Sport Psychology
Rutgers Athletics Sports Psychology
This is a complex and stressful time in our society and the mental health and wellness of our Big Ten family is a critical component of our focus.Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren
The Rutgers Sport Psychology Program is a resource for student-athletes, coaches, athletic administrators, and staff meeting the psychological challenges of competing at the highest levels. The primary purpose of the Rutgers Sport Psychology Program is to treat, educate, and support student-athletes to effectively manage the challenges of being a division one athlete. We are integrative and holistically treat students-athletes with sports medicine, athletic training, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and academic advising supporting the athletic success through confidential, specialized, and evidence-based services available through the Athletic Performance Center (APC).
Rutgers University Sport Psychology, along with the Big Ten mental wellness initiatives, emphasizes the promotion of mental health among student-athletes, coaches, athletic administrators, and staff. The Rutgers Athletic Department strives to be a leader in developing innovative support services to meet the demanding needs of Division 1 competition. Our team of clinicians integrates Rutgers athletics core values into primary services helping student-athletes.
Excellence
Integrity
Respect
Accountability
Grit
We Are All Part of the Statistic
Mental health concerns can impact 1 in 4 people. Approximately 33% of all college athletes experience significant symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Of which, eating disorders are experienced by 62% of female athletes and 33% of male athletes at some point in their lives. Thirteen percent of the athlete population experiences symptoms of trauma. Alcohol and substance use disorders make up 11.4% of mental health issues in athletes.
And the list goes on… Of the athlete percentage experiencing mental health issues, only 11% of athletes seek professional help. We are here to help and to change this statistic!
What is Mental Fitness?
Mental fitness is when you feel on top of your game, you are able to focus to a point of producing success in practice, competition, and the classroom.
Mental fitness also promotes awareness when something is bothering you to the point of being unable to perform at the top of your game. This may be for a short while, or longer.
What makes an elite athlete? We are more than just athletes. Being an elite athlete requires physical training, nutrition, sleep hygiene, absence of harmful substances, healthy relationships, balance, mental skills, and much more. Mental wellness is a tool that can be utilized to reach optimum athletic performance.
In fact, a lack of mental fitness can increase the chance of injury, tiredness, and burnout. Because of this, we place mental wellness as a priority to elite performance- this means knowing when you need help, knowing how to prevent mental illness and how to keep up good mental fitness. By being proactive about all aspects of your health, you will be enhancing your quality of training and performance as a fierce competitor and as a competitive team.
What is a typical session like?
In a typical clinical session, you meet with your clinician to build a relationship. They will start by asking a lot of personal questions including your family history and background. Also, we will set your treatment goals. Sessions are usually 30-45 minutes.
How long does treatment last?
Treatment is short-term, goal-oriented, and depends on your goals. In general, we aim to complete the clinical work within 12-16 sessions.
How much does it cost?
As a Rutgers student-athlete, there is no cost. Whether we treat you within our program or refer you to a community provider, we assist in making the best decision based on the origination of your clinical presentation.
How often will I meet with my clinician?
Initially, you will meet on a weekly basis, then possibly biweekly, before ending your treatment.
Will my coach and trainer know about my treatment? Will my family know?
We maintain confidentiality as licensed practitioners. However, within an interdisciplinary team, we might share attendance with other professionals and/or coaches or trainers. This is only done with your permission and is our standard practice to ensure the highest level of care.
Signs Your Mental Wellness May Need Some Training
If you feel any of the following symptoms, call the RWJ Barnabas Health Athletic Performance Center (APC) at Rutgers University: 732 445-6258 to schedule an appointment with one of our clinicians. If it is a medical emergency, you should call 911.
DEPRESSION
- Loss of interest in things once pleasurable
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Lack of appetite
ANXIETY
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom
- Panic attacks creating avoidance of situations
- Increased heart rate, sweating, and GI issues
- Irrational fear
DISORDERED EATING
- Preoccupation with gaining/losing weight
- Restricting/overeating
- Anxiety about eating
TRAUMA
- Re-experiencing a traumatic event through intrusive distressing recollections of the event, flashbacks, and nightmares.
- Emotional numbness and avoidance of places, people, and activities that are reminders of the trauma.
SUBSTANCE USE
- Overuse and Abuse of substances
- Difficulty cutting down on the behavior
- Preoccupation with addiction
BURNOUT
- State of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress
- Feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands
IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY SYMPTOMS OR HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT YOURSELF OR THOSE AROUND YOU - YOU CAN:
1. Contact a coach, athletic trainer, or staff
2. Call the APC at 732-445-6258
3. Call CAPS at 848-932-7884
Mental Health Resources on Campus
1. Rutgers Sports Psychology at the APC
732-445-6258
2. CAPS (Counseling, Alcohol & Other Drug Assistance Program) provides comprehensive primary care for all students’ health and wellness needs. Their integrated approach to healthcare is designed to support students’ ability to succeed in their academic, professional, and personal lives; through individual, group, and crisis services.
- Contact: 848-932-7884
- Visit this website.
3. HOPE (Health Outreach, Promotion, and Education)
- Contact: 848-932-1965
- Email: healthed@rutgers.edu
- Visit this website.
4. Center for Psychological Services
5. GPPC
Emergency Hotlines
SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE- 1-800-273-8255
SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE- 1-800-656-4673
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE 1-800-799-7233
SUBSTANCE ABUSE HOTLINE 1-800-662-4357
SELF-HARM TEXT LINE TEXT "CONNECT" TO 74174
