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  • Checking In: Social, Emotional & Physical Well-Being Matters More than Ever in Adolescent Athletes

    Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to mental health symptoms due to biological, physical, social, and environmental changes occurring during this period of life and development. Moreover, adolescents must contend with a developing brain and physical changes brought on by puberty, an increase in psychosocial stressors associated with social pressures and interactions, and changing academic responsibilities. Research shows that there is a direct association between participation in school-based activities, including sport and a reduced risk of experiencing a major depressive episode. This session aims to quantify social, emotional and physical well-being in adolescent sport participants and discuss how equitable programming can facilitate healthier well-being across various sociodemographics.

    This presentation is a replay from NATA 2023 in Indianapolis, providing another opportunity to access its valuable content and insights.

    Abstract:
    Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to mental health symptoms due to biological, physical, social, and environmental changes occurring during this period of life and development. Moreover, adolescents must contend with a developing brain and physical changes brought on by puberty, an increase in psychosocial stressors associated with social pressures and interactions, and changing academic responsibilities. Research shows that there is a direct association between participation in school-based activities, including sport and a reduced risk of experiencing a major depressive episode. This session aims to quantify social, emotional and physical well-being in adolescent sport participants and discuss how equitable programming can facilitate healthier well-being across various sociodemographics.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Summarize social, emotional and physical well-being.
    • List measures of social, emotional and physical well-being that can be utilized in clinical practice.
    • Explain benefits of sport on adolescent well-being.

    Level:
    Essential

    Domain(s):
    Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy 

    CEUs:
    1.0 Category A

    Keywords: adolescent well-being, social, emotional, puberty, depression, stressors

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Jessica Wallace, PhD, MPH, LAT, ATC

    Dr. Jessica Wallace is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Science & Athletic Training Program at The University of Alabama. Dr. Wallace holds degrees in Athletic Training (University of Miami), Physical Education (Univ of Central Florida), Kinesiology (Michigan State University), and Public Health/Epidemiology (Harvard University), and her research foci centers around understanding concussion in the context of health disparity and health inequity. Her community-based participatory research approach aims to build relationships and close the disparity gap.

  • Microcredential $

    Microcredential - Secondary School Mental Health Preparedness

    This self-paced microcredential is designed to equip secondary school athletic trainers with essential knowledge and practical strategies to recognize, respond to and plan for mental health challenges among student-athletes. Through a combination of videos, research articles, discussions, and assessments, participants will gain a deeper understanding of athlete mental health and develop actionable skills to support holistic care. Over the course of 7 modules, you will explore topics including foundational mental health knowledge, ethical and legal considerations, communication strategies, stigma reduction, crisis intervention, emergency action planning and referral processes. The program emphasizes both professional reflection and real-world application.

    The NATA–BOC Microcredential Series empowers athletic trainers with specialized, evidence-based education backed by credentialing rigor. It is a strategic partnership and joint initiative between the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the Board of Certification (BOC)—designed to set a new standard in continuing professional development.

    This self-paced microcredential is designed to equip secondary school athletic trainers with essential knowledge and practical strategies to recognize, respond to and plan for mental health challenges among student-athletes. Through a combination of videos, research articles, discussions, and assessments, participants will gain a deeper understanding of athlete mental health and develop actionable skills to support holistic care.

    Over the course of seven modules, you will explore topics including foundational mental health knowledge, ethical and legal considerations, communication strategies, stigma reduction, crisis intervention, emergency action planning and referral processes. The program emphasizes both professional reflection and real-world application.


    Register now and begin your coursework today!

    Upon successful completion of all modules and a final assessment, participants will earn:

    • 10 CEUs
    • Certificate of Achievement
    • A digital badge issued by the BOC, recognizing your achievement and validating your specialized knowledge

    Estimated Time to Complete:
    1–2 months (flexible and self-paced to accommodate your schedule)

    Additional Information:
    Learners will have 12 months from the date of registration to complete this offering. Modules must be completed in sequential order, and CEUs will be awarded only upon successful completion of all required components, including the final summative assessment. This offering is not available for non-certified students. Additional information can be found on the Microcredential FAQ page. 



    By enrolling in this microcredential, users acknowledge and consent to the sharing of relevant learning data (including completion status, assessment results, and digital badge eligibility, etc.) with the Board of Certification (BOC) for the purposes of credential verification, continuing education tracking, and issuing of the digital badge.

  • Mental Health and Resiliency for Health Care Providers

    This session will address the stressors experienced by the provider and how providers can better improve their psychological and physical resiliency.

    This presentation is a replay from COPA Con 2023, providing another opportunity to access its valuable content and insights.

    Abstract:
    This session will address the stressors experienced by the provider and how providers can better improve their psychological and physical resiliency.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Analyze the stressors that affect health care providers.
    • Recognize skills that may improve mental resiliency.
    • Develop skills to improve physical and mental resiliency.
    • Develop understanding of how physical and mental resiliency are related.

    Level:
    Advanced

    Domain(s):
    Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy 
    Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis 

    CEUs:
    1.0 Category A

    Keywords: mental health, stressors, resiliency

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Melissa Graham, PhD

    Dr. Melissa Graham is a licensed psychologist who has dedicated her career to supporting first responders, veterans, and their families. She completed her residency and internship with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs before transitioning to work for the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), where she functioned for nearly 20 years. During her tenure with SAPD, Dr. Graham initiated many innovative training programs, including crisis intervention training and the peer support program. Dr. Graham was a respected staff instructor at the SAPD Training Academy and was responsible for conducting pre-employment psychological screenings for prospective police applicants. Dr. Graham also provided therapeutic programs and clinical psychological services for officers and their families. Dr. Graham was a member of the SAPD Hostage Negotiation Team, where she was a subject matter expert, providing critical de-escalation guidance during rapidly evolving life-threatening events.

    In May 2019, Dr. Graham was promoted to Director of Psychological Services for the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD). In this role Dr. Graham designed new state-of-the-art training programs in support of firefighter needs, including post-incident stress debriefing (PSD) and firefighter wellness programs. In addition, she oversaw the department’s crisis intervention training and peer support team, which she created. Dr. Graham retired from SAFD in May of 2024 but continues to provide clinical therapy through her private practice.

    In 2018, Dr. Graham was awarded Mental Health Professional of the Year for the State of Texas for her efforts on the Texas Crisis Intervention Team. She received her Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University in July 2004 following her Masters in Community Counseling from the University of Oklahoma in 1998. Dr. Graham serves as the Psychological Services representative in several community action groups and on multiple conference planning committees.

  • SIDELINED: Helping Athletes Adapt and Thrive after Medically Forced Exit from Sport

    The transition following unanticipated and involuntary exit from sport is described as disruptive and traumatic. Understanding the patterns of psychological response for athletes no longer able to compete due to career-ending injury, health condition, or concussion is essential to patient care. Medically disqualified athletes experience a range of emotional responses such as grief, identity loss, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This presentation will address the psychological and social domains for athletes experiencing MDQ, implications for loss of athletic identity, and risk of related mental health concerns. Emphasis on research and practical methodology to support these athletes in their transition.


    This is an encore presentation from NATA 2022 in Philadelphia, offering a second chance to experience the event's valuable content and insights.

