NCAA Mandate

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An Open Letter to All NCAA Schools

An Open Letter to All NCAA Schools

Dear Athletic Director, Coach, and Staff, Several years ago, I met a former football player with a compelling story about overcoming depression and suicidality. However, as great as his story is, it almost ended in complete tragedy.  This young man struggled with many of the same challenges today’s athletes face—family trouble at home, little playing time, failing to live up to expectations, difficulty managing an overpacked schedule, and more. As he sunk into a deep depression, he saw the need to seek professional help—which is great—but consider this exchange he had with his counselor barely two sessions into his treatment: Athlete: “I don’t know what to do. I’m living out my dream, and yet I am in the middle of a nightmare.” Counselor: “You seem to have a lot on your plate, and your schedule feels overbooked. Have you considered quitting football?”  Athlete (with an expression of shock on his face): “Don’t you realize that football is the only thing keeping me alive right...

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What Coaches and Athletic Directors Need to Know About Sport Psychology and the NCAA’s Mental Health Best Practices

What Coaches and Athletic Directors Need to Know About Sport Psychology and the NCAA’s Mental Health Best Practices

In the most recent version of the NCAA mental health best practices, the core content has remained largely the same, but one crucial difference exists. Each NCAA member institution must demonstrate how they are fulfilling these practices by November 2025. As a reminder, the NCAA mental health best practices are: Create healthy environments that support mental health and promote well-being Procedures for identification of student-athletes with mental health symptoms and disorders, including mental health screening tools Mental health action plans that outline referral pathways for student-athletes to qualified providers Licensure of providers who oversee and manage student-athlete mental health care As athletic directors and other department staff work to establish these practices, they need to understand them and the variety of ways each can be accomplished and have a solid understanding of sport psychology as a discipline. Developing this understanding (and how it is different from...

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Understanding the New NCAA Mental Health Regulations for Student-Athletes

Understanding the New NCAA Mental Health Regulations for Student-Athletes

At White House Sport Psychology, we know that having a strong mind is just as important as being physically fit, especially when it comes to sports. Whether chasing a personal record or competing on a big stage, your mindset plays a huge role in your success.  And now, the NCAA formally recognizes how crucial mental health is for student-athletes, rolling out new rules to ensure athletes get the support they need. Below, we'll explain what these new regulations mean for athletes, coaches, and teams. If you're an athlete wanting to perform your best or a coach or athletic director looking to better support your players, understanding these changes is crucial. The Growing Focus on Mental Health in Sports Mental health in sports has finally started to get the attention it deserves, especially among student-athletes. Not long ago, athletes were often expected to "tough it out" and push through, no matter how they felt mentally. But things are changing, and it's evident that mental health...

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Game Day Mental Edge: A Game Day Guide for Athletes, Coaches, Teams AND Parents

Free Game Day Guide

This guide gives you the tools you need to show up and stay locked in, no matter what the scoreboard says.