Growing Number Of NFL Players Availing Themselves Of Team-Provided Behavioral Health Clinicians

According to the New York Times (11/26, Clemmons), over two years ago, “the N.F.L. Players Association and the N.F.L. agreed to form the Comprehensive Mental Health and Wellness Committee, a panel of” physicians “appointed by both groups, which mandated that each team employ a behavioral health team clinician.” Currently, seven teams “have a full-time clinician, and the rest of the clubs employ someone in the role for at least eight hours each week.” Consequently, a growing number of players “have taken advantage” of such services, “and have been more open about doing so.” Nevertheless, some stigma still remains that seeking mental healthcare is a sign of weakness, particularly among Black players who comprise “roughly 70 percent” of those playing in the NFL. The Times added that earlier this year, “the American Psychiatric Association… apologized for racial inequities in care and research.”

Related Links:

— “Pushed by Players, the N.F.L. Works to Embrace Mental Health “Anna Katherine Clemmons, The New York Times, November 26, 2021

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