Mental Performance and Mental Health Services in NCAA D1 Athletic Departments

Abstract

Mental performance consultants (MPCs) and licensed mental health professionals (MHPs) offer distinct, yet complementary, services. Although the focus of their service delivery varies, past researchers have often combined these professionals, along with licensed sport psychology professionals (LSPPs) when investigating sport psychology services in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I (D1) athletic departments (e.g., Kornspan & Duve, 2006). The lack of distinction between these professionals has not allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the existence of these various psychological services in NCAA D1 athletic departments. Using content analysis methodology, the purpose of the current study was to identify the existence of three types of service providers—MPCs, MHPs, and LSPPs—listed on all NCAA Division 1 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Series (FCS) athletic department websites. Out of 253 NCAA D1 athletic departments, 65 athletic departments were identified as having some form of mental performance and/or mental health services. Forty-one athletic departments employed one provider and 24 employed two or more providers. Of the 99 professionals identified, 56 provided both mental performance and mental health services, 23 provided solely mental performance services, and 20 provided solely mental health services. Additionally, 57 providers were identified as female while 42 were identified as male. Additional characteristics of professionals (i.e., title, terminal degree, licensure, and certification status) are provided. Implications for the growth of mental performance and mental health services within NCAA D1 athletic departments are discussed.