Mental Health in Athletes: Identification and Management

Course overview

As the type, severity, and percentage of mental illnesses continue to rise in adolescents and young adults, athletic trainers and healthcare professionals are certain to encounter studentathletes with psychological concerns at the secondary school and collegiate levels. In this course, lecture techniques will be utilized to discuss mental health in athletes, particularly the different types of mental health disorders prevalent among competitive athletes along with the various stressors and triggering events that may lead to psychological concern in these individuals. After a thorough review of the literature on best practices regarding the management of mental health conditions in athletes, participants will be able to reflect on the knowledge to generate a plan to formally address mental health conditions in athletes, construct a referral network of mental health providers, and investigate the legal liability associated with developing a plan to manage mental health conditions. All three aspects of evidence-based practice will be implemented within the course to assure effective knowledge transfer and integration of information into daily practice for all participants.