Support Student-athlete Wellbeing
As a trusted leader, your impact goes beyond the game. That’s why the NCAA® has engaged the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. To support the wellbeing of student-athletes, we’re offering fully funded Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for Division III coaches and athletic trainers.
What Is MHFA?
MHFA is a skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Thanks to the NCAA, Division III Athletics departments can apply for fully funded training to better support student-athletes’ mental wellbeing.
Who Qualifies for Funded Training?
NCAA Division III schools can train up to 30 head coaches and athletic trainers in a fully funded MHFA for Higher Education course. Each training is a 7.5-hour, Instructor-led course held in person on your campus. Upon completion, staff will be certified in MHFA — equipped to better support the mental wellbeing of their student-athletes. Complete the form to get started.
ComenzarSubmit a Training Request
Please enter your school’s information to get in touch with our team. We will review your request based on the funded training requirements and get back to you soon. Note: At this time, funded training is only available for NCAA Division III schools.
What You’ll Learn With MHFA
This training empowers athletics staff to confidently support student-athletes’ mental wellbeing, reduce stigma and take meaningful action.
Recognize Early Warning Signs
Learn how to identify signs of mental health and substance use challenges in student-athletes.
Respond With Practical Tools
Gain step-by-step guidance on using the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to support someone in crisis.
Build a Team Culture of Care
Create a safe and supportive environment that promotes long-term wellbeing for your team.
Mental Health in College Athletics
Mental health challenges among student-athletes are often overlooked — but early intervention can make a big difference. Coaches and athletic trainers are in a strong position to spot the warning signs and connect student athletes with the help they need.
young adults ages 18 to 25 experienced a substance use disorder in the past year.
1 in 3
U.S. adults ages 18-25 experienced a mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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of coaches reported not feeling prepared to help student-athletes with mental health concerns.
of coaches said they spend more time on supporting student-athletes’ mental health, which is their top concern.
Catie Gilman
Colegio Mount Holyoke
“As an athletic trainer, mental health is as much a part of my job as physical health. The opportunity to be a MHFA Instructor for my Athletics department as well as campus community felt as natural as being a CPR/AED instructor. MHFA equips coaches, ATs, admin and any other student-forward employee with the ability to recognize when a student needs support or resources, as well as the confidence to activate proper resources in a crisis.”
Judith LeDoux
Anna Maria College
“As someone who is certified in MHFA, I see firsthand how the concepts and training can be beneficial within college life, as well as in Athletics. For many college athletes, they see the trainers and coaches as their closest and most trusted adult figures on campus. Having them trained in MHFA can only provide a benefit to Athletics staff and student athletes.”
Jennifer Ostrowski
Doctorado, LAT, ATC, Universidad de Moravia
"En esta población, he descubierto que los conocimientos adquiridos como parte del programa MHFA han ayudado a disminuir el estigma relacionado con las enfermedades mentales en el atletismo, y las habilidades y técnicas han capacitado a los entrenadores para acercarse a los atletas con sus preocupaciones y animarles a buscar servicios profesionales de salud mental."
Ready to start fully funded training?
NCAA Division III schools can train up to 30 head coaches and athletic trainers in a fully funded MHFA for Higher Education course. Each training is a 7.5-hour, Instructor-led course held in person on your campus.
