IN FOCUS: LSU Promotes Mental Health Awareness for Its Student-Athletes – LSU

LSU Athletics has long been at the forefront of promoting holistic wellness and positive mental health among its student-athletes. In a significant step towards enhancing the lives of these talented individuals, the university has launched comprehensive mental health programs under the guidance of Dr. LaKeitha Poole, LSU's Assistant Athletic Director for Sport Psychology and Counseling. This initiative is a testament to the university's commitment to supporting the social, cultural, academic, and performance interests of all student-athletes.

The Challenge of Mental Health in Athletics

Academics, competition, training, and pressure can all contribute to different mental health issues for student-athletes. The high stakes of intercollegiate athletics often lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression among athletes. These challenges are not unique to LSU; however, the university's proactive approach sets it apart in addressing these concerns.

The Sport Psychology & Counseling Department

The Sport Psychology & Counseling (SPC) area is a unit of the Athletic Training Department that is dedicated to fostering holistic wellness and positive mental health among all student-athletes at LSU. The department provides clinical support, education, and strategic programming to ensure that wellness and mental health are vital components of all departmental services.

Core Values and Mission

The core values and mission of the SPC department are rooted in cultural competence and addressing concerns related to race & ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation & gender expression, religion & spirituality, and ability. The department's mission is to enhance the lives of student-athletes both during and after intercollegiate athletic participation by providing efficient, student-focused counseling and performance services.

Dr. LaKeitha Poole: A Champion of Mental Health

Dr. LaKeitha Poole, Assistant Athletic Director for Sport Psychology and Counseling, plays a pivotal role in overseeing the Tigers' vital mental health programs. Her expertise and leadership have been instrumental in developing a comprehensive approach to addressing the unique mental health needs of student-athletes. Dr. Poole advocates for mental health awareness and advocates for creating a supportive environment that encourages open dialogue about mental health issues.

Strategic Wellness Programming & Initiatives

Under Dr. Poole's guidance, the SPC department has implemented strategic wellness programming and initiatives aimed at promoting mental health among student-athletes. These initiatives include:

• Culturally Competent Treatment: The department ensures that all treatment is culturally competent, addressing concerns related to race & ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation & gender expression, religion & spirituality, and ability.
• Efficient Counseling: SPC provides efficient counseling services that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each athlete.
• Outreach Programs: The department engages in departmental outreach programs to ensure that mental health support is accessible to all student-athletes.
• Mental Health Development & Research: Continuous research efforts focus on developing effective mental health strategies and interventions for student-athletes.

Collaboration with Campus Resources

LSU Athletics does not operate in isolation when it comes to supporting mental health. The university collaborates closely with various campus resources to ensure a comprehensive support system for student-athletes. These collaborations include:

• Title IX Campus Reporting: LSU has a robust Title IX program, which ensures that all reports of misconduct or improper treatment are addressed promptly and confidentially. The university provides a dedicated team for Title IX investigations, including a Title IX Coordinator, Interim Vice President of Civil Rights and Title IX, and designated investigators and case managers.
• LSU CARES: The LSU CARES system is an online reporting mechanism for students, faculty, and staff to report issues of concern, including violations of the LSU Code of Student Conduct, sexual misconduct, and hazing.
• Mental Health Services: The LSU Student Health Center offers mental health services, including counseling and therapy sessions. This resource is available to all students, including student-athletes, to provide them with the necessary support for their mental well-being.

Community Support

LSU Athletics also recognizes the importance of community support in promoting mental health awareness. The university partners with local organizations that specialize in mental health services, such as the Iris Domestic Violence Center, the Lighthouse program, and RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network). These partnerships provide additional resources for student-athletes who may need specialized support.

Legacy of Mental Health Support

LSU Athletics has long viewed mental health support as a standard component of the medical care all student-athletes receive. This commitment to mental health is reflected in the university's legacy of supporting not only current student-athletes but also alumni. The university recognizes that mental health support is a lifelong process and continues to advocate for the well-being of its athletes beyond their college years.

Conclusion

LSU's proactive approach to promoting mental health awareness among its student-athletes sets a positive example for universities nationwide. By integrating comprehensive mental health programs into its athletic department and collaborating with various campus and community resources, LSU demonstrates its commitment to fostering holistic wellness and positive mental health among its talented athletes. This initiative not only enhances the performance and well-being of individual athletes but also contributes to creating a supportive and inclusive athletic environment.

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References Sport Psychology & Counseling - LSU Athletics: The Sport Psychology & Counseling (SPC) area is a unit of the Athletic Training Department that is committed to fostering holistic wellness and positive mental health among all student-athletes at LSU. The SPC provides clinical support, education, and strategic programming to ensure that wellness and mental health are vital components of all departmental services for the social, cultural, academic, and performance interests of all student-athletes. To that end, SPC works closely with the entire Athletic Department, university committees and task forces, and community affinity groups whose charge is to support the overall wellness and mental health of all LSU students, faculty, and staff. LSU Compliance: Student-Athlete Support Services. A team of trained mental health service providers are available to help you with any issue. Please click no link below to be directed to immediate assistance. Contact information for all the providers is included and the ability to schedule an appointment provided. LSU joins discussion on student-athlete mental health through College Football Mental Health Week: Raime Thibodeaux, director of Mental Health at the Student Health Center, is an advocate for mental health awareness for athletes and students. Legacy of Mental Health Support for LSU Alumni Student-Athletes: LSU Athletics has long viewed mental health support as a standard component of the medical care all student-athletes receive.