheduled, what technology is needed, confidential space that is required, etc.). Please read this information carefully.
Health and Wellness Center staff are here to care for students' health issues in an atmosphere of confidentiality and respect. The Health and Wellness Center is located at the Sheetz Family Health Center. The center offers medical care and treatment for most illnesses and minor injuries as well as counseling and psychological services, student disability resources, and health education. Contact the Health and Wellness Center at 814-949-5540 with any questions.
Services
Health Services
Health Services is committed to promoting health, wellness, and safety at Penn State Altoona and the surrounding community by providing quality medical care.
Learn more about Health Services
Counseling and Psychological Services
The Counseling Center is staffed by licensed counselors who provide both individual counseling and case management services. The Center's staff is dedicated to assisting students in their pursuit of personal and academic growth, to help students gain a better understanding and appreciation of themselves, and to support students as they make important decisions about their lives.
Learn more about Counseling and Psychological Services
Student Disability Resources
Penn State Altoona is committed to providing a welcoming, encouraging, and empowering environment for students with disabilities to ensure equal access, full participation, and reasonable accommodations for their academic pursuits. Student Disability Resources is responsible for coordinating support services, reasonable academic accommodations, and promoting disability awareness in the university community.
Learn more about Student Disability Resources
Health Education
Through Health Education, we strive to help students gain knowledge and skills to make proactive decisions, promoting their health and well-being.