UNC Athletics Mental Health & Performance Psychology Program

 

Carolina Athletics Mental Health and Performance Psychology Program 

Within the mental health and performance psychology realm, we can help with a variety of services related to mental health, performance, sport-related stressors and more. Our primary services include: 
 

• Individual Counseling and Performance Psychology Sessions 
  • Mental health: Depression, Anxiety, Disordered Eating/Body Image, Adjustment/Stress, Family/Relationship Issues, Trauma, 
  • Performance: Confidence, Focus, Consistency, Composure, Performance Anxiety, Motivation/Burn Out, Injury/Medical Retirement, Leadership
  • Substance use counseling 
• Team Sport Psychology Sessions – Mental Skills Training and/or Team Culture and Cohesion
• Groups
  • Injured Athlete
  • Medical Retirement
  • Body Positive

 
In addition to these primary services, we are always available for consultation with our coaches and staff for further education and consultation. We also provide outreach to increase awareness around mental health issues. For instance, each year we host an Annual Mental Health Forum. 


MENTAL HEALTH IS HEALTH
• College is often the time that people struggle with mental health issues for the first time. It is important to recognize that mental health is health. It is just as important to address as physical health. Mental health is incredibly treatable and the earlier you address it, the better. If you notice that you are not feeling like yourself, are struggling to function at your highest level, or are consumed by a particular issue, it is a good idea to check out what's going on with a mental health professional and have safe, non-judgmental place to work on it. 



WHAT IS PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY?
• Performance psychology addresses the mental side of your sport. At this level of competition, addressing the mental aspects of performance can give you a significant edge. Performance psychology can help you maximize strengths, as well as identify barriers to optimal performance. Through these sessions, we will collaboratively identify strategies to achieve optimal performance and provide you with the tools that can help you perform with focus, confidence, and consistency.


CONFIDENTIALITY
• All individual counseling and performance psychology services are confidential. Any information shared between the student-athlete and sport psychologist will remain confidential and will not be shared with coaches, teammates, administrators, etc. Information will only be shared with written consent or when required by law. Confidentiality will be discussed in depth in your first session.  


STAFF
Dr. Jeni Shannon: Director, Mental Health and Performance Psychology

• McCaskill Soccer Complex, Monday-Friday

Dr. Brendan Carr: Sport Psychologist

• McCaskill Soccer Complex, Monday-Friday

 
Dr. Bradley Hack: Senior Sport Psychologist

• McCaskill Soccer Complex, Wednesdays

Cydnia Young, LCSW-A, Mental Health Counselor

• McCaskill Soccer Complex, Monday-Friday

 
Dr. Cherish Williams, Psychologist
  

HOW STUDENT-ATHLETES MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
For Sport Psych: 

1. Call Sports Medicine at 919-966-3655
2. Email Jeni at AthleticsMHPP@email.unc.edu
3. Talk to your athletic trainer or team doctor

 

FOR AFTER-HOURS CAMPUS RESOURCES
Counseling and Psychological Resources  

CAPS: 919-966-3658
https://caps.unc.edu/

• 3rd Floor Campus Health
  • Walk-In:  Monday-Thursday 9 AM – noon and 1-4 PM, Friday 9:30 AM – noon, 1 – 4 PM
  • Urgent Needs: Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM
• After hours (after 5 PM and weekends): Call CAPS main number (919-966-3658) to talk with a licensed mental health provider immediately. 

 
For Other After-Hours Resources:

• National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK
• Crisis Text Line: Text 741741
• Department of Public Safety: 919-962-8100
• Walk into UNC Hospital Emergency Department

 
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