    Abstract:
    The transition following unanticipated and involuntary exit from sport is described as disruptive and traumatic. Understanding the patterns of psychological response for athletes no longer able to compete due to career-ending injury, health condition, or concussion is essential to patient care. Medically disqualified athletes experience a range of emotional responses such as grief, identity loss, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This presentation will address the psychological and social domains for athletes experiencing MDQ, implications for loss of athletic identity, and risk of related mental health concerns. Emphasis on research and practical methodology to support these athletes in their transition.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Identify the three domains of experience that characterize the injured athlete’s journey. 
    • Examine most recent data reflecting trends in psychological response and the mental health concerns following medically-forced exit from sport, as identified in Sidelined USA’s 2020 original IRB approved research study. 
    • Explain components of a healthy psychological adjustment following medical disqualification as referenced in Brown & Hogg’s Model of Healthy Transition Following Career-Ending Injury. 
    • Discuss ways athletic trainers can support the medically disqualified athlete in six key areas: grief and identity loss, social support, coping strategies, affiliation/competence, rebuilding motivation, and mental health concerns. 
    • Identify free support resources available through NATA-sponsored nonprofit Sidelined USA.

    Level:
    Essential

    Domain(s):
    Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy 
    Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis 
    Domain 3: Critical Incident Management 
    Domain 4: Therapeutic Intervention 
    Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility

    CEUs:
    1.0 Category A

    Keywords: mental health, coping, healthy adjustment, medically disqualified athlete

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Jordan Anderson, MS, ATC

    Jordan is an athletic trainer with NorthShore University Health System, working under Dr. Carrie Jaworski. Previously, Jordan served as a staff athletic trainer at New Trier Township High School in Northfield, IL. Jordan received his master’s in athletic training from Illinois State University in May 2013. During that time he served as a graduate assistant for ISU’s football team. Prior to that Jordan received his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Northern Illinois University where he served as the president of the student athletic training club. In between schools Jordan interned at Northwestern University with their football team in the spring of 2011. Jordan currently resides in Evanston, IL. He also serves in capacity with the IATA Secondary Schools Committee, and has worked with the IATA and GLATA Young Professionals Committees. Outside of the IATA, Jordan serves as the Secretary for the Sidelined USA Board of Directors, an organization dedicated to serving the community of permanently sidelined athletes.

    Christine Pinalto

    Christine Pinalto is the co-founder and Executive Director of Sidelined USA. The organization was founded by Christine and her son, Cade Pinalto, a teen athlete sidelined by a heart condition. They identified a lack of resources available for sidelined athletes and their parents and together, they started Sidelined USA to support these athletes in making the mental shift toward acceptance and to inspire them to re-engage with the sports world through alternate avenues.

    Because athletes who have been medically disqualified are at high risk for further mental health implications, providing ATs with special resources to support a healthy psychological recovery is extremely valuable. Sidelined USA serves as a knowledge base for ATs and a place to refer their MDQ athletes for specialized support.

    Through Sidelined USA’s program, permanently sidelined athletes and their families are offered free coping resources, social support, and mentorship opportunities.

  • Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the Athlete: An Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care

    Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that occur during childhood, including exposure to violence, abuse, substance use, mental health issues, and parental separation. ACEs can negatively impact mental and physical health in adulthood. 64% of adults report > 1 ACE and 20% report > 3.  The impact of ACEs can be mitigated with connection to supportive adults and positive activities that promote social-emotional learning and coping. Athletic trainers are uniquely positioned to support individuals who have experienced ACEs by assessing mental health, developing a robust referral network, and providing trauma-informed care.


    This is an encore presentation from NATA 2022 in Philadelphia, offering a second chance to experience the event's valuable content and insights.

    Abstract:
    Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that occur during childhood, including exposure to violence, abuse, substance use, mental health issues, and parental separation. ACEs can negatively impact mental and physical health in adulthood. 64% of adults report > 1 ACE and 20% report > 3.  The impact of ACEs can be mitigated with connection to supportive adults and positive activities that promote social-emotional learning and coping. Athletic trainers are uniquely positioned to support individuals who have experienced ACEs by assessing mental health, developing a robust referral network, and providing trauma-informed care.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Define ACEs and their impact on mental and physical health
    • Implement a trauma-informed approach to the roles and responsibilities of athletic training
    • Develop a compendium of developmentally appropriate trauma-informed resources, referrals, and brief interventions

    Level:
    Essential

    Domain(s):
    Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy 

    CEUs:
    1.0 Category A

    Keywords: Biopsychosocial, trauma-informed, patient-centered

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Ashley Long, PhD, LAT, ATC

    As the Concussion Clinic Coordinator at Mt. Olive Family Medicine Center, I oversee the delivery of comprehensive concussion services to the eastern North Carolina community. With over 20 years of experience as a Certified Athletic Trainer and an ImPACT Trained Athletic Trainer, I am passionate about providing evidence-based assessment, management, and education for concussion patients and their families.

    In addition to my clinical role, I am also an Adjunct Professor at The University of Georgia, where I teach a graduate course in Healthcare Management for Athletic Training students. I hold a PhD in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of Mississippi, and am working toward a Certificate in Biomedical Neuroscience from the University of Florida. I am also the owner and clinician of NeuroActive, LLC, a concussion assessment and education company. I have received multiple honors and awards for my research and service in the field of concussion and athletic training, and I am committed to advancing the knowledge and practice of concussion care in rural settings.

    Allison Bickett, PhD

    Dr. Allison Bickett received her PhD in Clinical Health Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a Master’s Degree in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience from the University of Texas at Dallas. She presently serves as the Director of Behavioral Medicine Education in the Department of Family Medicine. She is responsible for Behavioral Health Integration programs at the three Family Medicine residency sites; supporting patient care in the inpatient and outpatient setting, as well as Diabetes and HIV clinics. Allison assists in developing and teaching the Longitudinal Behavioral Medicine curriculum; supporting and evaluating residents in the advancement of their mental health knowledge and clinical interviewing skills. Core facets of the Behavioral Medicine curriculum include motivational interviewing, active listening and the outpatient management of mental health issues commonly seen in primary care. Allison’s research interests include the relationship between mental health and chronic illness, behavioral health integration and mental health screening in the community.

    Allison serves on several committees and taskforces to address physician well-being, and one of her passions in this area is the intersection of medicine and the humanities. She co-facilitates the Art of Medicine program, which is a unique collaboration between Atrium Health and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, which allows physicians and APPs to explore important works of art and process the challenging emotions that arise from the practice of medicine.

  • Factors that May Influence the Response to Critical Incidents and Biopsychosocial Elements of Self-Care for the Athletic Trainer

    The athletic trainer is involved in critical incidents (e.g., emergencies occurring to athletes or patients) throughout their career. The psychological response by the athletic trainer to a critical incident is a vital concern in navigating the aftermath of the incident, and may well influence their overall well-being and retention in the athletic training profession. Two areas for consideration in the aftermath of a critical incident for the athletic trainer are compassion fatigue and burnout that may exacerbate their response to a critical incident, and the biopsychosocial elements of self-care. This presentation will address the issues that may affect the athletic trainer’s response…

    THIS PRESENTATION IS A REPLAY FROM NATA 2022 IN PHILADELPHIA, OFFERING A SECOND CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE THE EVENT'S VALUABLE CONTENT AND INSIGHTS.

    Abstract:
    The athletic trainer is involved in critical incidents (e.g., emergencies occurring to athletes or patients) throughout their career. The psychological response by the athletic trainer to a critical incident is a vital concern in navigating the aftermath of the incident, and may well influence their overall well-being and retention in the athletic training profession. Two areas for consideration in the aftermath of a critical incident for the athletic trainer are compassion fatigue and burnout that may exacerbate their response to a critical incident, and the biopsychosocial elements of self-care. This presentation will address the issues that may affect the athletic trainer’s response to a critical incident and offer biopsychosocial considerations to enhance their hardiness and well-being.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Participants will be able to describe the prevalence of mental health disorders and their influence on the response to critical incidents.
    • Participants will recognize compassion fatigue as it relates to athletic training practice and burnout.
    • Participants will be able to implement the biopsychosocial elements of self-care to themselves and others to prevent burnout.

