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Dr. Stephany Coakley, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Mental Health, Wellness, and Performance at Temple University, has revolutionized how athletic programs support student-athlete mental health.
Through the creation of TUWell, Temple's dedicated mental health, wellness, and performance department, Dr. Coakley has crafted a comprehensive service model that emphasizes proactive and efficient mental health care.
Dr. Coakley, a Temple graduate with a deep commitment to the institution, developed TUWell after studying NCAA's Mental Health Best Practices.
She designed the program to be strength-based, focusing on prevention, timely intervention, and fostering an environment where student-athletes feel psychologically safe. Dr. Coakley reflected on her initiative to integrate these crucial services into the student-athlete's daily life:
"Creating a mental health and wellness program was the challenge I was looking for."
A key feature of TUWell is its streamlined referral system, ensuring that any department member can refer a student for immediate care, with responses guaranteed within 48 hours. This approach has significantly enhanced the accessibility and effectiveness of mental health resources available to athletes.
Dr. Coakley also prioritized engagement with coaches and athletic staff to tailor the mental health services to the needs of all teams.
This included implementing educational programs like the Wellness in Sport and Education (WISE) sessions and mandatory QPR training, which teaches how to respond to signs of suicidal ideation among athletes.
Under her guidance, TUWell has introduced innovations such as pre-participation mental health screenings and partnerships with digital wellness platforms like Headspace. These initiatives have not only supported athletes during their sports careers but have also equipped them with tools for lifelong mental wellness.
Dr. Coakley's efforts have led to a significant increase in the use of mental health services at Temple, demonstrating the effectiveness of TUWell in meeting the complex needs of a diverse student-athlete population.
Her work exemplifies the positive impact that dedicated mental health care can have on athletic performance and overall student well-being.
Read all the details, written in her own words, here!
