Mental Health Scholarship | Alston for Athletes

The Problem

Why this scholarship is important

Despite growing awareness of mental health in athletics, far too many student-athletes still lack access to the support they need. The barriers are real, widespread, and deeply systemic.

Access Gaps

43-day average wait to see a campus therapist (Healthy Minds, 2022)
Most counseling centers are understaffed, with counselors averaging caseloads of 120–300+ students per year (Lightfully Behavioral Health, 2024)
On average, 12.5% of all non-trainee clinical positions turned over in fiscal year 2023–2024 (AUCCCD Annual Survey, 2025)

Financial Barriers

Most private therapy sessions cost $100–$200 per session (Psychology Today, 2023)
Insurance doesn’t always cover performance-related issues or sport-specific care

Lack of Sport-Informed Care

Only 18% of coaches feel confident referring athletes to appropriate mental health services (Aspen Institute, 2022)
Many athletes feel misunderstood by general practitioners who don’t grasp the unique stressors of performance, injury, identity, and competition
Only about one-third of counseling centers utilize embedded counselors — and athletics is the most frequently reported area where they work (AUCCCD Annual Survey, 2025)

Stigma and Burnout

Athletes are often conditioned to “push through” instead of seeking help
Without intervention, this mindset can result in burnout, depression, and loss of identity, leading to a crisis situation

The Solution

What we offer

12 or 16 funded sessions with licensed therapists or mental performance coaches
One-on-one, athlete-centered care rooted in sport psychology and clinical best practices
A custom matching process based on athlete needs, goals, and individual provider preferences
No cost to the athlete or family — providers are paid directly
Support across the full academic year (September–April)

Why This Model Works

Built to remove barriers

Removes cost barriers that typically prevent athletes from accessing care
Reduces wait times with direct provider access
Delivers sport-informed care tailored to athletic concerns
Builds long-term therapeutic relationships, not one-off referrals
Empowers athletes with tools that transfer across life, sport, and academics

Who We Serve

Collegiate athletes from every sport

Underserved collegiate student-athletes across the U.S.
Student-athletes from any sport, competition level, or background
Priority given to athletes with limited access to support, underrepresented backgrounds, or those involved with Morgan’s Message or The Hidden Opponent
Athletes connected with Morgan’s Message or The Hidden Opponent are encouraged to first become a Morgan’s Message Ambassador or a Hidden Opponent Campus Captain before applying for the scholarship

Scholarship Metrics

What we’ve seen over the past three years

Scholarship recipients check in monthly and complete end-of-program reflections. Here’s what they report:

90%

Noticed a decrease in symptoms of concern

100%

Felt their therapist understood them and that they were developing a therapeutic relationship

93%

Learned & implemented interventions or coping skills to increase functioning and performance

90%

Noticed progress in their treatment

What Awardees Are Saying

In their own words

“I have developed a connection with my provider and noticed changes in my thinking patterns through the work I’ve been doing. There has definitely been a positive impact on my mental health, and I look forward to continuing the journey.”

“While working with Alston for Athletes, I’ve definitely seen a decrease in my troublesome areas and an increase in my overall well-being and performance in my sport and in school.”

“It went super well, and I am so thankful for the chance to have been part of this scholarship.”

“Thank you for all of your help! This is a wonderful program/scholarship opportunity, and I appreciate everything you have helped me with!”

Meet Our Awardees

Key Program Partners

Stronger together

Morgan’s Message

Strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics.

The Hidden Opponent

Athlete mental health advocacy, education, and support through accessible resources and community — empowering athletes to prioritize their mental health and shatter the stigma within sports culture.

Interested in supporting?

Help us create a better foundation of student-athlete mental health

$1,500

Provides a 12-session Mental Health Scholarship

$2,000

Provides a 16-session Mental Health Scholarship

Contribute Today