Mental Health Foundations for the Secondary School Athletic Trainer

Abstract:
This video prepares secondary school athletic trainers to support adolescent mental health by exploring its definition, influencing factors, and their role in intervention. Mental health is presented as a holistic state of well-being. Participants will examine the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) like trauma, neglect, and household challenges, as well as the importance of positive influences such as supportive relationships. Athletic trainers will learn to recognize signs of distress, provide initial support, and connect students with appropriate resources, fostering resilience and well-being in the students they serve.

Learning Objectives:

• Define mental health.
• Identify common potential factors that may affect the mental health of adolescents.
• Analyze the role of the Secondary School Athletic Trainer in the treatment of mental health concerns and disorders.
• Recognize psychological concerns and behavioral signs in secondary school student-athletes, and collaborate with school professionals, mental health providers, and community resources to address them.

Interassociation Recommendations for Developing a Plan to Recognize and Refer Student-Athletes With Psychological Concerns at the Secondary School Level: A Consensus Statement

Abstract:
Adolescent and young adult athletes are vulnerable to mental health (MH) conditions like depression and anxiety due to sport-specific stressors. This article explores the role of athletic trainers and sports medicine teams in identifying, managing, and preventing MH conditions through education, screening, and emergency action plans. It emphasizes the importance of MHEAPs and timely referrals to MH specialists, while fostering a supportive environment.

Despite growing awareness, standardized MH screening and action plans are often lacking in sports settings. Many athletic trainers also lack sufficient training to address MH concerns effectively. This article highlights the need for a structured approach to MH education and care for athletes.

Learning Objectives:

• Develop and implement referral systems for student-athletes by working with athletic trainers, school staff, and mental health professionals to ensure timely care.
• Effectively manage mental health emergencies, ensure student-athlete safety, and navigate legal and ethical considerations, including confidentiality and mandated reporting.
• Promote mental well-being, educate student-athletes, parents, coaches, and school staff, and foster a supportive environment that reduces stigma and encourages help-seeking.

Course Level:
Essential

Course 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

Keywords:
Mental Health, Adolescent Well-being, Psychological Crisis, Secondary School Athletic Trainers, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Student-Athlete Mental Health, Mental Health Advocacy, Holistic Health, Mental Health Referral Protocols, School-Based Mental Health Support, Mental Health Intervention

Course Expiration:
This premium course offering must be completed within 12 months from the purchase date. Users who preregister will have 12 months from the date course access opens.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.

Amberly Mallon, MEd, LAT, ATC

Secondary School Athlete Mental Health

Abstract:
Athlete mental health is increasingly important within sports medicine. Athletic trainers are often the first point of contact for athletes experiencing mental health difficulties (Neal et al., 2013; NCAA Research, 2021) during and independent of injury rehabilitation (Arvinen-Barrow & Clement, 2017). Although athletic trainers are responding to these emotional experiences, not all athletic trainers feel equipped to provide psychological assistance (Clement & Arvinen-Borrow, 2019; Young et al., 2020. Moreover, many sports medicine teams do not have mental health providers with expertise in working with athletes in their departments (Sudano et al., 2017). Therefore, athletic trainers would benefit from education regarding how to identify and refer athletes experiencing mental health difficulties to qualified mental health providers, specifically as it relates to mental health emergencies (Ostrowski et al., 2023). This course is designed to assist athletic trainers in their knowledge and awareness of mental health concerns so they can effectively refer a secondary school athlete experiencing difficulty to qualified health professionals (Haggerty et al., 2018).

Learning Objectives:

• Identify mental health concerns of secondary school student-athletes.
• Understand risk & protective factors for mental health concerns.
• Apply knowledge to empower the athletic trainer in navigating mental health concerns.

Addressing Psychological Concerns to Practice Whole-Person Health Care

Abstract:
Athletic trainers increasingly recognize the critical intersection between physical injury and psychological well-being. This perspective piece explores the expanding understanding of mental health within sports medicine, emphasizing the need for comprehensive patient care that addresses both physical and psychological dimensions of injury. Drawing from emerging research on sport-related injuries, particularly concussions, the article highlights the potential psychological impacts such as depression, anxiety, and identity disruption. The author discusses recent interassociation recommendations for identifying and referring student-athletes with psychological concerns, underscoring the importance of a holistic approach to athlete health. By advocating for collaborative care models and enhanced psychological screening, the piece calls for athletic trainers to broaden their professional practice beyond traditional physical rehabilitation to include mental health considerations. The narrative ultimately supports a whole-person health care approach that acknowledges the complex psychological experiences accompanying athletic injuries.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the importance of integrating physical, mental, and emotional well-being into athletic training practices.
• Identify common psychological conditions that may result from sports injuries and their potential effects on athletes' overall health.
• Analyze risk factors that may influence psychological recovery and overall well-being in athletes.
• Discuss effective methods for gathering psychosocial history during preparticipation examinations and other assessments to better support athletes.