    Level:
    Essential

    Domains:
    Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
    Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis
    Domain 3: Critical Incident Management
    Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility

    CEUs:
    1.0 Category A

    Keywords: compassion fatigue; burnout; hardiness, critical incident, psychological, biopsychosocial, mental health, self-care

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Timothy Neal, MS, ATC, CCISM

    Timothy Neal, MS, ATC, CCISM is a certified athletic trainer and National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Hall of Fame member. Mr. Neal is dually credentialed as an athletic trainer and as a licensed social worker in the state of Michigan where he provides therapy for clients in the Ann Arbor area. Mr. Neal spent 35 years as a clinical athletic trainer and adjunct professor at Syracuse University, and for ten years was the Athletic Training Program Director at Concordia University Ann Arbor. Mr. Neal has chaired two NATA sponsored Inter-Association Consensus Statements on psychological concerns in student-athletes, the first one on intercollegiate athletes in 2013, followed by another Statement in 2015 for interscholastic athletes. 

    Mr. Neal is certified in critical incident stress management by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) and is an approved ICISF instructor in CISM. Mr. Neal is a founding member of the NATA ATs Care committee. Presently, Mr. Neal is the clinical director of District IV ATs Care program. Mr. Neal serves as chair of the state of Michigan’s Health Profession Recovery Committee. Mr. Neal was a member of the 2013 NCAA task force on student-athlete mental health and wellness. Mr. Neal is the NATA liaison to the Alliance of Social Workers in Sport. Mr. Neal holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a Master’s degree in social work from Ohio University. Mr. Neal also earned a Master’s degree in education from Syracuse University.

    Mark Cairns, LAT, ATC, PRT, CCISM

    I have been accredited as a PRT through the Postural Restoration Institute. This means that I have studied a great deal on the role the pelvis and spine and trunk on patho-mechanical relationships in the body creating patterns that cause pain, injury, etc. in the body. My objectives include helping my patients return to normal active daily living with pain, and to have a role in some organization to help athletic individuals achieve their goals.

  • Athletic Trainers on The Front Lines of Dancer Mental Health

    Dancers have uniquely valuable relationships with their athletic trainers and physical therapists. The value of these relationships is far more than one that fosters their physical strength because for many dancers their time in the gym with a trainer is a rare opportunity to be vulnerable. While medical professionals agree that there is a clear correlation between mental and physical health, dance culture continues to largely operate from a leave it at the door mentality when it comes to mental health. This session will look at survey responses evaluating dancers’ attitudes about mental health, their topics of greatest concern, and how likely they are to speak up in a dance environment if they are struggling with a mental health challenge.

    Abstract:
    Dancers have uniquely valuable relationships with their athletic trainers and physical therapists. The value of these relationships is far more than one that fosters their physical strength because for many dancers their time in the gym with a trainer is a rare opportunity to be vulnerable. While medical professionals agree that there is a clear correlation between mental and physical health, dance culture continues to largely operate from a leave it at the door mentality when it comes to mental health. This session will look at survey responses evaluating dancers’ attitudes about mental health, their topics of greatest concern, and how likely they are to speak up in a dance environment if they are struggling with a mental health challenge.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Participants will be able to explain why ATs and other healthcare professionals with direct access to dancers need to be especially diligent in trying to identify mental illness.
    • Participants will be able to describe ways in which their role as an AT provides them with key influence to change the stigma of mental illness in dance culture. 
    • Participants will be able to discuss how stigmatization of mental health in dance may impact the way dancers present themselves and cope with injury. 

    Level:
    Essential

    CEUs:
    0.5 Category A

    Keywords: mental health, dancer, mental illness, stigma, 

    On-Demand (Enhanced Access) Course Expiration:
    Courses registered for after February 5, 2025, must be completed by December 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.

    Kathleen McGuire Gaines

    Kathleen is a former dancer, a writer, and a fundraiser. She is also one of millions of people who have battled depression. 

    As a dancer Kathleen trained at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School and the San Francisco Ballet School in their pre-professional divisions. She also spent summers at the School of American Ballet and the Chautauqua Festival program. 

    Over the last 10 years, Kathleen has written more than 100 articles on dance for Dance Magazine, Pointe, Dance Spirit, and Dance Teacher magazines. As a result she has had the opportunity to conduct nearly 1,000 interviews with dancers, teachers and dance medical professionals. In 2014 she was named a contributing writer to Dance Magazine. 

    Kathleen is also a dedicated nonprofit development professional and was the Director of Development at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy where she worked for more than 7 years raising money to support public parks. She serves as a member of the development committee for the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science.  

    Minding the Gap was founded as a reaction to the outpouring of support Kathleen received after she posted the article Why are we still so bad at addressing dancers' mental health on the Dance Magazine website in the summer of 2017. Her ambition is to enact a movement which results in mental health being regarded with the same seriousness as physical health in dance culture. 



    Series Content Where I am Featured:
    Athletic Trainers on The Front Lines of Dancer Mental Health

  • Asking the Tough Question: Suicide Intervention Strategies in Athletic Training

    The purpose of this presentation is to provide Suicide Intervention training to Athletic Trainers. This training provides attendees the opportunity to broaden their skills in caring for patients in times of crisis. The course develops awareness of contemporary statistics addressing suicide in multiple settings, discusses best practices to eliminate stigma affecting help seeking behaviors, elaborates on best practices for suicide intervention, and discusses how to conduct a warm hand-off of a patient in crisis to an appropriate provider. This presentation will better prepare participants for managing patients in crisis that are at risk of suicide.

    Abstract:
    The purpose of this presentation is to provide Suicide Intervention training to Athletic Trainers. This training provides attendees the opportunity to broaden their skills in caring for patients in times of crisis. The course develops awareness of contemporary statistics addressing suicide in multiple settings, discusses best practices to eliminate stigma affecting help seeking behaviors, elaborates on best practices for suicide intervention, and discusses how to conduct a warm hand-off of a patient in crisis to an appropriate provider. This presentation will better prepare participants for managing patients in crisis that are at risk of suicide.

    Objectives:

    • Attendees will be able to describe the frequency of suicide rates per 100,000 deaths globally, regionally, within the United States, and in both the military and athletics settings., 
    • Attendees will be able to explain the gap in Athletic Training knowledge of Suicide Intervention while referencing the specific competencies addressing psychosocial strategies and referral., 
    • Attendees will be able to implement strategies to create a culture of care within their setting and thusly enable help seeking behaviors from their patients., 
    • Attendees will be able to conduct a suicide intervention once they identify a patient in crisis.

    Level:
    Essential

    Domains:
    Domain 3: Critical Incident Management

    CEUs:
    1.0 Category A

    Keywords: mental health, suicide, intervention, care, crisis,

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Jeremy Howard, EdD, LAT, ATC, RSCC, CSCS

    Army National Guard

    Dr. Jeremy Howard joined the Florida Army National Guard in 2002 and is a veteran of Afghanistan (2009-2010) and served in Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia during 2021. He currently serves as the State’s Holistic Health & Fitness (H2F) Program’s Integrator and Chief of Training. He earned his Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training from Florida Gulf Coast University, and both a Masters of Health Science in Athletic Training and Educational Doctorate from the University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences. 

