If you are currently experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately by calling Campus Safety at 717-337-6911, dialing 911 going to Wellspan Gettysburg Hospital Emergency Room or your closest ER.
Suicide is a serious public health crisis and the second leading cause of death among college-aged individuals (ages 18-25) who face particularly elevated risks due to academic pressures, social transitions, financial stress, and the developmental challenges of emerging adulthood. However, suicide is preventable with proper intervention and support.
College years often present unique mental health challenges as students navigate increased independence, academic demands, relationship changes, and uncertainty about their futures. The college environment can intensify existing mental health conditions or trigger new ones, making campus-based mental health resources and suicide prevention efforts critically important.
This page serves as a comprehensive resource for the Gettysburg College community, providing vital information and assistance for students who may be contemplating suicide, as well as support for their friends, family members, faculty, and staff who want to help. Whether you're struggling with suicidal thoughts yourself, concerned about a fellow student, or seeking to better understand suicide prevention, you'll find guidance and resources here to promote safety and wellbeing within our campus community.
Crisis Hotline Resources
988 - 988 is a national suicide and crisis lifeline that can be called or texted at any time, 24/7/365.
Crisis Text Line – Text “Home” or “Hola” to 741741 to reach a free, confidential crisis counselor, 24/7/365.
The Trevor Project – Free, confidential crisis support line for LGBTQ+ young people. It can be reached 24/7/365 by texting “START” to 678678 or calling 1-866-488-7386.
Local Resources
Wellspan Gettysburg Hospital Emergency Room
147 Gettys St, Gettysburg, PA 17325 (15 minute walk from campus)
Available 24/7/365
Wellspan Mobile Crisis Services
Call: 717-851-5320
Available 24/7/365
Campus Safety
Call: 717-337-6911
Available 24/7/365
Counseling and Wellness Services
Call: 717-337-6960
Email: counseling@gettysburg.edu
Visit: 250 Broadway (Behind Servo Dining Hall)
Monday – Friday 8:30 to 5:00 pm, when classes are in session
After hours you can reach a mental health counselor for immediate crisis response by contacting Campus Safety at 717-337-6911.
Additional Information for Employees
If you are a full-time employee struggling with mental health concerns or thoughts of suicide, the Early Assistance Plan by Wellspan (EAP) is available to you. EAP provides regular full-time employees assistance with issues such as depression, marital and family issues, grief, drug and alcohol problems, job-related stress, financial difficulties, and other personal matters. Gettysburg College will pay up to three visits/evaluations and to provide a referral list of practitioners in specific fields of expertise. Services are confidential and will not affect employment.
To learn about Wellspan Employee Assistance Program, please visit www.wellspaneap.org