Course Level:
Essential

Course 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

Keywords:
Mental health, secondary school, well-being

Course Expiration:
This premium course offering must be completed within 12 months from the purchase date. Users who preregister will have 12 months from the date course access opens.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.

Erin Haugen, PhD, LP, CMPC

Mental Health Crisis: Intervention Skills for Secondary School Athletic Trainers

Abstract:
This session is designed to equip secondary school athletic trainers with essential skills and knowledge to support the mental health of high school athletes. Attendees will gain insights into current mental health trends within high school populations, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by student-athletes. Key strategies for developing rapport with athletes will be explored, emphasizing the importance of trust and communication in effective support.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify strategies for developing rapport with athletes or patients.
• Apply reflection to a statement to clarify meaning.
• Recognize the basic human emotions and how an enhanced vocabulary about these emotions can lead to better patient care.
• Use a script to specifically ask about suicidal ideation.
• Identify a process for referring an individual for advance mental health care.

Frequency of, Confidence in, and Educational Satisfaction With Mental Illness Recognition and Referral Among Certified Athletic Trainers

Abstract:
Mental illness recognition and referral are required components of professional athletic training education. However, athletic trainers (ATs) often report feeling underprepared to assist patients with mental health emergencies.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify mental health challenges faced by athletes, their impact on personal and athletic well-being, and the connection to their recovery and performance.
• Discuss the implications of the findings for improving athletic training education and practice regarding mental health.

Course Level:
Essential

Course 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

Keywords:
Mental Health Strategies, Secondary School, Suicide screening

Course Expiration:
This premium course offering must be completed within 12 months from the purchase date. Users who preregister will have 12 months from the date course access opens.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.

Angela Mickle, PhD, ATC

Nadine Hartig, PhD, LCSW, LPC

Mental Health Stigma Prevention for Secondary School Athletic Trainers

Abstract:
One in five teens and US children and adolescents live with a mental illness. 50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% begin by the mid-20s. Mental health challenges in this age group include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, and substance use disorders. Stigma associated with mental illness serves as a powerful deterrent to someone seeking help. 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.

Learning Objectives:

• Summarize prevalence of mental illness in US youth.
• Describe strategies to decrease mental health-related stigma at the individual and institutional level.
• Summarize signs and symptoms of the most common mental health disorders in youth.
• Identify appropriate professional referral options for individuals with suspected mental illness.

The Mental Health Crisis in Sports: The Perfect Storm of Contemporary Factors

Abstract:
Adolescent and young adult athletes are particularly vulnerable to mental health (MH) conditions, such as depression and anxiety, due to sport-specific stressors like injury, performance pressures, and transitions. This article explores the critical role of athletic trainers in identifying, managing, and preventing these conditions through education, early recognition, and referral systems. It emphasizes the importance of mental health emergency action plans (MHEAPs) and fostering a supportive environment to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior. Despite growing awareness, many athletic trainers lack sufficient training to effectively address MH concerns, highlighting the need for a structured approach to MH education and care in sports settings.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the impact of mental health challenges on academic performance, athletic participation, and overall well-being.
• Define mental health literacy and its components, including recognition, management, and prevention of mental health disorders.
• Employ age-appropriate and empathetic communication when discussing mental health concerns with student-athletes.

Course Level:
Essential

Course Domain(s):
Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy 
Domain 4: Therapeutic Intervention 
Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility

Keywords:
mental health, youth, teens, stigma, depression, anxiety, eating disorder, substance abuse, support, awareness

Course Expiration:
This premium course offering must be completed within 12 months from the purchase date. Users who preregister will have 12 months from the date course access opens.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.

Jennifer Ostrowski, PhD, LAT, ATC

Mental Health in an Athletic Training Facility

Abstract:
This course equips secondary school athletic trainers with essential knowledge and skills to address psychosocial and mental health concerns in student-athletes. Key topics include mandatory reporting protocols, leveraging school resources, recognizing trusted adults within the school system, and the importance of staying informed on relevant legislation. Through practical scenarios and evidence-based practices, athletic trainers will gain confidence in identifying at-risk behaviors, understanding their responsibility in crisis situations, and making appropriate referrals to support student well-being.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and explain ethical guidelines and boundaries relevant to interactions with minors.
• Create a supportive environment conducive to open communication and disclosure.
• Employ age-appropriate language and communication strategies when interacting with minors.
• Discuss the appropriate steps to take when encountering signs of distress or abuse in minors.
• Describe the legal and ethical considerations involved in relaying information to parents/guardians, including obligations to report suspected abuse or neglect while maintaining the minor's trust and privacy.

Course Level:
Essential

Course 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

Keywords:
mental health, psychosocial support, ethical guidelines, crisis intervention, risk management

Course Expiration:
This premium course offering must be completed within 12 months from the purchase date. Users who preregister will have 12 months from the date course access opens.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.

