What We Do — USC Sport Psychology

2019 USC Trojans Student-Athlete Graduation

Program services are based on the guiding philosophy of the department: the whole healthy student athlete is the most consistent peak performer. Therein lies the commitment to provide services and an environment that supports the student athlete in developing as a healthy and value driven person, student, and athlete. The key to the high utilization rates for USC Athletic Department Clinical Sport Psychology services, namely, the success in the student athlete utilizing these services, is the integrated and cooperative relationship between all clinicians and the athletic administration and coaches.

Mental health, educational, and consultation services are not delivered in a silo; rather they are imbedded in the operating of all parts of the department. Administration and coaching staff are educated about important issues facing this cohort of student athletes. The program includes consultation about how to handle student athletes who have mental health and/or behavioral health issues with a focus on what is in the best interest of the student athlete, considerate of the athletic department mission, compliant with the American Disabilities Act of 1964, and that supports the creation of a healthy environment within which student athletes may flourish. The Clinical Sport Psychology Program has offices located both in the athletic department as well as at the on campus counseling center for convenience, accessibility, and confidentiality as needed.

All services are provided by licensed psychologists. Some of these services the program offers are outlined below:

(+) - Click to expand tab

1) Assessment/Evaluation

2) Individual Therapy (+)

Student Athlete’s come to meet with us for a variety of reasons:
1. For the reasons non athlete students do:
  - Anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, eating problems, substance abuse, identity issues, academic problems, loneliness, & homesickness
2. AND for reasons unique to athletes:
  - Performance enhancement, self-improvement, overwhelm, to be a better teammate, team captain, roommate, romantic partner, etc.
Confidential - No one in or out of athletics will know unless you want them to
No limits on the number of sessions!

3) Injury Group (+)

Each semester we offer an Injury Group for student-athletes currently recovering from a season ending injury.
The group typically meets once a week for approximately 5-weeks, and provides an opportunity to connect with other athletes recovering from injury and learn mental skills to help facilitate your recovery.
If you are interested please let your Athletic Trainer know and they will refer you.

4) 24-hour on-call crisis and emergency services

5) Conjoint sessions between family and/or coach and student athlete

6) Freshman (New Student-Athlete) Orientation (+)

Each semester we take part in the New Student-Athlete orientation and present on a range of topics including recognition of signs/symptoms, adjustment to college as a student-athlete, and coping with mental health symptoms.

7) Parent Orientation (+)

Conduct orientation for parents of new student-athletes to provide information regarding stresses, challenges, and boundaries, as well as how best to support their adult children while in college.

8) Coach Consultations (+)

Tailored consultation services for coaches to improve team dynamics and develop a healthy sport culture.

9) Administrative Consultations (+)

Consultation with administration regarding challenging student athletes and adherence to ADA 1964 and other laws related to mental health.

10) Mandated Drug and Alcohol Counseling

11) ADHD Assessments (+)

Evaluation and collaboration with Student Athlete Academic Services Learning Specialists

12) Eating Disorder Treatment Team

13) Team Interventions (+)

Team work that integrates wellbeing, coping with stress and pressures, appropriate behavior and managing conflict, team dynamics/building/bonding, mindfulness, arousal management/emotional tolerance, purposed based performance, and performance skills.

14) Referral, coordination and monitoring of higher levels of care (Intensive Outpatient and/or Residential) for substance use, eating disorders, anger management, and more serious mental health conditions.

15) Service on Athletic Department Committees (+)

Health and Wellness, Culture Committee, Performance Committee, LGBT, individual team staff meetings, monthly coaches meeting, etc.

16) Training with various departments within athletics including Athletic Medicine, Strength & Conditioning, SAAS, coaches and administration.

17) Training sessions on a variety of topics that include suicide prevention, sexual responsibility, domestic violence, alcohol, marijuana.

18) Performance enhancement services (+)

Common Psychological Skills in the Field of Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology

19) Inclusivity Programing/Diversity Training (+)

Student-Athlete Inclusion page

20) Policy development around ADHD, Substance Use, Eating Disorders, and Post Hospitalization

21) Threat assessments and referral to university Threat Assessment Team as needed

22) Referral to other Counseling Center groups that are available for student athletes to attend, including body image/eating disorder, anxiety, relationship, bereavement, and substance use.

HELPFUL LINKS
NCAA Mental Health | The Mindful Athlete, George Mumford | USC Counseling Center | Association for Applied Sport Psychology | American Psychology Association, Society for Sport, Exercise & Performance Psychology