    While he has worked in more traditional settings such as Collegiate Sports Medicine and Clinical work for Chiropractor, he has run State-level programs in health and wellness for the FLARNG since 2018. His military skillset is quite different than his civilian healthcare career. He is a Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) holding the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 140A Air & Missile Defense Systems Integrator and graduate of the highly competitive Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO) course, where he manages tactical data links (TDLs) and secure internet protocol operations to ensure exchange of tactical data across a theater of operations. 

    During his last deployment in Iraq and Syria, he managed the exchange of Air Picture and tactical data for Central and North Iraq, as well as Eastern Syria, directly resulting in successful engagements during an enemy drone attack. His diligence and efforts in that deployment earned him a Bronze Star and selection as the 2021 Fires Center of Excellence Sage Award and the 2021 Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance’s U.S. Missile Defender of the Year award. 

    Aside from the 40+ healthcare credentials he holds, he is also credentialed through CompTIA in A Plus, Network Plus, Security Plus, Information Technologies Operations Specialist, and Secure Infrastructure Specialist. Jeremy is currently serving as a volunteer leader on the NATA’s Armed Forces COPA Committee, NSCA’s Tactical Strength & Conditioning Special Interest Group, and the Florida State’s NSCA committee as the Tactical Representative. Jeremy has published two research papers and previously contributed to the NATA’s Blog and On-Demand Trainings.

  • A 360-Degree Approach to Opioid Overdose Education, Prevention, & Management for Sports Medicine Professionals

    The use and abuse of opioids within the United States is at crisis levels and has been declared a public health emergency by the U.S. Department on Health and Human Services in 2017. 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose and 11.4 million people misuse prescription opioids per year. The population of patients that athletic trainers work with daily is frequently prescribed opioids for pain management and are therefore an at risk population for opioid overdose. Naloxone can reverse the life-threatening respiratory depression associated with the opioid overdose, and athletic trainers, physician, EMS personnel, allied health professionals, and others must be knowledgeable in the most current…

    Abstract:
    The use and abuse of opioids within the United States is at crisis levels and has been declared a public health emergency by the U.S. Department on Health and Human Services in 2017. 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose and 11.4 million people misuse prescription opioids per year. The population of patients that athletic trainers work with daily is frequently prescribed opioids for pain management and are therefore an at risk population for opioid overdose. Naloxone can reverse the life-threatening respiratory depression associated with the opioid overdose, and athletic trainers, physician, EMS personnel, allied health professionals, and others must be knowledgeable in the most current recommendations and evidence regarding the prevention, recognition, and management of a patient in opioid overdose with naloxone, and must be able to bridge the gap between current evidence and knowledge and clinical competency and/or performance for professionals with regards to prevention, recognition, management, and recovery from opioid addiction.

    Objectives:

    • Participants will be able to explain how a prehospital interprofessional healthcare team works collaboratively to improve patient outcomes., 
    • Participants will be able to identify the current NATA and EMS recommendations regarding the prehospital management of the opioid overdose patient., 
    • Participants will be able to identify opioids and drugs that increase overdose risk., 
    • Participants will be able to identify and discuss myths and facts relative to opioids, overdoses, and overdose management., 
    • Participants will be able to examine and discuss the current scientific evidence related to the opioid epidemic specifically focusing on (1) epidemiology; (2) at risk populations; (3) overdose prevention strategies; and (4) naloxone distribution programs., 
    • Participants will be able to define, discuss, and differentiate the indications, contraindications, and mechanism of action of naloxone., 
    • Participants will be able to describe and demonstrate skills needed for (1) effective management of airway, breathing, and circulation in the opioid overdose patient; and (2) the administration of naloxone., 
    • Participants will be able to demonstrate the proper sequence and implementation of critical decision-making skills and the current evidence., 
    • Participants will be able to understand state legislation pertaining to prevention strategies & naloxone.


    Level:
    Advanced

    Domains:
    Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
    Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis
    Domain 4: Therapeutic Intervention
    Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility

    CEUs: 1.0 Category A

    Keywords: addiction, life saving medication, overdose, mental health, opioid, drug use, naloxone

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Darryl Conway, MA, LAT, ATC

    Darryl  Conway  serves  as  the  Senior  Associate  Athletic  Director  &  Chief  Health  &  Welfare  Officer for University of Michigan Athletics, owner of Conway Ventures, LLC, and is Co‐Founder / Partner of Sports Medicine Emergency Management, LLC (SMEM). Darryl holds a Masters’ Degree from Adelphi University (’95) in Sports Medicine and Sports Management and a Bachelors’ Degree from the University of Delaware (’93) in Physical Education Studies and Athletic Training. In addition to being a certified member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), Darryl has worked with various SWAT Teams as their Tactical Medic and Athletic Trainer, and as a volunteer EMT, and has been an American Red Cross first aid, CPR, and AED instructor for 30 years. Darryl serves as the Chair of the NATA’s Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee (EDAC), is a member of the NATA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Advocacy (DEIA) Task Force, Michigan Athletic Trainers’ Society (MATS) Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee, Michigan Athletic Trainers’ Society (MATS) AT Cares Committee,  NATA  Research  &  Education  Foundation  (REF)  Development  Task  Force,  &  the  NATA’s  Educationalist  Community Diversity Recruitment & Retention Work Group. Darryl served as Co‐Chair of the NCAA’s Diverse Student‐Athlete Mental Health & Well‐Being Task Force, is a member of the State of Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers, the State of Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers Disciplinary Sub‐Committee & Rules Sub‐Committee, the Board of Certification of Athletic Trainers (BOC) Reinstatement Committee, and previously served on the NATA Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE). Darryl also serves as an Instructor Trainer for American Red Cross CPR / AED / First Aid Instructor Courses, an Associate Expert with The Rehberg‐Konin Group, an Instructor & Ambassador with Stop the Bleed, and has worked as an Athletic Trainer at the Winter X Games and various Red Bull extreme events. Darryl was also a member of the Spine Injury in  Sports  Group  (SISG),  is  a  member  of  the  Xenith  Scientific  Advisory  Committee,  and  a  consultant  for  RG  Medical  Diagnostics. Darryl was named as a Distinguished Athletic Trainer by the Michigan Athletic Trainers’ Society (MATS) in 2022,  a  Most  Distinguished  Athletic  Trainer  by  the  National  Athletic  Trainers’  Association  (NATA)  in  2019  and  was  recognized by the College Athletic Trainers’ Society (CATS) in 2018 with the prestigious Quality of Life Award.

  • Workplace Bullying: A Crisis in Healthcare

    Workplace bullying (WPB) has been labeled a major global healthcare problem by the World Health Organization. Literature has shown the negative impact WPB has on a healthcare provider´s mental health, physical well-being, and job performance. Moreover, these behaviors have a significant impact on an employer´s economic loss and most importantly is detrimental to patient care. Educational competencies include prevention, identification of bullying behaviors, and integration of best practices to promote a healthy workplace. Current gaps include a lack of knowledge in identifying WPB behaviors, awareness on the prevalence of WPB in healthcare, as well as the proper implementation of policies and procedures…

    Abstract:
    Workplace bullying (WPB) has been labeled a major global healthcare problem by the World Health Organization. Literature has shown the negative impact WPB has on a healthcare provider's mental health, physical well-being, and job performance. Moreover, these behaviors have a significant impact on an employer's economic loss and most importantly is detrimental to patient care. Educational competencies include prevention, identification of bullying behaviors, and integration of best practices to promote a healthy workplace. Current gaps include a lack of knowledge in identifying WPB behaviors, awareness on the prevalence of WPB in healthcare, as well as the proper implementation of policies and procedures to protect targets of WPB in healthcare settings. This presentation will assist healthcare professionals in promoting a safe workplace environment which will enhance patient care and outcomes.

