Mental Health and Wellness Information for Student-Athletes
 
Purpose
“Inter-Association Consensus Document: Best Practices for Understanding and Supporting Student-Athlete Mental Wellness” (“Best Practices”) is a practical extension of the NCAA publication “Mind, Body and Sport: Understanding and Supporting Student-Athlete Mental Wellness”. These “Best Practices” are designed to provide athletics and sports medicine departments – regardless of size and resources – with recommendations for supporting and promoting student-athlete mental health. “Best Practices” are accompanied by a checklist (Appendix D) of the key components for each athletics department.

Additional resources from the NCAA.
 
Introduction:
Houghton University is committed to supporting and developing the mental health and well-being of their students.  When thinking about the health and well-being of students, we often refer directly to their physical health as a primary focus and might view mental health as a secondary focus; however, it should be viewed as extremely important.  Since there is a close relationship between physical and mental health, it is imperative that we think of these mental health issues in the same sense that we think of “physical injury” to the student.  We also know that physical injuries may result in mental health issues of their own. 
 
Observed Signs and Symptoms (but not limited to):

• Increase/decrease in eating or sleeping habits
• Withdraw from social interactions
• Problems with concentration, focus or remembering
• Anger or irritability
• Mood Disorders (Depression, suicidal thoughts or talking about suicide, etc.)
• Anxiety Disorders (panic attacks, anxiety, disordered eating/eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, substance abuse, etc.)
• Change in or struggle in academic performance
• Extreme changes in behavior due to life stress (i.e. death in the family, disciplinary issues (conduct violations or legal related), roommate issues, etc.)

 
Seeking Assistance:
 
Immediate Referral

• Imminent risk of harming self or others

 
Safety and Security (on campus x3330) or EMS 911 (off campus) for any of the following:
 

• Suicidal/Homicidal ideation
• Sexual assault
• Highly agitated or threatening behavior, acute psychosis or paranoia
• Acute delirium/ state of confusion
• Acute intoxication or drug overdose

 
Houghton University Safety and Security
 
Emergency Medical Services: Dial 911
 
Non-Immediate Referral
 
For all other issues (non-life-threatening needing attention during University business hours) the student athlete will be referred to the Counseling Services (on campus), Health Center or professional counseling hotlines (after University business hours).
 
These symptoms may suggest but are not limited to:
 

• Disordered Eating
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Alcohol Use
• Cannabis Use
• Sleep Apnea
• Insomnia
• ADHD

 
Houghton University Counseling Services
 
Free confidential online screening for depression, alcohol, and eating disorders which can help you decide whether a consultation with a counselor would be helpful.

Dr. Bill Burrichter
Executive Director of the Center for Student Success / Director of Counseling Services                 
Phone: 585-567-9622, on-campus: x6220
 
Return to Athletics
 
Students receiving help from mental health professionals must present appropriate documentation to the team physician. All students must be cleared by the team physician prior to returning to athletics at Houghton University.
 
Important Numbers:

Counseling Services   
Dr. Bill Burrichter, 
Executive Director of the Center for Student Success / Director of Counseling Services
On campus: x6220
Office: 585-567-9622
Emergency after-hours cell:  585-567-9278
 
Student Health Center
Dr. Brubaker, Campus Physician/Team Physician
Hours: 9am-5pm
On campus: x4830
Office: 585-567-9483
 
Safety and Security    
On campus: x3330
Office: 585-567-9333
 
Athletics                     
Dr. Matthew Webb – Director of Athletics
On campus: x4890
Office:  585-567-9489
Cell:  585-808-0571
 
Deanna Hand – Associate AD for Sports Medicine and Administration/SWA / Deputy Title IX for Athletics
On campus: x5630
Office:  585-567-9563
Cell:  585-610-6054
 
Houghton University Athletic Training