Crisis and Emergency Help

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, resources are available to help you with immediate needs as well as impacts to your course work.

Urgent Crisis and Safety Needs

If you have a life-threatening crisis or safety concern, call 911 or utilize your local crisis services or hospital.

Immediate Assistance 24 Hours a Day

Within the United States:

  • Call the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or text LIONS to 741741.
  • Call or text 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Line. Chat is also available at 988lifeline.org.

Outside the United States:

Additional Assistance Resources

Penn State World Campus students:

Penn State University Park students can view available Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) locations.

Students at other Penn State campuses can search for counseling services at the campuses.

On- and off-campus behaviors including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and stalking — as well as retaliation for reporting any of these acts — violate University policy and/or Title IX and are not tolerated.

Submit a report and find support resources on Penn State’s Title IX page.

If a natural disaster or other emergency is occurring in your location, there are Penn State World Campus support services in place to help you move forward.

Emergencies that may impact you can include natural disasters, wildfires, mass power outages, civil unrest, and crimes of mass violence.

If you are experiencing any of these unexpected emergencies, you should take any steps necessary for your safety and then follow up with Penn State World Campus when you are able.

  • Contact your instructors to discuss the flexibility or support you may need for your courses.
  • Complete our Care and Concern form if you have health, wellness, financial, or academic concerns resulting from the emergency, if you need assistance contacting instructors, or if you need to withdraw from your courses due to the emergency.