Most athletic departments are well-prepared for physical emergencies like sudden cardiac arrest, heat-related illnesses and major injuries with detailed emergency action plans (EAPs) for every facility.
But mental health crises often catch teams unprepared. A panic attack in the locker room, a player engaging in self-harm on a road trip, or everyone’s greatest fear, an athlete ready to take their life …yet traditional EAPs aren’t designed to address these types of concerns.
Because athletics operates outside typical campus routines, staff need a clear plan so they can respond quickly and confidently. That’s where a Mental Health Emergency Action Plan (MHEAP) comes in. It equips sport psychologists, athletic trainers, coaches, and other staff with the steps they should follow to keep athletes safe and supported when a mental health crisis occurs.
Here’s what you need to know about creating yours.
Why a Mental Health Emergency Action Plan Is Essential
A mental health emergency can be just as urgent (and sometimes even more complex) than a physical injury. While a sprained ankle or broken bone is easier to recognize and treat with established protocols, mental health crises often unfold quietly and can escalate quickly if staff aren’t prepared to respond.
Further, athletics presents unique challenges that make a mental health-specific plan essential. Teams often practice or travel outside of “regular campus hours”, compete in unfamiliar locations, and spend extended periods away from immediate access to emergency services on campus. A general campus mental health plan may not account for these sports-specific complexities and has the potential to leave coaches and other staff unsure of what to do in the moment.
Without a clear plan, valuable time can be lost, and in a mental health emergency, every second matters. Having a MHEAP ensures everyone in the athletic department knows:
- How to recognize a mental health crisis.
- Who to contact immediately (whether on campus or when traveling).
- The step-by-step actions to take to keep the athlete safe until professional help is available.
Beyond crisis response, a dedicated MHEAP reinforces a powerful message: mental health is just as important as physical health. It shows athletes that their well-being is a priority, builds trust between athletes and staff, and fosters a culture of safety and support throughout the department.
Key Components of a Mental Health Emergency Action Plan for Athletics
Creating a MHEAP is about more than just writing down a phone number to call during a crisis. It’s about building a clear, actionable framework that helps coaches, staff, and athletes respond quickly when a mental health emergency occurs. Here are the key components every athletic department should include.
1. Clear Protocols for Crisis Response
Every staff member should know exactly what to do in the first moments of a mental health emergency. This includes:
- Recognizing signs of a mental health crisis (e.g. suicidal ideation and behaviors, psychosis, or behaviors intended to harm others).
- Steps to de-escalate the situation and keep the athlete safe.
- Immediate actions, such as removing the athlete from public areas or helping them get to a hospital emergency room.
2. Defined Roles and Responsibilities
In a crisis, clarity is critical. Assign specific responsibilities to staff members such as athletic trainers, coaches, and licensed mental health providers. The exact role each of these individuals will fulfill and the actions they will be responsible for will depend on contextual factors like your campus location, ease of access to hospitals and other emergency facilities, and which professionals have completed specific forms of emergency response training. Regardless of who fulfills which role, it is important to know who will:
- Initiate the plan and provide immediate support to the athlete
- Ensure the safety of the team and others not directly involved in the emergency.
- Facilitate transportation to emergency facilities
- Coordinate next steps as the athlete leaves emergency care centers and returns to daily life.
Finally, everyone should know who is calling for help, who is staying with the athlete, and who is communicating with administration or family (as appropriate).
3. Communication Procedures
Quick, accurate communication saves time and ensures proper response. Your plan should outline:
- Emergency contacts on campus (counseling center, campus police, crisis intervention team).
- Local resources for away games or travel (hospitals, crisis hotlines, mental health professionals).
- Step-by-step reporting procedures to keep leadership informed (when appropriate) without overwhelming staff in the moment.
4. Travel and After-Hours Considerations
Athletics often operates outside normal campus hours or in unfamiliar locations. Your MHEAP should address:
- How to access support when traveling to events away from campus.
- Protocols for nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Backup communication plans if campus resources aren’t immediately available.
5. Post-Crisis Follow-Up
The plan doesn’t end when the immediate emergency is resolved. A strong MHEAP includes:
- Support for the athlete: Mental health referrals, follow-up appointments, and reintegration into team activities, school, and campus life.
- Debrief for staff and team members: Address the emotional impact of the event and reinforce the value of mental healthcare for everyone.
- Documentation and review: Evaluate how well the plan worked and make improvements for the future.
When these components are in place, an athletic department can respond to mental health emergencies with the same speed, confidence, and care it already brings to emergencies rooted in physical injuries.
Taking Action: Steps for Athletic Departments
Creating a MHEAP may feel overwhelming at first, but breaking it into clear steps makes the process much more manageable. Here’s how you can ensure your athletes are protected and supported in any mental health crisis.
1. Audit Your Current Emergency Plans
Start by reviewing your existing EAPs.
- Determine whether the plan addresses mental health emergencies or only covers physical injuries.
- Look for gaps, such as after-hours coverage, travel scenarios, or unclear communication channels.
- Include input from coaches, athletic trainers, and sport psychologists or campus mental health staff to capture a full picture of needs.
2. Develop a Mental Health-Specific Plan
A dedicated MHEAP ensures everyone knows what to do in a crisis.
- Tailor the plan to your facilities, team schedules, and travel demands.
- Clearly define roles and responsibilities for coaches, athletic trainers, administrators, and mental health professionals.
- Outline step-by-step response protocols to eliminate uncertainty during emergencies.
3. Train Staff and Educate Athletes
A plan is only as effective as the people implementing it.
- Provide annual training for coaches, athletic trainers, and other staff on recognizing and responding to mental health crises.
- Educate athletes on how to seek help, support teammates, and follow procedures in an emergency.
- Conduct scenario-based drills to ensure everyone can confidently carry out the plan under pressure.
4. Review, Update, and Practice the Plan Regularly
Mental health needs and best practices evolve over time.
- Schedule annual reviews of your MHEAP to update contact lists and protocols.
- Gather feedback from staff and athletes after any real-life incidents or drills to improve the plan.
- Keep your plan visible and accessible so it can be activated immediately when needed.
Taking these steps helps your athletic department create a proactive and reliable MHEAP. It reminds your athletes that mental health is a top priority, and you are ready to support them in any situation.
Need Help With Your Plan?
A MHEAP is essential for all athletic departments. If your athletic department doesn’t have one yet, White House Sport Psychology can help. We specialize in guiding athletic programs through the process of creating effective, customized plans that fit your teams, facilities, and travel needs.
Contact us today to start building a plan that prioritizes your athletes’ mental well-being and keeps your teams prepared for any situation.
