Student-athletes face intense pressure, and many coaches feel unprepared to support their mental well-being. The 2022 NCAA Coach Well-Being Study found that more than 80% of coaches now spend more time discussing mental health with student-athletes than they did pre-pandemic, and identified supporting student-athlete mental health as the top issue facing their teams.
To support this need, NCAA Division III partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to offer Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for Higher Education training for Division III head coaches and athletic trainers. MHFA is an early intervention and prevention program that teaches adults how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge before it becomes a crisis.
The program also supports institutional implementation of the NCAA Mental Health Best Practices, as recommended by the NCAA Mental Health Advisory Group and approved by national governance bodies.
Why participate?
- Recognize concerns early – Identify common warning signs and mental health challenges experienced by Division III student-athletes
- Provide immediate support – Use a step-by-step approach to assist student-athletes in distress and connect them with appropriate help
- Reduce stigma – Foster open, informed discussions about mental health within athletics
- Connect to resources – Understand available mental health services and how to guide student-athletes to professional support
- Build long-term resilience – Strengthen team culture and promote overall well-being
MHFA for Higher Education is an evidence-based training program operated by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing for adults ages 18 and older.
What does the training cover?
- Common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges
- The five-step MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE framework used to assess, listen, reassure and guide someone to help)
- How to interact with a person who may be experiencing a crisis
- How to connect a person with appropriate help
- Expanded content on trauma, substance use and self-care
Who is eligible?
Up to 30 individuals at each NCAA Division III active member institution — with priority for head coaches and athletic trainers — are eligible for this funded training opportunity.
Training format
Participants complete a 7.5-hour, in-person training session with certified MHFA Instructors on their campus. Upon completion, individuals earn MHFA for Higher Education certification.