    Objectives:

    • Participants will be able to define and identify workplace bullying (WPB) behaviors., 
    • Participants will be able to understand the effects of WPB on financial loss, mental health, physical well-being, and job performance., 
    • Participants will be able to explain how WPB can impact patient care and outcomes., 
    • Participants will be able to discuss the current strategies for prevention and resolution of WPB incidences.

    Level:
    Essential

    Domains:
    Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
    Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility

    CEUs:
    1.25 Category A

    Keywords: workplace bullying, mental health, physical well-being, healthy workplace, WPB, safe workplace 

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Jonathan Hochstetler, DAT, LAT, ATC

    Jon is originally from Mackinaw, Illinois. Jon and his wife, Melissa, have two children, William and Adelynn. Jon enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, weightlifting, sports and listening to music. 

    He is a member of the Iowa Athletic Trainers Society Secondary School Committee. He is also a presenter for the Iowa Athletic Directors conference on Emergency Action Plans. Jon has coauthored a publication through his mentorship for University of South Florida graduate program. 


    Education 

    Undergraduate
    Eureka College
    Bachelor of Science

    Masters Program
    University of Arkansas
    Master of Athletic Training

    Doctorate Program
    Temple University
    Doctor of Athletic Training 

  • Opioids and our Patients: What an Athletic Trainer Needs to Know

    Athletic trainers work with patients who frequently are involved in activities that can result in injury and pain which may lead to being prescribed opioids. Assisting and helping our patients manage associated pain and management of opioids is critical to the healthcare provider when considering the well-being of our patients. Case studies and scenarios will be provided to illustrate the role athletic trainers play as a health care provider while looking at current and best practices of prescribing opioids and how to apply the lifesaving drug naloxone.

    Abstract:
    Athletic trainers work with patients who frequently are involved in activities that can result in injury and pain which may lead to being prescribed opioids. Assisting and helping our patients manage associated pain and management of opioids is critical to the healthcare provider when considering the well-being of our patients. Case studies and scenarios will be provided to illustrate the role athletic trainers play as a health care provider while looking at current and best practices of prescribing opioids and how to apply the lifesaving drug naloxone.

    Objectives:

    • Participants will be able to recognize signs and symptoms of opioid misuse and abuse in an active population., 
    • Participants will be able to summarize physician current and best practices of prescribing opioids., 
    • Participants will be able to identify the role of an athletic trainer in managing opioid use in an active population., 
    • Participants will be able to organize and develop an assessment strategy for identifying potential opioid abuse., 
    • Participants will be able to apply lifesaving drug Naloxone.

    Level:
    Essential

    Domains:
    Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
    Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis
    Domain 3: Critical Incident Management
    Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility

    CEUs:
    1.0 Category A

    Keywords: opioid, overdose, naloxone, Narcan, addiction, drug use, drug abuse, mental health

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Dana Bates, PhD, ATC

    Dana Bates is an Associate Professor of Athletic Training at Pacific University.

    Bates is the coordinator of clinical education in the master of science in athletic training program, where she teaches physical agents, administration in athletic training settings, and orthopedic evaluation. 

    Her research interest includes pedagogical practices in athletic training, opioids and athletes, and critical thinking.

  • Peer-to-Peer Support Following a Crisis

    The purpose of this program is to give Athletic Trainers information about critical incident stress, management of critical incident stress, the nature and effectiveness of the ATs Care peer support and how to contact ATs Care.

    Abstract:
    The purpose of this program is to give Athletic Trainers information about critical incident stress, management of critical incident stress, the nature and effectiveness of the ATs Care peer support and how to contact ATs Care.

    Objectives:

    • Participants will be able to define the term psychological crisis and state the clinical presentation of an individual in psychological crisis., 
    • Participants will be able to explain the nature and role of peer-support and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) for athletic trainers., 
    • Participants will be able to explain the core principles of the ATs Care initiative., 
    • Participants will be able to explain the effectiveness of the ATs Care peer-support program in terms of effectiveness data.

    Level:
    Essential

    Domains:
    Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy

    CEUs:
    1.0 Category A

    Keywords: crisis, incident, stress, peer-support, support, CISM, psychological crisis

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    James "Bubba" Wilson, LAT, ATC, CCISM

    James "Bubba" Wilson, LAT, ATC, CCISM is a licensed and certified Athletic Trainer with over 25 years’ experience in the secondary, clinical and outreach arenas of Sports Medicine. He is currently employed as an Outreach Athletic Trainer for the Memorial Hermann Hospital System. Since becoming employed at Memorial Hermann, he has helped to develop in conjunction with other specialist, the Ironman Sports Medicine Institute Concussion Program, the Concussion Management Protocol, and Return to Play Protocols for Public and Private Schools as required under Texas HB 2038.

    He was a Regional Board of Director for the Texas State Athletic Trainers Association from 2011-2018 – representing Region 6 and is on the Test Writing Committee for the Athletic Training Licensure Examination through the Texas Department of Licensure and Regulation. 

    He is a Past President of the Greater Houston Athletic Trainers Society and in 2014, was inducted into their inaugural Hall of Honor Class. Mr. Wilson has also served on several committees for the Southwest Athletic Trainers Association. In 2016, Mr. Wilson was named the District 6 representative for the NATA AT’s Care Commission.

  • Surviving Sports: Professional Well-Being in Athletic Training

    Given the increased focus on well-being in the sport environment, it is logical to also attend to the well-being of healthcare professionals working with student-athletes. The athletic trainer´s work environment has a wide range of job demands that can represent challenges to well-being. Approximately 30% of athletic trainers report symptoms of burnout, and burnout is a symptom of these systemic challenges. Factors such as perception of stress and social support appear to be important variables to consider. Attendees will learn about factors related to burnout and how athletic trainers can effectively manage these variables in their own lives. Recommendations for fostering…

    Abstract:
    Given the increased focus on well-being in the sport environment, it is logical to also attend to the well-being of healthcare professionals working with student-athletes. The athletic trainer´s work environment has a wide range of job demands that can represent challenges to well-being. Approximately 30% of athletic trainers report symptoms of burnout, and burnout is a symptom of these systemic challenges. Factors such as perception of stress and social support appear to be important variables to consider. Attendees will learn about factors related to burnout and how athletic trainers can effectively manage these variables in their own lives. Recommendations for fostering long-term personal and professional well-being will also be discussed.

    Objectives:

    • Participants will be able to describe the 3 characteristics of burnout., 
    • Participants will be able to list 3 factors that contribute to burnout and well-being for athletic trainers., 
    • Participants will be able to illustrate 2 ways to foster well-being in personal and professional settings.

    Level:
    Advanced

    Domains:
    Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
    Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility

    CEUs:
    1.0 Category A

    Keywords: burnout, mental health, well-being, stress, social support, 

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Erin Haugen, PhD, LP, CMPC

    Dr. Erin N. J. Haugen, PhD, LP, CMPC, is a licensed psychologist and certified mental performance consultant based in Grand Forks, ND. She is currently employed at Assessment and Therapy Associates of Grand Forks, PLLC (ATAGF), where she provides a range of mental health and performance psychology services to athletes at various competitive levels. Dr. Haugen is also the founder and CEO of Haugen Performance Consulting, PLLC, through which she offers performance psychology consultations, online training modules, and continuing education courses for athletes and professionals in the sports domain. Additionally, she serves as the Director of Mental Health & Performance Psychology for the University of North Dakota Department of Sports Medicine/Athletics, and as a Consulting Sport Psychologist for the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

  • Psychologically Informed Clinical Practice: Addressing Psychosocial Factors to Enhance Clinical Outcomes

    Psychologically informed clinical practice is a biopsychosocial approach to rehabilitation that integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques into traditional musculoskeletal rehabilitation. This approach to rehabilitation allows the clinician to address the physical and psychosocial impairments that result from musculoskeletal injury. Evidence suggests the integration of cognitive-behavioral techniques can improve clinical outcomes and enhance patient-centered care. Examples of these techniques include motivational interviewing, relaxation training, goal setting, and activity-based treatments, such as graded exposure therapy. Education and discussion on how to implement these techniques into traditional musculoskeletal rehabilitation will occur. Simulated examples of patient cases will also be reviewed and discussed.

