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Athletics Counseling

To schedule an appointment with NIU Counseling Services, please email athleticscounseling@niu.edu
  • If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact Counseling and Consultation Services at 815-753-1206
  • If you are concerned about the immediate safety of yourself or another person, please call 9-1-1 or Campus Police at 815-753-1212
Athletics Counseling at NIU
  • What is Athletics Counseling
    • We understand that student-athletes are human beings with busy lives and are highly motivated to succeed. Athletics Counseling is here to holistically support NIU’s student athletes’ mental wellbeing during their time as a student-athlete.
  • Why meet with Athletics Counseling?
    • You can meet with Athletics Counseling for any mental wellbeing support! Common concerns include:
      • Managing anxiety or depression
      • Transition into sport
      • Trauma
      • Navigating relationships and interpersonal conflict
      • Return from injury
      • Lack of motivation/self-esteem
      • Substance use
      • Anger management
      • Homesickness.
    • Athletics Counseling to help you celebrate your wins and support you in times of stress.
  • Services Included
    • Individual Sessions: Work 1 on 1 with an athletics counselor for mental health support
    • Group Sessions: Participate in group therapy centered on a mental health topic such as anxiety
    • Team Sessions: Work on building skills like communication and resilience with your athletic team
    • Consultations: If you are concerned about a friend or teammate, have a question related to mental health, or struggling to navigate a situation we can consult with you on how to take the next step
    • Workshops: Presentations facilitated by an athletics counselor to all student athletes on mental health and mental performance topics
    • Mental Performance Consultations: Work 1 on 1 with an athletics counselor to manage concerns about your mental performance or help take your mental game to the next level
  • When can I meet with Athletics Counseling?
    • In office: 8:00-4:30pm Monday-Friday
    • Yordon: Located in SAASS
    • Convocation Center: Located in Compliance office
    • Email athleticscounseling@niu.edu to schedule a meeting
      • Crisis Reminder: If you are currently in a mental health crisis and need support right now, please contact CCS at 815-753-1206. This number is available 24/7

Our Team
  • Dr. Shyann Beach, Psy. D
  • Alan Masline, LPC

FAQ
  • When should I seek support?
    • You can seek support at any time. Whether you are struggling to manage your daily stress, want a few tips on how to best manage your mental health, or just need help resolving a difficult problem we can offer our support and knowledge.
  • How do I know if counseling is for me?
    • If you have any questions about counseling, please reach out! The counseling process is taken at the pace of each individual’s needs. If counseling isn’t for you, we have access to other resources that may be beneficial to you.
  • Can I reach out if I’m concerned about someone else?
    • Yes, we offer consultations on how best to support others.
  • What is Confidentiality?
    • Feelings of trust and safety are critical for personal growth and relationship building. Therefore, confidentiality is taken seriously. All aspects of individual counseling sessions are confidential and protected by state law. No information will be released to anyone, including coaches, athletic trainers, and other athletics staff, without the written or verbal consent of the student-athlete or in instances where disclosure is required by law (e.g. serious threat of harm to self or specifically identified others, court order, child or dependent adult abuse and/or neglect).

Mental Health Resources at NIU
  • Counseling and Consultation Services (CCS)
    • 815-753-1206
    • Services Included:
      • Individual and group therapy
      • Student/faculty/staff consultations
      • Outreach presentations and programs on mental health topics
      • Crisis sessions
      • Specialized services for substance use support
      • Eating and body image support
      • Anger intervention group
      • Advocacy services for those who have been impacted by sexual assault, domestic violence, or stalking.
  • Mental Health Emergencies
  • Suicide Prevention Hotlines
    • 988 – Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
    • (800) 273-8255- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  • Togetherall
    • Anonymous peer to peer support network
  • NIU Athletics Mental Health Emergency Action Plan

To schedule an appointment with NIU Counseling Services, please email athleticscounseling@niu.edu

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