How can administrators support student-athlete mental health and well-being?

• A. Require weekly counseling sessions for all athletes.
• B. Provide access to counseling, reduce stigma, promote healthy culture, and connect students with professionals when needed.
• C. Ignore mental health as it is not part of athletic administration.
• D. Focus only on academic performance.

Answer: (B)

Supporting student-athlete mental health is about building a proactive, integrated system that treats well-being as a fundamental part of performance and success. Providing access to counseling ensures help is available when it’s needed, with convenient options, confidentiality, and care that respects diverse backgrounds. Reducing stigma and promoting a healthy culture makes it normal for athletes to seek support, balancing sport, academics, and daily life without fear of judgment. Connecting students with qualified professionals when needed creates clear, supported pathways for care—through partnerships with campus resources, straightforward referrals, and reliable crisis support. This holistic approach is practical and effective because it addresses access, culture, and care coordination together, rather than forcing everyone into counseling or neglecting mental health in the pursuit of athletics or academics.