Elevating Student-Athlete Wellbeing: Discover Ferris State Athletics’ Comprehensive Mental Health Partnership

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — Ferris State University is stepping up its game by providing student-athletes with tailored mental health support through a new partnership.

The university has teamed up with Onrise, a healthcare firm from Knoxville, Tennessee. This collaboration aims to boost the mental well-being of student-athletes, which is becoming an essential part of successful athletic programs.

“This is a smart investment for our student-athletes,” said Athletics Director Steve Brockelbank. “Supporting mental health is as crucial as building physical strength.” Onrise has shown impressive results with professional athletes, and Ferris State is ready to offer the same kind of support to its students.

With the professionalization of college sports, schools are realizing that they need robust support systems. Onrise highlights that around 20% of elite athletes face mental health issues, making these services essential rather than optional.

“Ferris State is ahead of the curve,” said Kim Quigley, CEO and Co-Founder of Onrise. “Just like they invest in top-notch facilities, they’re now committing to advanced mental health support.”

Every student-athlete at Ferris State, from the seven men’s teams to the nine women’s teams, will have access to a variety of services. This includes peer support from retired athletes, licensed therapy, psychiatric care, nutrition counseling, and sports performance guidance. All these services will be provided through a secure platform designed specifically for athletes.

To make it easier for student-athletes to seek help, the program offers flexible scheduling, including after-hours and offseason support. Onrise has noted a staggering 160% increase in service usage each year across its clients. Their unique peer support model—featuring trained retired athletes—has been effective in changing the stigma around mental health, encouraging athletes to seek help when they need it.

This partnership reflects a broader trend in higher education, where athletic departments are increasingly adopting professional-grade structures to ensure their student-athletes thrive both in their sport and personal lives.

With mental wellness taking center stage in sports today, Ferris State is paving the way for a future where student-athletes receive the support they truly need.

Source link