BetterHelp is partnering with college basketball superstars to raise critical mental health awareness
Today, BetterHelp announced that it will “Stop the Madness” this month in a powerful stand against online harassment. Alongside three college basketball superstars – Kiki Rice, Zoe Brooks, and Chance Gray – the world’s largest online therapy platform is raising critical awareness for student-athletes facing an invisible opponent: devastating online abuse. With the rise in sports betting, athletes are receiving an increased amount of blame on social media for betting outcomes.
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Beginning today, BetterHelp will provide any student-athlete who visits StopTheMadness.org a free month of therapy. While one in five collegiate athletes reports experiencing mental health concerns, fewer than half of those student-athletes seek support1. Prioritizing mental health should be as important for athletes as practicing their jump shots.
The Reality of the Student-Athlete Experience
BetterHelp will “Stop the Madness” to reinforce that psychological health is as vital as on-the-court performance. According to a recent study2:
- 1 in 3 high-profile collegiate athletes receive abusive online messages.
- Nearly 72,000 harmful comments towards collegiate athletes were flagged during last year's tournament.
- Female athletes in college experience three times more online threats than male athletes.
"Mental health is not a sideline issue—it is the entire game," said Fernando Madeira, president and CEO of BetterHelp. "We are breaking down the barriers that keep athletes from seeking help, transforming mental health support from a whispered conversation to a powerful statement of courage and hope."
Visible Commitment to Change
Zoe Brooks, Kiki Rice, and Chance Gray will wear jackets featuring StopTheMadness.org to inspire open dialogue around mental health for their peers and teammates this month.
“As athletes, we’re trained to handle pressure—and not just during the game. It follows us off the court and everywhere we go,” said KiKi Rice. “Without the right support, it can really take a toll. So, if you’re a student-athlete—or you know one—remember help is out there. And asking for it is one of the strongest things you can do.”
Help for All Student-Athletes
It's time to Stop the Madness. For more information and to register for a free month of therapy, student-athletes can visit StopTheMadness.org.
About BetterHelp:
Founded in 2013, BetterHelp aims to remove traditional barriers to therapy and make mental health care accessible to everyone. As the world's largest online therapy service, BetterHelp provides professional, affordable, and tailored therapy in a convenient online format. With a network of 35,000 licensed therapists, BetterHelp has helped millions worldwide take control of their mental health and achieve personal goals. Committed to expanding access to therapy globally, BetterHelp continues to address the unmet need for mental health services.
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References:
1. Yoon, Julian Jehoon, and Trent Petrie. “Barriers and Facilitators of College Athletes Seeking Mental Health Services.” Journal of Athletic Training, vol. 58, no. 9, 19 Apr. 2023, https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0559.22.
2. NCAA.org. (2024, May 17). NCAA Launches Ground-Breaking Initiative to Study and Understand Online Abuse in College Sports. https://www.ncaa.org/news/2023/12/11/media-center-ncaa-launches-ground-breaking-initiative-to-study-and-understand-online-abuse-in-college-sports.aspx.
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