TITLE

NFL Adds Psychologists to the Team

DESCRIPTION

“A joint initiative of the NFL and NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is standardizing behavioral health care and creating a culture of prevention across the league, spurred by a growing recognition of the need for a holistic approach to athletes’ health…As a result, each team has hired a licensed behavioral health clinician—about three-quarters hired psychologists—who spends 8 to 12 hours a week at the team’s facility. In addition to spotting and treating mental health concerns, they teach players and coaches about good mental health and create action plans for handling mental health crises. The NFL/NFLPA initiative is also developing a suicide prevention effort as well as educational programs for players, their families and team personnel.”

This is an interesting news item from the APA.  It is especially good because it can be engaging for those interested in sports and athletics.  It also presents career training information.

SOURCE

American Psychological Association News, September 16, 2019, by Zara Greenbaum

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.apa.org/news/apa/2019/nfl-mental-health

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/y2ovqvtm

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•What role can a Psychologist play in the NFL?

•What types of issues does a Psychologist work with in the NFL?

•What types of training should a Psychologist undergo to work with a sports team?