Best Practices for Trauma-Informed Mental Health Care with Student Athletes

The current discussion explores the intersection of trauma, mental health, and college athletics. It emphasizes the need for trauma-informed care in athletic contexts. College athletes often experience trauma both prior to and during their athletic careers, including adverse childhood experiences, injury, performance pressure, and identity struggles. These experiences can significantly impact mental health and athletic performance. The authors argue that traditional athletic cultures may exacerbate mental health challenges due to stigma, unrealistic expectations, and limited institutional support. Trauma-informed care is presented as a vital approach that emphasizes safety, empowerment, and collaboration. The authors highlight the importance of shifting perspectives within both sports and mental health professions to recognize athletes as complex individuals not just performers. These insights have critical implications for sport social work practitioners seeking to promote athlete well-being and resilience.