Winning Strategies: Proactive Approaches to Student Athlete Mental HealthAdrienne Larmett - Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP First, some good news: student athletes are increasingly comfortable speaking about their mental health struggles and feel they have access to resources on campus. Now, the bad news: a lot of student athletes are struggling with mental health. According to a 2023 NCAA Student-Athlete Health and Wellness Study of 23,000 students, nearly one in five participants in men’s sports, and nearly two in five participants in women’s sports, reported feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. However, according to the NCAA’s chief medical officer, “as schools continue to improve their mental health care services while fostering an environment of well-being, student-athletes will continue to reap the benefits of wellness and mental healthcare seeking. As stewards of university finances, business officers play a critical role in navigating the multifaceted challenges presented by the intersection of athletics and student mental health. This session will delve into the risk and compliance considerations associated with supporting the mental health of student athletes. We will discuss the risk and compliance landscape (e.g., Title IX and ADA), and implications for providing equitable mental health resources within athletic departments. Additionally, we will explore the financial risks of neglecting mental health support, including potential liabilities, reputational damage and decreased academic and athletic performance. Through case studies and expert analysis, as well as audience experiences, participants will gain practical strategies for integrating mental health initiatives into strategic and financial objectives and aligning practices with regulatory requirements while fostering a culture of well-being and accountability. Learning Objectives
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