Vetting Mental Health Professionals in Sports: A Club’s Responsibility
More attention to mental health is great. There’s been a welcome uptick in professionals and groups offering mental health education to local sports clubs, schools, and other organisations. However, the focus shouldn’t just be on increasing the quantity of mental health support; the quality matters, too. Sports organisations have a duty to hire experts who base their advice on scientific evidence and best practices.
The Importance of Credible Advice
I decided to post this article after chatting with a colleague who is a staff member overseeing a local club; she told me about a self-proclaimed “breathing expert” who was invited to speak to a group of athletes about breathing techniques for performance. He spoke to the group and did a great job captivating their attention with his story; he then advised these young athletes to tape their mouths shut overnight to improve their nasal breathing. Needless to say, this advice led to some concerned parents and coaches.
The Rise of the “Mental Health Coach”
As awareness about mental health grows, so does the number of people styling themselves as “mental health coaches” or “success mentors.” Unlike registered psychologists and other allied health, who follow strict ethical guidelines, these self-proclaimed advisors often work without oversight. While they may claim to have “lived experience,” it’s crucial to understand that anyone can use titles like “mentor” or “coach” without any formal training. Although they may offer advice based on personal experience, it could contradict what scientific evidence supports.
Recommendations for Vetting Procedures
To prevent issues, sports organisations should have a rigorous vetting process for hiring mental health professionals. Here are some recommended steps:
- Credential Verification: Confirm that the consultant has appropriate qualifications from reputable organisations.
- Content Appraisal: Review their material to ensure it aligns with current best practices and scientific evidence.
- Reference Checks: Consult with other professionals or seek peer reviews.
- Audience Relevance: Ensure the content is age-appropriate and meets the athletes’ needs.
- Safety Assurance: Verify that any recommended techniques are scientifically validated.
Conclusion
The mental well-being of athletes is vital for both their personal health and sports performance. Sports organisations are responsible for hiring qualified, credible professionals for mental health support. A detailed vetting process, backed by a comprehensive checklist, is essential to ensure those employed share appropriate and consistent messaging backed by current science.
Further information
- Basic Universal Principles of Good Governance. (2008). Seminar on Autonomy of Olympic and Sport Movement, 11-12 February 2008. Link
Thank you a timely caution that seems to rear its head whenever a topic becomes “fashionable.”
This year it’s mental health, last year it was mental toughness. Whatever the “cool” topic, the risks are similar.
Just because someone calls themselves a “coach” of something, it doesn’t make it so.
I’m reminded of the person who, on her website called herself an “eating disorder coach.” Not a shock to find out that her sole credential was having bulimia.
Sigh.
My only caveat to this price is that too few organisations or members of the general public would know what “evidence-based practice” would even look like. A better idea is to always double-check with a trusted professional or organisation like the Australian Psychological Society. Let them do that vetting.
And if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.