Chapter 7: Promoting Student-Athlete Mental Health: The Role of Campus Counseling Services

Intercollegiate athletics have long played an important role in defining the campus culture at many colleges and universities. In addition to providing students with the opportunity to further develop their athletic skills, they also help foster school pride among the student body and aid in recruiting efforts with prospective students. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA; 2008), over 360,000 student-athletes participate in 23 sanctioned sports at 1,033 member schools. For the men and women who compete in these athletic programs, their participation can simultaneously be a most rewarding and most stressful endeavor. As a result, college counselors and mental health professionals should be cognizant of the potential effects athletic participation may have on the mental health of student-athletes.