Inter-association recommendations for developing a plan to recognize and refer student-athletes with psychological concerns at the collegiate level: an executive summary of a consensus statement.

The growing prevalence in the types, severity, and percentage of mental illnesses in young adults ages 18 to 25 years, the age group of college students and studentathletes, is being recognized. Given the National Collegiate Athletic Association student-athlete participation rates of more than 450 000 in 2011–2012, the probability of encountering 1 or more student-athletes with psychological concerns within an athletic department is a certainty. Because providing direct psychological care to the student-athlete is outside the scope of practice for the certified athletic trainer (AT), we offer recommendations to assist the AT, in collaboration with the athletic department and institutional administration, in developing a plan to address psychological concerns in student-athletes.