Adrienne Tauses, MSW, LCSW

Meghan Fox

Mental Health Emergency Planning

Abstract:
There is a valuable opportunity to enhance athletic trainers' (ATs) understanding of mental health emergency planning. Secondary school athletic trainers can benefit from updated knowledge about the latest guidelines and best practices for mental health emergency response, which can lead to more timely and effective interventions. This educational session aims to bridge gaps by empowering secondary school athletic trainers to recognize and respond effectively to mental health emergencies. By enhancing ATs' skills and understanding of emergency procedures, the session provides information to help improve overall emergency preparedness and patient outcomes, ultimately ensuring that ATs are well-equipped to meet the mental health needs of their patients and athletes.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the need to plan for a mental health emergency in the secondary setting.
• Compare emergency action plans with policy and procedures.
• Organize information to generate policies that can be used in practice.

Clinical Commentary: Depression and Anxiety in Adolescent and Young Adult Athletes

Abstract:
Mental health (MH) symptoms and disorders are common in adolescents and young adults, and athletes may be at risk due to sport-specific triggers such as injury or illness as well as stressors related to performance, transition, or retirement from sport. Anxiety and depression are reported frequently in this age group, and early recognition and treatment can improve outcomes. The medical team (eg, athletic trainers or therapists, team physicians) should be familiar with the symptoms of depression and anxiety, recognize “red flags” for these symptoms and disorders, and seek to provide screening assessments and develop MH plans and MH emergency action plans. As a part of their scope of practice, team physicians should have the initial assessment and management of patients with these MH conditions and appreciate the importance of referrals to other MH providers with expertise caring for athletes. Athletic trainers are often the first point of contact for athletes who may be experiencing MH symptoms and therefore play a key role in early recognition and referrals to team physicians for early diagnosis and treatment. Additional resources that provide more in-depth information regarding the treatment and management of anxiety and depression are provided herein.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the importance of mental health emergency planning in secondary school athletic settings and distinguish between general emergency action plans (EAPs) and mental health-specific policies and procedures.
• Recognize signs and symptoms of mental health crises that require activation of a mental health emergency action plan (MHEAP) and apply best practices for responding to these emergencies in secondary school athletic environments.
• Develop and organize effective mental health emergency policies and procedures for implementation in secondary school athletic settings.

Course Level:
Essential

Course Domain(s):
Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis 
Domain 3: Critical Incident Management 
Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility

Keywords:
Emergency action plan, policies and procedures, mental health emergency mandated reporter

Course Expiration:
This premium course offering must be completed within 12 months from the purchase date. Users who preregister will have 12 months from the date course access opens.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.

Mark D'Anza, MEd, LAT, ATC

ATs Care

Abstract:
ATs Care provides peer-to-peer crisis support for athletic trainers facing the psychological impact of traumatic events. Accessible via the NATA website, ATs Care offers educational resources on critical incident stress management (CISM), training in psychological first-aid, and direct crisis intervention. The program's nationwide network of certified ATs delivers support through phone calls, on-site interventions, debriefings, and follow-ups. ATs can report incidents confidentially through an online form, ensuring rapid access to support when needed. Additional training, including CEUs, is available on NATA EducATe, equipping ATs to navigate crises and support each other effectively.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the purpose of ATs Care and its role in supporting athletic trainers after traumatic events.
• Identify and access key resources, including CISM training, peer support, and reporting tools.
• Navigate the ATs Care website to utilize resources and prepare for critical incidents.

Does the Mental Health and Well-Being of the Athletic Trainer Affect Patients?

Abstract:
This editorial explores the impact of mental health and well-being on athletic trainers' ability to provide effective patient care. It highlights the stigma surrounding mental health within the profession, the pervasive risk of burnout, and its consequences, including emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and medical errors. Additionally, the article emphasizes the need for a cultural shift toward destigmatizing mental health issues and advocating for self-care among healthcare providers. Despite recognizing these challenges, limited research exists on practical, evidence-based interventions to support mental health and mitigate burnout among athletic trainers. Addressing this gap could enhance both provider well-being and patient outcomes, ensuring more resilient and effective healthcare delivery in athletic settings.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify mental health challenges commonly faced by athletic trainers and their potential impact on personal and professional well-being.
• Recognize the importance of prioritizing self-care and seeking support to maintain mental health and resilience.
• Advocate for strategies to reduce mental health stigma and prevent burnout among athletic trainers. 

Course Level:
Essential

Course 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 y

Keywords:
ATs Care, Peer-to-Peer Crisis Support, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Psychological First-Aid, Post-Traumatic Stress

Course Expiration:
This premium course offering must be completed within 12 months from the purchase date. Users who preregister will have 12 months from the date course access opens.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.

EJ Hairston, MS, LAT, ATC