USOPC Expands Support of Mental Health!

Excerpt from 5/3/2021 USOPC Press Release

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee today joins the movement to promote Mental Health Awareness Month by announcing the launch of an online registry of mental health providers and unveiling an around-the-clock mental health support line for Team USA athletes. These resources are the latest developments in the USOPC’s ongoing commitment to promote sustained athlete well-being and normalize mental health for all.

“The launch of these mental health initiatives demonstrates the commitment the USOPC has in providing easily accessible support and resources to U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes across the globe,” said Dr. Jessica Bartley, USOPC mental health services director. “The development and launch of these resources took an immense amount of collaboration and personalization so that each Team USA athlete is able to easily utilize these resources.”

The mental health registry allows Olympic and Paralympic athletes the option to search for licensed mental health providers located across the country that can provide both in-person services as well as telehealth appointments. The providers housed in the registry are experienced, licensed mental health providers who have completed a background screening, SafeSport training and anti-doping training. Mental health providers in the registry include social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists who all have experience working with elite athletes. Team USA athletes can select their preferred provider on the registry, connect with them directly and schedule an appointment tailored to their specific needs.

*The USOPC Mental Health Registry can be found here.

About the Author: timothyherzog

Tim holds Masters degrees in both counseling/sport psychology and in clinical psychology, and a Doctorate in counseling psychology. He has worked with high performers at several universities (including the US Naval Academy), an elite sports camp (IMG Academies), and with US Army personnel (Center for Enhanced Performance at Fort Lewis). Tim gives workshops for sport psychology practitioners, coaches, and athletes for many organizations including the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, the Performing Arts Medicine Association, USA Gymnastics, and US Sailing.