You trust us to keep athletes in the game.
Trust us also to train and equip coaches, parents, and athletic staff to notice the challenges student-athletes face that aren't always so visible.
Though sports offer many health benefits, the demands that often come with them can wear on a student-athlete's mental health. While striving to excel in their sport, they're under added pressure to balance their classwork and social lives with games and practices.
To schedule an appointment or ask a question, call 1-855-937-7678 or contact us online.
At UPMC, we have the training to assess all aspects of a student-athlete's health.
We want to help people support student-athletes if they find themselves in a time of need.
UPMC Sports Medicine, in partnership with UPMC Western Behavioral Health, offers mental health and wellness education for student-athletes. We're here to help you perform at your very best in sports, school — and life.
For partner schools and groups, we offer ongoing virtual training and access to referral coordinators to ensure support, services, and proper follow-up.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act.
It also plays a role in how we respond to stress, relate to others, and make healthy and safe choices in life.
Mental health is a part of everyone's daily life.
And mental health challenges are very common. Did you know, one in 5 people suffers from a mental illness each year?
Student-athletes tend to feel more distress because of wanting to perform at a higher level for themselves or others.
They seek validation, praise, greatness, fulfillment, and success.
A common struggle with athletes is feeling like sports are their whole identity. They sometimes need a reminder that they were whole before their sport and will be whole after.
Take time to focus on both your physical and mental health.
Make your wellness a priority, and try to do these things for yourself each day:
It's okay to ask for help. Remember, if you're feeling a certain way, chances are someone else is having similar feelings.
Think about reaching out to:
For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. For immediate help with a mental health crisis, call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
You can also contact the:
Kenneth C. Nash, MD, and Raymond Pan, MD, from UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, lead this program. It includes videos from experts who support the health and wellness of student-athletes.
Dr. Nash is the team psychiatrist for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Steelers. Dr. Pan is known nationally for his work with student-athlete mental health and wellness.
Your health information, right at your fingertips. Select MyUPMC to access your UPMC health information. For patients of UPMC-affiliated doctors in Central Pa, select UPMC Central Pa Portal. Patients of UPMC Cole should select the UPMC Cole Connect Patient Portal.
The portal for all UPMC patients EXCEPT those in Central Pa.
The portal for UPMC patients in Central Pa.
The portal for UPMC Cole patients receiving inpatient care.
