Resources for Support and Safety

Undergraduate and graduate students at Messiah University have immediate access to virtual counseling through TimelyCare—an app that provides 24/7 opportunities for professional support as well as self-help strategies.

Undergraduate students can also contact Counseling Services at the Engle Center on campus to make an appointment for counseling on campus.

On-Campus Mental Health Emergency Assistance: contact the college Dispatch Officer at Ext. 6005 or 717-691-6005 and the Dispatch Officer will put you in touch with the Residence Life, on-call Engle Center counselor or other appropriate college professional who can provide you with the assistance you need.

• Dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. There is hope. Providing 24/7, free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress works. The Lifeline helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day.
• Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center Crisis Intervention Services 717-763-2222 or 1-866-350-4357.
• CONTACT HELPLINE 717-652-4400 or Tollfree 1-800-932-4616 Provides free, confidential listening, health and human services information & referral 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for Central Pennsylvania.
• Crisis Text Line: text HELP to 741-741
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free national suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. If you need help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
• For information on what to do if you are concerned someone may be suicidal, click here
• Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Services of Cumberland County provides counseling, advocacy and services for adult and child victims of sexual assault. They can be reached at 717-258-4324 during office hours at YWCA Carlisle, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Volunteers counselors staff a 24 hour toll-free rape crisis Hotline (888-727-2877). Clients can also receive services at the Victim Services office in Camp Hill. All Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Services are free and confidential.
• Medical Treatment for Sexual Assault: (see here for local hospital ER addresses)
• UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital Emergency Room: 717-782-3131
  UPMC Pinnacle Carlisle Regional Medical Center Emergency Room 717-249-1212
  Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital Emergency Room 717-763-2100
• Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties provides 24 hr. emergency support, legal advocacy, counseling, shelter and other assistance. HOTLINE: 1-800-852-2102

Messiah University is committed to creating an atmosphere of dignity and respect in which students and employees are provided with the option to report an emergency or potential crime to local officials that support our community:

• Upper Allen Police Department
• Carroll Township Police Department
• Upper Allen Fire Department

If you are looking for general guidance on managing personal safety on college campuses, the following organizations provide helpful tips and resources:

• The Clery Center (links to a free guide specifically for parents or guardians of college students)
• Safewise (information on a range of safety topics for college students and their families)
• College Ave (risk resiliency strategies to practice regardless of your context)