    Abstract:
    Psychologically informed clinical practice is a biopsychosocial approach to rehabilitation that integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques into traditional musculoskeletal rehabilitation. This approach to rehabilitation allows the clinician to address the physical and psychosocial impairments that result from musculoskeletal injury. Evidence suggests the integration of cognitive-behavioral techniques can improve clinical outcomes and enhance patient-centered care. Examples of these techniques include motivational interviewing, relaxation training, goal setting, and activity-based treatments, such as graded exposure therapy. Education and discussion on how to implement these techniques into traditional musculoskeletal rehabilitation will occur. Simulated examples of patient cases will also be reviewed and discussed.

    Objectives:

    • Participants will be able to explain psychologically informed clinical practice., 
    • Participants will be able to discuss cognitive behavioral techniques to decrease psychosocial impairments after musculoskeletal injury., 
    • Participants will be able to implement relaxation training techniques into athletic training clinical practice.

    Level:
    Advanced

    Domains:
    Domain 4: Therapeutic Intervention

    CEUs:
    1.0 Category A

    Keywords: cognitive-behavioral, musculoskeletal, rehabilitation, injury, biopsychosocial, psychosocial impairments

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Shelby Baez, PhD, ATC

    Shelby Baez, Ph.D., ATC, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science and the Director of the Psychology of Sport Injury Laboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Baez is a certified and licensed athletic trainer with an expertise in psychology of sport injury. 

    Dr. Baez’s research examines the impact of psychosocial factors on health outcomes after sport-related injury, with a focus on patients with traumatic knee injuries. Her lab examines the impact of psychosocial factors on biological outcomes, such as neurocognitive function, biomechanical alterations, and secondary injury risk. Her lab also seeks to identify clinically feasible and novel psychosocial interventions to improve health outcomes. These techniques range from graded exposure therapies to virtual reality mindfulness meditation. 

    Dr. Baez has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and other regional and national foundations to support her work. She was the recipient of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology Doctoral Dissertation Award in 2020, the recipient of the American College of Sports Medicine New Investigator Award in 2023, and the recipient of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association New Investigator Award in 2024.

  • Role of the Athletic Trainer in Addressing Eating Disorders in the Collegiate Setting

    Approximately one-fourth of female college student-athletes and one-fifth of male college student-athletes report at least subclinical eating disorder symptoms. Although most athletic trainers will encounter signs of problematic eating or energy intake, only 25% of athletic trainers felt confident in eating disorder identification. Moreover, a recent survey of head athletic trainers found only 32.89% heard of RED-S, which is a vital component of eating disorder identification. Athletic trainers would benefit from learning about factors increasing risk for mental health difficulties in collegiate athletes, so they can effectively address these concerns in this population.

    Abstract:
    Approximately one-fourth of female college student-athletes and one-fifth of male college student-athletes report at least subclinical eating disorder symptoms. Although most athletic trainers will encounter signs of problematic eating or energy intake, only 25% of athletic trainers felt confident in eating disorder identification. Moreover, a recent survey of head athletic trainers found only 32.89% heard of RED-S, which is a vital component of eating disorder identification. Athletic trainers would benefit from learning about factors increasing risk for mental health difficulties in collegiate athletes, so they can effectively address these concerns in this population.

    Objectives:

    • Participants will be able to learn risk factors for eating disorders in college student-athletes., 
    • Participants will be able to identify components of the Female Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and how this relates to eating disorder risk., 
    • Participants will be able to implement symptom assessment congruent with best practice mental health guidelines., 
    • Participants will be able to illustrate the role of the athletic trainer in the referral process and interprofessional management of eating disorders.

    Level:
    Advanced

    Domains:
    Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
    Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis
    Domain 3: Critical Incident Management

    CEUs:
    1.25 Category A

    Keywords: eating disorder, mental health, risk factors, referral, Female Athlete Triad, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, RED-S

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Erin Haugen, PhD, LP, CMPC

    Dr. Erin N. J. Haugen, PhD, LP, CMPC, is a licensed psychologist and certified mental performance consultant based in Grand Forks, ND. She is currently employed at Assessment and Therapy Associates of Grand Forks, PLLC (ATAGF), where she provides a range of mental health and performance psychology services to athletes at various competitive levels. Dr. Haugen is also the founder and CEO of Haugen Performance Consulting, PLLC, through which she offers performance psychology consultations, online training modules, and continuing education courses for athletes and professionals in the sports domain. Additionally, she serves as the Director of Mental Health & Performance Psychology for the University of North Dakota Department of Sports Medicine/Athletics, and as a Consulting Sport Psychologist for the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

  • It's Not Just Physical: How Can Athletic Trainers Assist with Improving Mental Health Care for Student Athletes?

    There is a growing prevalence of mental health conditions among young adults in the US. In addition to this, there is evidence to suggest an increased risk of injury in individuals suffering from mental health conditions. The age of onset for psychotic disorders typically encompasses the collegiate age range and rarely appears before. As primary healthcare providers It is imperative that athletic trainers are prepared and educated on common mental illnesses, signs and symptoms and have a rehearsed action plan for referral and intervention. Many athletic trainers do not receive training on the management of…

    THIS PRESENTATION IS A REPLAY FROM NATA 2019 IN LAS VEGAS, OFFERING A SECOND CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE THE EVENT'S VALUABLE CONTENT AND INSIGHTS.

    Abstract:
    There is a growing prevalence of mental health conditions among young adults in the US. In addition to this, there is evidence to suggest an increased risk of injury in individuals suffering from mental health conditions. The age of onset for psychotic disorders typically encompasses the collegiate age range and rarely appears before. As primary healthcare providers It is imperative that athletic trainers are prepared and educated on common mental illnesses, signs and symptoms and have a rehearsed action plan for referral and intervention. Many athletic trainers do not receive training on the management of mental health conditions as part of their foundational education and therefore are lacking the knowledge needed for proper referral and management of common mental health conditions. Providing proper education to recognize and respond appropriately, through school-based education or trainings is essential as athletic trainers play an integral role in ensuring student athletes receive proper medical care.

    Objectives:

    • Participants will be able to describe common mental health conditions affecting student athletes and identify signs and symptoms for each condition., 
    • Participants will be able to analyze and identify needs and gaps in their own athletic training programs in relation to mental health., 
    • Participants will be able to develop a plan for the referral of student athletes in need of mental health care.

    Level:
    Essential

    Domains:
    Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy

    CEUs:
    1.0 Category A

    Keywords: mental health, mental illness, symptoms, action plan, intervention, referral

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Brad Hambric, MA, NCC, LPC

    Brad Hambric is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider, School Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist – Associate within the states of North Carolina and Georgia.

    Brad attended Wingate University as a student-athlete, lettering in Football while earning his bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Thereafter, Brad received his Master of Arts in Education, with a concentration in Counseling, at North Carolina Central University.

