Updated: August 12, 2024
*** Students who are in a crisis and need immediate support are encouraged to contact UPMC's On-site Counselor, LaDawn Yoder, in the NMWC, by calling 301-784-5670. If LaDawn is unavailable, students should call the UPMC crisis counselor at 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 eligible students in two convenient locations: on campus in the Nurse Manager Wellness Clinic (NMWC), Allied Health Building Room #115, and at UPMC's Outpatient Behavioral Health Services, located in the Medical Arts, Suite 380. 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.
On-site: UPMC Counselor, LaDawn (Yoder) Tice, is generally on campus when classes are in session, weekdays, as follows:
Mondays: 11:00am - 7:00pm
Tuesdays: 9:00pm – 3:30pm
Thursday: 12:30am – 5:30pm
Fridays: 8:30am – 2:00pm
Students are urged to make an appointment by calling UPMC - Western Maryland at 240-964-8585.
Walk-ins are accepted if LaDawn is available.
Crisis Counselors are also available to speak to students over the phone and can be reached at 240-964-1399.
Off site: Multiple counselors are available by appointment in the following situations: (1) students prefer to go off-campus to see or (2) students need counseling on days/times outside the on-site schedule above. Any eligible student is entitled to receive up to seven* (7) hours of counseling per semester for any mental health issues with which s/he needs assistance. *14 sessions per year are paid by ACM. (7 during the period July 1-December 31 and 7 during the period January 1 – June 30.)
Pennsylvania Students: Students attending the Bedford campus are eligible to receive counseling services provided by Bedford-Somerset Developmental and Behavioral Health Services. Contact the Student Services office at 814-652-9528, ext. 6200
Students who are in a crisis and need immediate support are encouraged to contact LaDawn in the NMWC, by calling 301-784-5670. If LaDawn is unavailable, students should call the UPMC crisis counselor at 240.964.1399.
DIRECTOR of STUDENT SUPPORT & EDUCATION - Students who are in need of 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.
ACM recognizes that brief online screenings are the quickest way to determine if you, or someone you care about, should connect with a licensed professional, which is why we have registered with MindWise to offer a FREE, anonymous online screening program. Think of these as a checkup from your neck up. Screenings include, depression, anxiety, alcohol & substance use, post-traumatic stress, eating habits and more.
Immediately following the brief questionnaire, your results, recommendations, and key resources will be provided to better understand what you are feeling or experiencing.
Curious about your Mental Health? Take a free, anonymous, and confidential Mental Health screening today!
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 240-946-1399 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.
Veteran’s Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 or 1-877-VET2VET If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, caring & qualified VA responders are standing by to help 24/7. The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, anonymous, and confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.
The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678-678 A national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
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.)
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
