In the competitive realm of college sports, where every game and practice counts, mental health often takes a backseat to physical performance. Yet, the mental well-being of college athletes is just as crucial for peak performance and overall success. As we shine a spotlight on athlete mental health, one critical aspect that deserves our attention is the implementation of effective mental health screening and referral systems. These processes are essential not only for identifying potential issues early but also for connecting athletes with the appropriate support and resources. We’ll explore why mental health screening and referrals are pivotal in the college athletic setting, examine the current challenges and gaps, and discuss strategies for improving these vital systems.

The mental health of college athletes is increasingly recognized as a critical aspect of overall well-being, and certified athletic trainers play a pivotal role in this process. According to the research article, Frequency of, Confidence in, and Educational Satisfaction With Mental Illness Recognition and Referral Among Certified Athletic Trainers, Dr. Ostrowski and colleagues write, “although it seems that professional athletic training education related to mental illness has improved, especially related to recognition and referral for anxiety disorders, major depression, and eating disorders, it is still not adequately preparing ATs for clinical practice, given the prevalence of mental illness in our society.” (Ostrowski et al., 2022). This gap highlights the urgent need for comprehensive training and ongoing education in mental health awareness. By integrating mental health screenings into routine assessments, athletic programs can not only boost the confidence of athletic trainers, but also ensure that athletes receive timely referrals to qualified professionals. Establishing these referral pathways is essential; when athletes are supported by a knowledgeable team, they’re more likely to engage with mental health resources, creating a proactive environment that prioritizes mental wellness alongside physical performance.

Dr. Lindsey Keenan provides an insight into mental health screening of college athletes with her own research. She examined the clinical utility of the PHQ-9 screening survey. Through her research she determined that cut-off scores need to be lowered for collegiate student-athletes, possibly due to athletes being more likely to under-report their symptoms than non-athletes. If we lower the cut-off scores, the PHQ-9 is an effective screener to truly identify those athletes who are struggling with depression and may be in need of mental health support (Keenan et al., 2023). This research demonstrates the importance of utilizing validated screening tools and evidence-based approaches to mental health screening for student-athletes.

Prioritizing mental health screenings and establishing clear referral systems for college athletes is not just beneficial—it’s essential. By equipping certified athletic trainers and sport psychology professionals with the tools and confidence to recognize mental health issues, we create a supportive environment that encourages athletes to seek help. This proactive approach can lead to improved performance, enhanced well-being, and a culture that values mental fitness as much as physical training. As we continue to advocate for better mental health resources in collegiate and high school athletics, let’s remember that addressing the mental health of our athletes is a collective responsibility that will ultimately contribute to their success both on and off the field.

Keenan, L., Ingram, Y., Green, B., Daltry, R., & Harenberg, S. (2023). Validation and clinical utility of the patient health questionnaire-9 and Center for Epidemiologic Studies depression scale as depression screening tools in collegiate student-athletes. Journal of Athletic Training, 58(10), 821–830. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0558.22

Ostrowski, J. L., Durics, B., Vallorosi, J., Gray, A. M., & Payne, E. (2023). Frequency of, Confidence in, and Educational Satisfaction With Mental Illness Recognition and Referral Among Certified Athletic Trainers. Journal of Athletic Training (Allen Press), 58(1), 71–78. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0606.21