OUR MISSION
The mission of the Office of Mental Health and Wellness is to provide support, assistance, interventions and resources to Longwood student-athletes and athletics staff to contribute to an overall sense of wellbeing.
STAFF
Hannah Ledger, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Mental Health and Wellness
Student-Athlete Individual Goals
- Recognize signs/symptoms of mental illness
- Emotional development
- Healthy social skills
- Academic success
- Mental toughness
Coach/Staff Goals
- Recognize signs/symptoms of mental illness
- Recognize changes in mental health
- Healthy and supportive team culture
- Active listening
Team Goals
- Recognize signs/symptoms of mental illness
- Welcoming atmosphere for all teammates
- Accountability
- Healthy Competition
- Open Communication
Counseling Services
- Individual counseling services (by appointment)
- Workshops/ Educational Presentations
- Team counseling/ education / activities
- Sports and performance-based counseling (by appointment)
Group Therapy/Skills Groups
Sessions offered throughout the year on a rotating basis. Topics may include but are not limited to:
- General Anxiety
- Depression
- Performance Anxiety
- Study Skills
- Mindfulness
Stressors Unique to the Student-Athlete Experience
- Balancing demands of athletics and academics
- Demanding training/ practice schedules
- Competitive stress
- Injuries
- Team dynamics/competition
- Relationship with coach
- Frequent travel
- Overtraining/burnout
- Managing transition out of college athletics
What to Expect from Counseling
Counseling is free of charge to all Longwood student-athletes. Initial appointments will last about an hour and include completing intake paperwork, history, and setting goals and expectations for counseling. Follow-up appointments will take about 45 minutes and will focus on discussing goals, strategies and concerns, and finding healthy ways to process emotions.
If it is determined that more specialized or long-term treatment is needed, a referral to an external resource may be necessary. This could include a long-term provider, inpatient treatment, substance abuse treatment, treatment for an eating disorder, or other psychiatric consultation and care.
Schedule an Appointment
Call or text Senior Associate Athletics Director for Mental Health and Wellness, Hannah Ledger, for an appointment at 804.516.7735
Educational Resources
Additional Resources
On Campus
- Counseling and Psychological Services (434.395.2409)
- Longwood University Police Department (434.395.2612); Emergency (434.395.2091)
- Residential and Commuter Life (434.395.2080) or your Residential and Commuter Life Staff
- Student Conduct and Integrity (434.395.2490)
Off Campus
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Call or Text 988)
988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help individuals (or those concerned about others) experiencing mental health-related stress including, but not limited to suicide mental health or substance us crisis. Frequently asked questions are available at samhsa.gov.
- Crossroads Mental Health Service (434.392.3187); 24-hour Emergency (1.800.548.1688)
- Narcotics Anonymous Central Atlantic Region (1.800.777.1515)
- Substance Abuse and Health Services Administration (1.800.662.HELP or 1.877.SAMHSA7)
- National Institute of Health's HIV Hotline (1.800.HIV.0440)
- National STD Hotline (1.800.227.8922)
- Virginia STD Hotline (1.800.533.4148)
