University of Northern Colorado Athletics
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The Bears Sport Psychology and UNC Counseling Center provides individual counseling, performance enhancement /psychological skills training, psychological rehabilitation from injury, and consultation with coaching, medical, training, and administrative staff of UNC athletics. Team interventions are also available when requested.Â
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Varsity student-athletes experience many peaks and valleys during their college career. We typically associate sports with inherent enjoyment, excitement, and prestige, yet there are also unique pressures facing student-athletes. Examples of these pressures include but are not limited to managing a rigorous schedule filled with classes and practices, traveling to competitions, dealing with injuries, being a highly visible member of the university community, among others. In addition to these unique challenges, student-athletes might also struggle with the mental stressors common to other college students. Anxiety, depression, social issues, relationship concerns, and difficulty adjusting are just some of the concerns that can negatively impact performance in sport, school, and life. Many student-athletes can and do learn to cope effectively with these pressures on their own or with support from family, teammates, coaches, and friends. However, it is becoming increasingly more common for multiple demands to exceed athletes' ability to cope. Meeting with a qualified counselor, therapist or psychologist can help them get back to feeling more in control of their lives and able to navigate the varied challenges they face as high-achieving student-athletes and young adults.
Confidentiality
Information disclosed in individual counseling sessions is confidential, meaning that it stays between only the student-athlete and the therapist. Information will be released only with the expressed written consent of the student-athlete (i.e., a signed release of information indicating who has access to information) or in instances where disclosure is required by law (e.g. threat of harm to self/others, court order, abuse of children, elders, or incapacitated adults).
Contact Information
The Bears Sport Psychology and Counseling Center staff (Eddie Boyer, LMFT) has an office in Butler-Hancock Room 260 on the second floor near the Sport Exercise Science department. Additionally, staff has offices in the University Counseling Center, located in Cassidy Hall on the 2nd floor. To schedule a confidential appointment or to learn more information about our services, please call 970-351-2496, email eddie.boyer@unco.edu, or talk with your Athletic Trainer.
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What to Expect
The initial appointment typically lasts about an hour and includes time for discussing current concerns, relevant history, and goals. Follow-up sessions can last 25 minutes, or 50 minutes depending on presenting concern and goals/treatment plan and occur once every week or two. Student-athletes are encouraged to provide feedback to sport psychology staff and work collaboratively to make sure that individual services are meeting their needs. All sessions are free of charge for student athletes.
Helpful Links:
Sports Psyc and Counseling Intake Paperwork Link
Mental Health & Well-Being Resources
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Emergency Resources
UNC Counseling Center Drop-in Emergency Appointments between 9am-12pm and 1-5pm. 2nd Floor Cassidy Hall (970-351-2496)
After Hours Crisis Resources
24/7 Crisis Counselor: 970-351-2496
Medical or Police Emergencies:Â 911
UNC Police:Â 970-351-2245
North Range Behavioral Health Emergency Line:Â 970-347-2120
Assault Survivor Advocacy Program (ASAP) Hotline:Â 970-351-4040
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:Â 1-800-273-8255
Colorado Domestic Violence Hotline:Â 1-800-778-7091
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN):Â 1-800-656-HOPE
Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386 (LGTBQ+/Youth Crisis Resources)
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