Your Well-Being Matters. We're Here to Support You
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is dedicated to supporting your emotional well-being and personal development throughout your Penn State journey. Whether you're facing a specific challenge or just want to check in with yourself, our services are designed to meet you where you are—compassionately and confidentially.
Self-Care Resources
Sometimes you just want tools and support you can access on your own schedule. CAPS offers self-guided resources, online programs, and wellness tips you can use anytime to check in with yourself and manage stress in healthy ways.
Clinical Services
We're here to support you with a variety of clinical services, providing care in a variety of modalities to meet your needs. Learn about counseling options and how we can work together to get you the care you need.
Crisis Intervention
If you're in a mental health crisis or need urgent support, you don’t have to handle it alone. CAPS and the 24/7 Penn State Crisis Line are always here to help — any time, day or night.
Need help outside of business hours?
Call the 24/7 Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or call 911.
Scheduling an Appointment
Most services begin with a phone screening with a CAPS clinician to make sure that you are getting the support best suited to your needs. Call 814-863-0395 to get started.
- During the screening, staff will gather basic information, asses your needs and level of urgency, and recommend next steps or provide immediate support.
- Recommendations may include short-term CAPS services, referrals, or community-based support for longer-term support.
If CAPS services are appropriate, you’ll be given next steps and any pre-appointment forms. While it may seem daunting, this screening is crucial is assessing what services are best for your care.
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The first session with CAPS gives you space to talk through concerns, identify goals and priorities, and explore personalized support options. Some students find one appointment is enough, while others continue care or access additional resources.
- CAPS cannot provide letters of support at the first appointment or without a treatment history during the requested time frame. For documentation needs, students should reach out to current or former health care providers.
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CAPS may ask for you to share confidential information as part of the care process.
Tips to ensure your file can be accurately received and processed:
- Submit in a compatible file format (.pdf, .doc, .docx, and .jpg)
- Download the file onto a computer and then complete the process on the computer. Do not use a mobile device.
Counseling Support at Penn State
Leading the Nation in Mental Health Data
The Center for Collegiate Mental Health is the leading national research center focused on understanding student mental health on campus. Learn more about how CCMH collects data and uses it to help providers across the world.