    Currently, Brad works as a Clinical Counselor at the University of Georgia within athletics where he has been blessed with the opportunity to cultivate his passions of sports and helping individuals. Brad also owns and operates his private practice, BellaVie Counseling and Life Wellness Services based in tele-mental health. Brad is also currently in pursuit of receiving his Doctorate of Education in Sports and Performance Psychology.

    Brad actively works to stay current on evidence-based, peer-reviewed best practices in the field of psychotherapy. He maintains a variety of professional affiliations including the National Alliance of Social Workers in Sports, American School Counselor Association and the National Board for Certified Counselors.

    Lovie Tabron, MS, ATC

    Lovie Tabron is the current Player Engagement Specialist for the Atlanta Falcons. Previously she worked for the University of Georgia Athletic Association. Tabron joined UGA Athletics in July of 2017. Previously, Tabron served as an Assistant Athletic Director of Sports Medicine at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. She also worked as an athletic trainer with the track and field program for 4 years.

    Tabron is one of few athletic trainers in the NCAA fully committed to behavioral medicine. She has created an educational curriculum in which she has implemented the different ways it can be distributed. Tabron assists with mental health crises and has also created emergency protocols.

  • Mental Health Series: Current Mental Health Issues Affecting Secondary School and Collegiate Athletes

    Mental health is an important topic to address within secondary school and collegiate athlete populations, particularly because approximately 75% of mental health disorders begin prior to age 24. Given the integral role of athletic trainers in health care, they are often the first point of contact for athletes experiencing mental health difficulties. Although athletic trainers respond to these emotional experiences, many do not feel equipped to provide psychological assistance. Many also lack direct access to mental health providers trained to work with athletes who can help address these concerns. Therefore, athletic trainers would benefit from learning how to identify and refer athletes experiencing mental health difficulties to…

    Abstract:
    Mental health is an important topic to address within secondary school and collegiate athlete populations, particularly because approximately 75% of mental health disorders begin prior to age 24. Given the integral role of athletic trainers in health care, they are often the first point of contact for athletes experiencing mental health difficulties. Although athletic trainers respond to these emotional experiences, many do not feel equipped to provide psychological assistance. Many also lack direct access to mental health providers trained to work with athletes who can help address these concerns. Therefore, athletic trainers would benefit from learning how to identify and refer athletes experiencing mental health difficulties to qualified mental health providers. The role of the athletic trainer in management of mental health difficulties will also be discussed.

    Objectives:

    • Participants will be able to identify mental health concerns of secondary school and collegiate athletes., 
    • Participants will be able to understand risk factors for these mental health concerns., 
    • Participants will be able to apply knowledge to empower the athletic trainer in identification, management, and referral process for mental health concerns.

    Level:
    Essential

    Domains:
    Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
    Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis
    Domain 3: Critical Incident Management

    CEUs:
    1.25 Category A

    Keywords: mental health, risk factors, identification, management, referral

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Erin Haugen, PhD, LP, CMPC

    Dr. Erin N. J. Haugen, PhD, LP, CMPC, is a licensed psychologist and certified mental performance consultant based in Grand Forks, ND. She is currently employed at Assessment and Therapy Associates of Grand Forks, PLLC (ATAGF), where she provides a range of mental health and performance psychology services to athletes at various competitive levels. Dr. Haugen is also the founder and CEO of Haugen Performance Consulting, PLLC, through which she offers performance psychology consultations, online training modules, and continuing education courses for athletes and professionals in the sports domain. Additionally, she serves as the Director of Mental Health & Performance Psychology for the University of North Dakota Department of Sports Medicine/Athletics, and as a Consulting Sport Psychologist for the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

  • Mental Health Series: Stigma Prevention

    Mental health problems are common, with 18.5% of the US population suffering from a mental health illness in a given year, however, only 41% of people with a mental health illness use mental health services each year. The stigma associated with mental health illness often leads to a fear of embarrassment and feeling of shame that serves as a powerful deterrent to someone seeking help. With the appropriate interventions, the majority of mental health problems will improve. However, due to stigma treatment is typically delayed on average by five years. One way to work to decrease the stigma associated with mental health problems is to…

    Abstract:
    Mental health problems are common, with 18.5% of the US population suffering from a mental health illness in a given year, however, only 41% of people with a mental health illness use mental health services each year. The stigma associated with mental health illness often leads to a fear of embarrassment and feeling of shame that serves as a powerful deterrent to someone seeking help. With the appropriate interventions, the majority of mental health problems will improve. However, due to stigma treatment is typically delayed on average by five years. One way to work to decrease the stigma associated with mental health problems is to educate the public about both the illnesses themselves, as well as how they can help. This course will provide an overview of the prevalence of mental health conditions in US adolescents and adults and will identify risk factors and special concerns of the most prevalent mental health conditions. It will also differentiate between skill sets of various mental health provider types and will provide the attendee with strategies to destigmatize mental health conditions and help-seeking behavior.

    Objectives:

    • Participants will be able to describe the prevalence of mental health conditions in US adult and youth populations., 
    • Participants will be able to identify risk factors and special concerns associated with the most prevalent mental health conditions., 
    • Participants will be able to distinguish between mental health provider types based on skill sets and populations treated., 
    • Participants will be able to strategize how to decrease stigma associated with mental health conditions and to increase health-seeking behaviors in their clinical population.

    Level:
    Advanced

    Domains:
    Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
    Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility

    CEUs:
    1.0 Category A

    Keywords: mental health, stigma, destigmatize, health-seeking behaviors

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Jennifer Ostrowski, PhD, LAT, ATC

    Dr. Jennifer Ostrowski is a Full Professor and Director of the Doctor of Athletic Training Program at Moravian University in Bethlehem, PA. She holds an undergraduate degree in Athletic Training from Salisbury University, a Master’s degree from the University of Kentucky, and a Doctoral degree with emphasis in Sport Psychology from Michigan State University. 

    Dr. Ostrowski’s research centers on mental health and psychosocial aspects of injury, and therapeutic modalities. She has authored a national textbook, titled Psychosocial Strategies for Athletic Training, and over 30 peer-reviewed publications, as well as presenting more than 60 platform and webinar presentations and 40 poster presentations at professional conferences. Dr. Ostrowski’s research on therapeutic modalities has focused on superficial and deep heating modalities, including shortwave diathermy, therapeutic ultrasound, and ThermoStim probe. She has also examined muscle cooling using salted and wetted ice bags, and comparing ice to cryo-compression modalities. 

    Dr. Ostrowski has been awarded several National, state, and private grants totaling nearly $100,000 to fund her therapeutic modalities research. Her research in psychosocial aspects of injury focuses on empowering athletic trainers to incorporate a psychosocial focus and concrete interventions into their clinical practice. Most of her publications center on gaps in professional education and how to incorporate psychosocial and mental health content into professional athletic training curriculums. She has been an invited speaker at several conferences and served as a subject matter expert for the NATA’s pilot Self-Assessment Module in mental health. 

    Dr. Ostrowski has served on the NATA Post-Professional Education Committee, the EATA Research Committee, and the BOC Exam Development Committee. She also previously served on the Board of Directors for Haven House, an organization that provides mental health services to residents throughout the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ostrowski is also certified as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and has been offering courses in both adult and youth mental health first aid since 2018.

    Grady Hardeman, M.Ed, LAT, ATC

    Director of Corporate Health and Wellness

    Atrium Health Employer Solutions

    Experienced Health And Wellness Director with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. Skilled in Employee Wellness, Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Healthcare, and Population Health. Strong administrative professional with a Post Masters Certificate focused in Health Care Administration from East Carolina University.

