Penn State Altoona Health Services will continue to offer appointments time for patient care in a limited capacity. All appointments must be made by calling the office at 814-949-5540. Current hours are 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. 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.
We understand that this is a challenging time for students, not only academically, but emotionally, physically, and mentally as well. Know that our staff is thinking of you and how these changes will impact your daily life. Your health is our priority. We also understand that due to the evolving situation with the novel coronavirus, it may be difficult to manage all of these changes at once. We want to be sure you have the resources to tend to any emotional, physical, or mental well-being need.
Below is a list of resources we have to offer:
Please refer to the following websites for direct information:
Counseling and Psychological Services
Penn State Altoona Counseling and Psychological Services believes that the health and well-being of students is a top priority. We are working diligently to find ethical and confidential means to support current clients and to continue to assess the needs of any student that may contact us. During this period of transition, we may not be available to take your call. If you have an immediate mental health concern, please immediately call the Penn State Crisis Hotline at 877-229-6400. If you have an immediate safety concern for yourself or someone else, immediately call 911. The national and state mandates continue to change rapidly, so please check the Penn State Altoona and CAPS web pages as well as Penn State’s COVID-19 information site for updates.
Immediate Mental Health Safety Concerns
If you are worried about your safety or for the safety of someone else, please don’t hesitate to use crisis services.
Penn State Crisis Line | 1-877-229-6400
Staffed 24 hours a day by licensed counselors who can gather information, refer to appropriate resources, and manage concerns for Penn State students, no matter your current location. The Crisis Line can also be used to discuss stressful situations such as coping with changes.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline | 1-800-273-8255
Staffed with counselors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This line can also be used if you are concerned about someone else.
CAPS at Penn State Altoona | 814-949-5540
Counseling and Psychological Services is still open. Despite working remotely at this time, students can still connect with counselors over the phone. Students may call in and be connected with a counselor Monday through Friday, from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Text "Lions" to 741741 to reach a counselor at Crisis Text Line
This is a national crisis support line. Text with trained crisis counselors 24 hours a day.Confidential and available in the US only.
Penn State Police | 814-949-5222 or 911
Local Crisis Center - UPMC Altoona Crisis Center | 814-889-2141
Located at 520 Howard Avenue, the emergency room provides immediate care for severe crises such as drug or alcohol overdoses or serious suicidal or homicidal thoughts or urgent problems with psychiatric medications. Students may call 911 for ambulance service to the hospital.
Additional Support Options
Welltrack
Free to Penn State students, this online platform provides tools and resources to deal with stress, anxiety, and depression. The companion app will help to monitor your mood, an important part of overall well-being
Students who have United HealthCare
Access to counseling and telemedicine.
United Healthcare Student Resources
Register for online counseling.
Students may also reach out to your insurance provider for telehealth resources.