Coordinated care: How Iowa State Athletics has prioritized mental health during COVID-19

.....Serving as Iowa State Athletics` mental health and educational enrichment coordinator, Blair has over six years of clinical experience along with a Master of Science degree in mental health counseling from Drake University. 

Blair`s focus has always been driven by developing a network of care for student athletes.

The care that Blair and the rest of the Iowa State sports medicine team provide is treated like a conversation and a connection with each athlete, not an interrogation to find out what could be bothering an athlete.

And with all of the sports at Iowa State having to adjust to new struggles and setbacks over the last academic year, Blair has made it her mission to be available at a time when athletes have needed it most.

“Being authentically available is always a priority for me," Blair said. 

It starts with a unique approach of specialized, individually tailored mental health services coming together in what Iowa State staff calls coordinated care...... 

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Bethany`s Notes: This is a great approach to mental health...I love this coordinated care model as every student needs someone different. Some need to see a therapist, some need a break from sport, some need a shift in mindset. This care makes each athlete an individual and they are treated for their need specifically.