  • Mental Health Series: Recognizing and Managing a Potentially Suicidal Patient

    Mental health problems are common in the United States, with 6.8% of the adult population and 12.8% of the adolescent population experiencing a major depressive episode in any given year. Although there are many documented benefits of sports participation, athletes are not immune to these mental health problems. Increased time demand, the pressure to perform, pain and injury can often place the athlete at risk for developing a mental health challenge or illness. The majority of athletic trainers (77%) report having experience with patients with mood disorders, however athletic trainers also report feeling underprepared to handle mental health situations. Additionally, while many athletic trainers report recognizing signs of…

    Abstract:
    Mental health problems are common in the United States, with 6.8% of the adult population and 12.8% of the adolescent population experiencing a major depressive episode in any given year. Although there are many documented benefits of sports participation, athletes are not immune to these mental health problems. Increased time demand, the pressure to perform, pain and injury can often place the athlete at risk for developing a mental health challenge or illness. The majority of athletic trainers (77%) report having experience with patients with mood disorders, however athletic trainers also report feeling underprepared to handle mental health situations. Additionally, while many athletic trainers report recognizing signs of mood disorders in their patients, signs of distress or impaired functioning are not always obvious and it is important for athletic trainers to be educated about warning signs and risk factors for depression, suicidal ideation, and nonsuicidal self-injury. This webinar will address these concerns and will provide strategies for approaching someone with your concerns, initiating a mental health referral, and educating the individual about proven self-help strategies.

    Objectives:

    • Participants will be able to identify risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, including depression, suicidal ideation, and non-suicidal self-injury., 
    • Participants will be able to apply a mental health action plan to individuals in crisis and non-crisis situations., 
    • Participants will be able to educate individuals on evidence-based professional, peer, and self-help resources.


    Level:
    Advanced

    Domains:
    Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
    Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis
    Domain 3: Critical Incident Management
    Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility

    CEUs:
    1.0 Category A

    Keywords: mental health, suicide, prevention, depression, self-injury, suicidal ideation, crisis, mental illness, mood disorder

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Jennifer Ostrowski, PhD, LAT, ATC

    Dr. Jennifer Ostrowski is a Full Professor and Director of the Doctor of Athletic Training Program at Moravian University in Bethlehem, PA. She holds an undergraduate degree in Athletic Training from Salisbury University, a Master’s degree from the University of Kentucky, and a Doctoral degree with emphasis in Sport Psychology from Michigan State University. 

    Dr. Ostrowski’s research centers on mental health and psychosocial aspects of injury, and therapeutic modalities. She has authored a national textbook, titled Psychosocial Strategies for Athletic Training, and over 30 peer-reviewed publications, as well as presenting more than 60 platform and webinar presentations and 40 poster presentations at professional conferences. Dr. Ostrowski’s research on therapeutic modalities has focused on superficial and deep heating modalities, including shortwave diathermy, therapeutic ultrasound, and ThermoStim probe. She has also examined muscle cooling using salted and wetted ice bags, and comparing ice to cryo-compression modalities. 

    Dr. Ostrowski has been awarded several National, state, and private grants totaling nearly $100,000 to fund her therapeutic modalities research. Her research in psychosocial aspects of injury focuses on empowering athletic trainers to incorporate a psychosocial focus and concrete interventions into their clinical practice. Most of her publications center on gaps in professional education and how to incorporate psychosocial and mental health content into professional athletic training curriculums. She has been an invited speaker at several conferences and served as a subject matter expert for the NATA’s pilot Self-Assessment Module in mental health. 

    Dr. Ostrowski has served on the NATA Post-Professional Education Committee, the EATA Research Committee, and the BOC Exam Development Committee. She also previously served on the Board of Directors for Haven House, an organization that provides mental health services to residents throughout the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ostrowski is also certified as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and has been offering courses in both adult and youth mental health first aid since 2018.

    Grady Hardeman, M.Ed, LAT, ATC

    Director of Corporate Health and Wellness

    Atrium Health Employer Solutions

    Experienced Health And Wellness Director with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. Skilled in Employee Wellness, Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Healthcare, and Population Health. Strong administrative professional with a Post Masters Certificate focused in Health Care Administration from East Carolina University.

  • Improving Patient Care by Improving Work Life Balance for the Athletic Trainer

    Athletic trainers (ATs) are at risk for work-life imbalance and burnout. The literature has identified insufficient staffing, long work hours, travel, lack of control over work schedule, and work overload as characteristics associated with imbalance and burnout. A lack of work-life balance can lead to burnout, and both often lead to emotional and physical exhaustion and eventual disinterest and lack of motivation for one´s job; which can directly impact the quality of the patient care provided. Although organizations have begun to implement initiatives to reduce the impact, ATs themselves must develop their own practices to promote balance and rejuvenation.

    Abstract:
    Athletic trainers (ATs) are at risk for work-life imbalance and burnout. The literature has identified insufficient staffing, long work hours, travel, lack of control over work schedule, and work overload as characteristics associated with imbalance and burnout. A lack of work-life balance can lead to burnout, and both often lead to emotional and physical exhaustion and eventual disinterest and lack of motivation for one´s job; which can directly impact the quality of the patient care provided. Although organizations have begun to implement initiatives to reduce the impact, ATs themselves must develop their own practices to promote balance and rejuvenation.

    Objectives:

    • Participants will be able to demonstrate how burnout and work-life balance can impact patient care. Athletic trainers who are exhibiting signs of burnout will be cynical, lack energy, passion and engagement in their colleagues and patients, and will often notice changes in their normal patterns (i.e. eating, sleeping, etc.)., 
    • Participants will be able to describe how athletic trainers can improve their work-life balance and reduce the chance for burnout., 
    • Participants will be able to implement specific strategies from the literature, in addition to real-life cases that will enhance individual work-life balance.

    Level:
    Essential

    Domains:
    Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility

    CEUs:
    1.25 Category A

    Keywords: mental health, burnout, work-life balance, emotional, physical, exhaustion

    Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
    Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
    For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

    Christianne M. Eason, PhD, ATC

    Christianne Eason returned to the University of Connecticut to join the Korey Stringer Institute team as the director of innovATe and a contributor to the TUFSS project in the summer of 2020. Dr. Eason is a certified athletic trainer and has worked clinically in the NCAA Division I, NCAA Division III, and secondary school settings. She continues to serve as a medical volunteer at mass medical tent events including the Boston Marathon and Falmouth Road Race. Christianne has provided testimony on behalf of athletic training scope of practice legislation before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Health multiple times and continues to be a strong proponent of professional and personal advocacy.

    Prior to joining the KSI team, Dr. Eason worked as an Assistant Professor of Athletic Training and the graduate school coordinator for the School of Health Sciences at Lasell University. During her time at Lasell, Dr. Eason was able to assist in the professional level degree transition of the Athletic Training program. Her research interests focus on the work-life interface of athletic trainers and the examination of individual and organizational level factors that impact retention, professional commitment, work-life conflict, and patient care. Dr. Eason is a lead or contributing author on nearly 50 peer reviewed articles, including the NATA Position Statement, Facilitating Work Life Balance in Athletic Training Practice Settings, and authored five textbook chapters. She has presented at numerous national, regional, and state conferences on topics including professional commitment, career intentions, organizational structure, and mentoring. Dr. Eason has expertise in qualitative and mixed-methodologies.

    Christianne is a recreational runner and has completed half marathons in the Grand Tetons and Rocky Mountains. She is a self-proclaimed paddle board aficionado and travel enthusiast. Dr. Eason earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training from the University of Connecticut, her Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Physical Activity from James Madison University and her Doctorate in Sport Management from the University of Connecticut.