Updated: 8.26.2026
Students who are in a crisis and need immediate support are encouraged to connect
with:
Renee Gibson, Director of Student Support & Education | 301.784.5206 | CC12* or
Amie Guthrie, Student Support Coordinator | 301.784.5115 | CC12* + mobile locations
CC12 is located on the ground floor of the College Center, where students obtain their
Student ID cards.
If the Director & Coordinator are unavailable, students are strongly encouraged to call the UPMC crisis counselor: 240.964.1399.
Allegany College of Maryland understands that in addition to the academic pressures of being a college student, challenges students are facing within their personal lives can sometimes interfere with academic success. ACM is committed to supporting students, faculty, and staff who are experiencing overwhelming feelings of uncertainty, fear, stress, and anxiousness. It's important to take care of yourself and seek the support you need. Please feel free to utilize the services that are provided below. If you need assistance finding support in your local community, please reach out today. We welcome the opportunity to journey with you through life's challenges!
Allegany College of Maryland contracts with UPMC Western Maryland (Cumberland) to provide counseling to students who are enrolled in credit courses at ACM. While individual counseling is the primary service, couples and family counseling are also available. All services provided by UPMC are completely confidential and provided by qualified, licensed mental health professionals.
Two options for counseling sessions:
~ In-person | UPMC-WM Outpatient Behavioral Health Services | located in the Medical Arts, Suite 380 at UPMC-WM.
~ Tele-therapy (virtual) | Available to Maryland residents.
To schedule an appointment: call UPMC Behavioral Health | 240-964-8585.
Crisis Counselors are also available to speak with students 24/7 over the phone and can be reached by calling 240-964-1399.
PENNSYLVANIA STUDENTS: Students attending the Bedford campus are eligible to receive up to FIVE FREE* counseling services provided by Bedford-Somerset Developmental and Behavioral Health Services. Contact Bedford's Student Services office at 814-652-9528, ext. 6200 . *Students will be responsible for payment for any sessions outside of the five free sessions offered.
Bedford-Somerset DBHS Crisis Intervention Hotline: 866-611-6467
DIRECTOR of STUDENT SUPPORT & EDUCATION - Students who are in need of crisis support, emotional support and guidance are encouraged to contact Renee Gibson, Director of Student Support & Education. In addition to students having a confidential and comforting space to express their challenges or struggles, students will also have access to information regarding Mental Health, community resources, referrals to mental health services (both on and off campus) and additional campus services that may be beneficial. Connect with Renee by calling 301.784.5206, emailing rgibson@allegany.edu, or stopping by CC-12.
STUDENT SUPPORT COORDINATOR - Students experiencing a personal problem/concern or are in need of crisis support should reach out to Amie Dawson, Student Support Coordinator. Amie is readily accessible to provide confidential support, guidance, and resources to students in high-population locations, such as Willowbrook Woods, Athletics, Allied Health, and The Learning Commons. Connect with Amie by calling 301.784.5115, emailing adawson13769@allegany.edu, or visiting her at one of her mobile locations.
KOALAs - Koala stickers that read, "Hello, I can help!" can be located on office doors throughout campus. Individuals who have a Koala sticker have completed a Mental Health First Aid Training and are available to offer a listening ear, guidance, and/or guide students to other campus resources to better support them.
Mental Health is a journey. Whether you are feeling great, okay, meh, or not okay, this tool is here for you - at anytime! ACM cares about you and your mental health, which is why we have partnered with Aiberry, to offer free and confidential screenings.
Online screenings are NOT a diagnosis. Screenings are one of the quickest ways to better understand what it is you (or someone you care about) are experiencing and feeling. Aiberry offers 12 screenings: Overall Wellbeing, Anger, Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Eating Disorders, Gambling, Trauma, Tobacco/Alcohol/Other Substance Use, Panic Disorder, Psychosis, & Social Anxiety
How it works:
Questions about your screening results? Reach out to one of the On-Site Supports listed above.
Allegany College of Maryland has partnered with the Family Crisis Resource Center (Cumberland) to provide easily accessible domestic violence and sexual assault support services to students. FCRC is a non-profit, nongovernmental sexual assault and domestic violence victim services organization. FCRC is available by appointment and in emergencies to help any student [or employee]. All FCRC services are free.
FCRC can be reached by calling (301) 759-9244.
To learn more about Family Crisis Resource Center, visit http://www.familycrisisresourcecenter.org/
Anyone who witnesses a medical or mental health emergency requiring immediate intervention should CALL 911 AND THEN CALL CAMPUS SECURITY @ X.5555. Health and safety are too important to hesitate, and you do not need permission to call 911. (NOTE: ACM does not provide transportation and/or hospitalization costs.)
UPMC Western Maryland Crisis Counselor - Dial 240-964-1399 Counselors are available 24/7 to address urgent or emergency needs
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 or chat online 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741 (Free/confidential) A global not-for-profit organization providing free mental health texting service through confidential crisis intervention via SMS message. Available 24/7
Maryland Crisis Connect: 1-800-422-0009 / 1-866-411-6803 (or Dial 211 select option 1, for crisis help or resources.) Offers crisis intervention & linkage with local community resources, information and referral and telephone support for anyone experiencing a crisis. Assistance is available by phone, text, and chat.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 Available 24/7 to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest Natl. Network): 1-800-656-4673 The nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. Available 24/7. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Doctors on Demand: 24/7 access to doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and other medical experts. Select and see your favorite providers right from your smartphone, tablet or computer. (While it’s free to sign up and check your coverage when you register, students are responsible for any costs associated with virtual care.)
Need help finding a local provider? A list of local mental health providers (Cumberland campus) is available by contacting the Office of Student & Legal Affairs or the Nurse Managed Wellness Center. Selecting a private provider is the student’s choice; payment is the student’s responsibility.
Info @ Office of Student & Legal Affairs | (301) 784-5206
