For Students

Q.  How do I schedule an appointment with Counseling Services at Penn State Wilkes-Barre?

A.  Contact Wanda Ochei for information regarding Counseling Services. See the Penn State Wilkes-Barre Counseling Services website for more information on services and other resources available to students.

Q.   What if I need help/support during a time when the Counseling Office is not open?

A.  If you are experiencing a mental health emergency you should dial 911 immediately. Crisis Support Services are available 24/7 to all Penn State students:

  • Penn State Crisis Phone: 1-877-229-6400
  • Crisis Text Line: text "LIONS" to 741741

For Faculty and Staff

Q.  What if I am with a student in crisis who needs help immediately?

A.  If you are worried about a student’s immediate safety you should contact Penn State Wilkes-Barre Police Services at 570-675-9111 or dial 911.

Penn State offers a variety of support resources for helping a student in distress:

  1. The Red Folder initiative is a guide to help faculty, staff, and others who interact with students to recognize, respond effectively to, and refer distressed students at Penn State. Hard copies of the Red Folder are available to faculty and staff by contacting the Student Affairs Office (570-675-9279, [email protected]).
  2. The Behavioral Threat Management Team is committed to the safety and well-being of the University community. The BTMT manages all referred incidents and other processes related to threat analysis. You may make a referral to the BTMT through the University website or by contacting the Penn State Wilkes-Barre BTMT chair, Wanda Ochei (570-675-9225, [email protected]).

Q.  How do I refer a student to Counseling Services?

A.  Contact Wanda Ochei (570-675-9225, [email protected]) to make a referral or discuss a student concern.

Q.  I have a student concern, but it’s not an emergency; whom should I contact?

A.  The Penn State Wilkes-Barre Care Team assists students who face challenges such as personal health/wellness issues, financial challenges, housing challenges and displacement, and with other issues or concerns that have an impact on their persistence and academic success. You may make a referral to the Care Team at any time to express a student concern.