Athletes
College is a difficult time for all students, and as an athlete you are subject to the increased stress associated with sport participation. Not only do you experience pressure to perform athletically, but you are also expected to perform well academically while having less time to allocate to your studies because of practice, competition, and traveling. Having an objective person to talk to in a confidential environment that is outside of your athletic world can be very helpful to deal with the variety of demands placed on student athletes.
To see stories of other student-athletes struggles: http://www.halfofus.com/video/?videoID=48&chapterID=1
What services does CCS offer athletes?
All OSU students (athletes and non-athletes) are offered Individual, Couples, and Group Counseling, as well as Psychiatric Services. Athletes are also welcome to attend our quarterly Mental Skills Workshops and weekly Qigong (an activity that increases balance, flexibility, and mind-body awareness), both of which will help you better regulate your attention and deal effectively with the internal and external distractions while performing.
How can individual counseling help an athlete?
Individual counseling can help you manage stress so you can make the most of your collegiate athletic experience. Counseling provides the opportunity to talk to someone other than your teammates about a variety of issues that might be preventing you from achieving your academic or athletic potential. All counseling sessions are confidential. Information will not be revealed to teammates, coaches, athletic trainers, parents, or professors without written permission from the athlete.
What is group counseling? What groups are offered?
Group counseling involves a small number of people (typically 5-10) who meet once a week, along with one or two Counseling Center staff, to discuss their concerns. The structure of the session varies depending on the specific group. Some focus on a specific topic such as relationships, while others address a number of different concerns. CCS offers a variety of groups each quarter. Please see the group section of our website for more information and details about the current groups we are offering.
What are common problems student athletes present with?
Some of the problems student athletes are likely to present with are performance-related anxiety, anger issues, depression, disordered eating, sexual assault, substance abuse, academic concerns, and interpersonal conflicts with teammates or coaches. CCS also sees athletes who are dealing with an injury or who need assistance with career planning.
What are the mental skills workshops?
A psychologist on staff, Dr. Neal Newman, conducts a 3 session Mental Skills Workshop each quarter that focuses on learning to manage stress and improve performance. Students will receive training in self-coaching and mental skills for learning how to access optimal mental states. Please call the counseling center for additional information and/or to sign up for a workshop.
Are there any sport psychologists on staff?
Al l of our staff are trained to work with a range of performance and clinical-related concerns. CCS has specialists in areas such as eating disorders and substance abuse issues, as well as staff with specialized interests in the area of performance enhancement and sport psychology. Please see community referrals below for professionals in the Columbus area who also work with athletes.
How much does it cost?
Individual Therapy: There is no fee for the first 10 sessions per academic year (Sept 1-Aug 31) for any OSU student. If the student has Student Health Insurance, and is eligible to continue in counseling at CCS, there is a $15 co-pay per session after the 10th session.
Group Therapy: Groups are FREE for all students!!!
Psychiatric Services: See homepage for more details
If you decide to seek resources outside the counseling center in the community, here is a list of other people who have worked with OSU athletes. Please note that this list is not exhaustive.
Leif Smith, Psy.D.
-Dr. Smith is the official provider of counseling and performance services to the athletic department. He also has his own private practice in Hilliard. To contact Dr. Smith by phone, call 614.293.2432 or to find out more information please see the following websites: www.personalbestconsulting.com
Todd Kays, Ph.D.
-Dr. Kays also does sport and performance enhancement-related work with the buckeyes. He has his own private practice in Dublin. To contact Dr. Kays or find out more information please see his website: www.athleticmindinstitute.com
Jennifer Carter, Ph.D.
-Dr. Carter has previously worked with OSU athletes. She is currently working as a psychologist at The Center for Balanced Living, a treatment facility in Worthington that offers a variety of services for client’s with disordered eating. Please see the following website for more information: www.TheCenterforBalancedLiving.org
Here are some helpful websites on sport psychology:
Tips for athletes dealing with anger: http://appliedsportpsych.org/Resource-Center/Athletes/Articles/dealing-with-anger
Tips for athletes dealing with sport imagery:
http://appliedsportpsych.org/Resource-Center/Athletes/Articles/Sport-Imagery
Tips for goal-setting:
http://appliedsportpsych.org/Resource-Center/Athletes/Articles/goalsetting
For tips on dealing with injury:
http://appliedsportpsych.org/resource-center/injury-&-rehabilitation/articles/mentally-preparing