COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – 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 has also launched a
confidential support line available to Team USA athletes, domestically and
internationally, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Team USA athletes have
immediate access to a licensed mental health provider who can assist in the
management of mental health crises or provide resources related to mental
health and wellness anywhere in the world.
The USOPC has made this resource
easily accessible with the acquired WellTrack™ app, which provides athletes
with online tools and courses that incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy to
help them identify, understand and address their mental health concerns. This
app connects directly to the new mental health support line to streamline all
requests and resources.
“We are thrilled to announce these
expanded services for Team USA athletes,” said Bahati VanPelt, USOPC chief of
athlete services. “Continuing to be intentional about improving and building
resources to support athletes’ mental health and well-being remains a priority
for our organization.”
The launch of the registry and the
support line are the most recent mental health support services the USOPC is
providing to athletes, joining its previous enhancements through the implementation
of independent mental health officers, the formation of an external Mental
Health Taskforce, and the hiring of Dr. Jessica Bartley as director of mental
health services for Team USA.
In addition to joining the global
conversation across Team USA digital channels throughout Mental Health
Awareness Month, athletes and fans can join Wellness with Team USA presented by
DeVry University. Hosted by five-time Olympic swimming champion Missy Franklin,
this series of panels explores the many off-the-field skills that athletes
master to be at the top of their game, including eating nutritiously, focusing
on mental health and maintaining a healthy competition-life balance. The series
will feature athletes and professionals to ensure authentic and dynamic discussions
with many perspectives.
More details on the mental health
programs and services available to athletes can be found at
TeamUSA.org/MentalHealth.
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