Resources

Seeing the wrong therapist can have damaging effects on one's mental health. It can also affect one’s overall outlook on getting further treatment.

Finding someone who is knowledgeable about OCD/anxiety and is the right personal fit is the starting point for seeing a positive difference in treatment.

Young sportsman putting hoodie on head while standing in underground garage anxiety in athletes.

Learn more tips for finding the right specialist and review the list of organizations below that make it their mission to care for the coaches and athletes in the sports world:

  • Road Runners Club of America’s Mental Health Tips for Runners: The oldest and largest national association of runners and running organizations provides a mental health guide with sections on common problems such as disordered eating, stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Athletes for CARE: Founded by former professional athletes, A4C is uniting athletes as one voice to advocate for research, education, and compassion when addressing important health issues.
  • Major League Players, Partners and Family Helpline: Call (844) 336-0605. This is a 24/7 helpline, operated by a qualified and independent third-party organization. It is free of cost to players, their partner, and families, and is 100% confidential. Spanish-speaking operators and language-line operators are available for the helpline service.
  • Mental Health Toolkit: A resource for student-athletes, coaches, and administrators to use to help identify and understand resources available for managing mental health concerns among your teammates and peers.
  • Eric Monday Foundation: The Eric Monday Foundation is focused on bringing awareness and education to coaches, parents, and athletes on the topic of mental health. Specifically, on how to identify those in need and empower them to initiate a conversation that can lead to treatment and support without feeling stigmatized or labeled.
  • Managing Stress and Anxiety in Sports: A webinar addressing the problem that some experience when their sport becomes the stressor and the weight of expectations creates undue nervousness, anxiety, and negative thinking.
  • Positive Coaching Alliance: This nonprofit with a mission to create a positive, character-building youth sports environment provides training workshops and resources on topics such as being a good teammate, learning the value of composure, and putting sports into perspective.
  • IOCDF Resource Directory: This contains listings of licensed therapists, clinics, support groups, and organizations that specialize in working with OCD and related disorders. Anyone can search the Resource Directory by zip code, city/state, city/country, or full street address in order to find results close to you.
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (in the US and Canada) to connect with a trained crisis counselor for free, 24/7 crisis support via text message. Visit crisistextline.org to learn more about international options.
  • Find a Helpline: If you are international and are seeking to call, text, or talk to someone in your country, this is a great resource.
Black male runner about to start a race.
Thomas Smalley Stretching an Athlete
Soccer players kicking a ball