Binghamton University Athletics

The Binghamton University Division of Athletics partners with the University Counseling Center to offer a variety of mental health and mental performance services to student-athletes. Bearcat student-athletes can access free, confidential appointments from the University Counseling Center’s large staff, or request to meet with the Athletics Specialist, a Senior Counselor located primarily in the Events Center. Our mission is to support the mental health and performance of student-athletes by fostering a culture that destigmatizes help-seeking, promotes growth and resilience, and empowers athletes to thrive both personally and competitively.

Let's Talk
Visit Let’s Talk for drop-in counseling. No appointment or paperwork required.
Sports Medicine Room G26E Mondays & Thursdays from 12 – 1 p.m.

Mental Health Crises
Same-Day Urgent Appointments Student-athletes experiencing a mental health crisis may request a same-day urgent appointment from the University Counseling Center (UCC) Monday through Friday by calling 607-777-2772.

After-Hours Phone Counseling
Student-athletes in distress (or concerned about a student in distress) during evenings, weekends, or holidays may call the UCC’s after-hours phone counseling line at 607-777-2772 + 2.

Life-Threatening Emergencies
Contact University Police 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 607-777-2222, or 911 from any campus phone.

Help Lines
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) Hotline – Call 1-800-604-5841
Child Abuse Hotline – Call 1-800-422-4453 or text GO to 800-422-4453
Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788
Graduate Student Crisis Line – Call 1-877-GRAD-HLP (472-3457)
LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Hotline – Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
Native American Crisis Line – Text SUPPORT to 33464
Problem Gambling Helpline – Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (697-3738)
Sexual Assault Hotline – Call 1-800-HOPE (4673) or text HOPE to 64673
Students of Color Text Line – Text STEVE to 741741
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (English & Spanish) – Call or text 988
Trans Lifeline – Call 877-565-8860
Veterans Suicide Hotline – Call 988 + press 1 or text 838255
Substance Abuse & Addiction Hotline – Call 1-844-289-0879

Appointments

Senior Counselor, Athletics Specialist
The Senior Counselor, Athletics Specialist is located in the Events Center to offer easily accessible services to Bearcat student-athletes. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), Megan supports student-athletes’ mental wellness goals through counseling and sport psychology appointments.



   Megan Gossfeld-Schmid, LMHC, CMPC
   mgossfeld@binghamton.edu
   607-777-2772 EC212

   Request an Appointment
   There are several ways Binghamton student-athletes can request an appointment:
   1. Send Megan an email at mgossfeld@binghamton.edu. You will be directed to the secure health portal for all future communications.
   2. Call the University Counseling Center at 607-777- 2772 to request an Initial Consultation with the athletics counselor.
   3. Visit Let’s Talk drop-in counseling Mondays & Thursdays from 12 – 1 pm in Sports Medicine.
   4. Ask a coach, athletics administrator, athletic trainer, or academic counselor for assistance requesting an appointment.



Mental Health Counseling
Mental health counseling improves an individual’s wellbeing by addressing concerns including but not limited to:
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Sexuality
• Depression
• Grief and loss
• Substance use
• Traumatic events
• Disordered eating
• Body image concerns
• Identity development
• Relationship concerns
• Adjusting to life changes

Sport Psychology
Sport psychology aims to improve sport performance by training mental skills such as:
• Focus
• Attitude
• Imagery
• Motivation
• Confidence
• Mindfulness
• Communication
• Energy regulation
• Injury rehabilitation
• Handling mistakes or failure
• Performance anxiety (choking, yips, blocks)

University Counseling Center
In addition to the Senior Counselor, Athletics Specialist, Binghamton student-athletes also have access to services from the University Counseling Center. Contact the University Counseling Center to discuss which UCC services may be most appropriate, including but not limited to:
• Individual counseling
• Group counseling
• Treatment coordination
• Same-day urgent appointment

Coach and Staff Support

Team Sport Psychology Workshops
Binghamton coaches may request sport psychology workshops for their teams on a variety of sport psychology topics including but not limited to:
• Focus
• Attitude
• Imagery
• Motivation
• Confidence
• Mindfulness
• Communication
• Energy regulation
• Handling mistakes or failure
• Performance anxiety (choking, yips, blocks)

To request a team workshop, coaches may email the Senior Counselor, Athletics Specialist at mgossfeld@binghamton.edu.

Staff Well-Being
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – NYS EAP is available 24/7/365: Call 1-800-822-0244
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (English & Spanish) – Call or text 988

How to Support Student-Athletes in Distress

Staff Consultations
Binghamton athletics staff may request a consultation to receive professional guidance and information on issue of concern related to student-athletes’ mental wellness. To schedule a consultation, staff may call the University Counseling Center at 607-777-2772 or email the Senior Counselor, Athletics Specialist at mgossfeld@binghamton.edu.

Ways to Refer Student-Athletes for Counseling & Sport Psychology
• Encourage the student-athlete to email the Senior Counselor, Athletics Specialist at mgossfeld@binghamton.edu. They will be directed to the secure health portal for all future communications.
• Encourage the student-athlete to call the University Counseling Center at 607-777-2772 to request an Initial Consultation with the athletics counselor.
• Encourage the student-athlete to visit Let’s Talk drop-in counseling on Mondays and Thursdays from 12 – 1 pm in Sports Medicine.
• For additional assistance referring a student-athlete for services, contact the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine & Performance.

Binghamton Athletics Mental Health Management Guide
The Mental Health Management Guide provides athletics staff with step-by-step instructions for supporting student-athletes in distress.




















Injury Support Squad

Are you an injured student-athlete? Join the Injury Support Squad!
• Open to student-athletes at any stage of injury recovery.
• Provides peer connection and encouragement.
• Teaches psychological strategies for recovery and returning to sport.

Ways to join the Injury Support Squad
1. Email the Senior Counselor, Athletics Specialist at mgossfeld@binghamton.edu. You will be directed to the secure health portal for all future communications.
2. Call the University Counseling Center at 607-777-2772 to request a group screening appointment with the athletics counselor.
3. Visit Let’s Talk drop-in counseling Mondays & Thursdays from 12 – 1 pm in Sports Medicine.

Student-Athlete Mental Health Committee
This student-athlete-led committee organizes mental wellness events for the Athletics Division, raises awareness about mental health resources on campus, and provides an open line of communication between student-athletes and Athletics staff on mental health and well-being initiatives.

The committee coordinates the following events for student-athletes:
• De-stress events
• Group discussions
• Wellness workshops
• Mental health tabling

Follow the Student-Athlete Mental Health and Well-Being Committee on Instagram @samhbing.

Are you a Binghamton student-athlete who is passionate about mental health and well-being? Email the Senior Counselor, Athletics Specialist if you would like to join the committee email list for upcoming committee meetings and events (mgossfeld@binghamton.edu).

Resources for Student-Athletes

Mental Health

Binghamton University Resources
University Counseling Center
Psychiatry Services
Psychological Clinic
Residential Life Student Support Staff
Mental Health Advocate (MHA) Training
Support, Empathy, Empowerment, Kindness (SEEK) Peer Support Network

Division of Athletics Resources Counseling & Sport Psychology [create URL]
Student-Athlete Mental Health & Well-Being Committee [create URL]
Let’s Talk Drop-In Counseling

Online Resources
America East Commitment to Mental Health
Anxiety – NCAA Fact Sheet
Depression – NCAA Fact Sheet
Suicide Prevention – NCAA Fact Sheet
Destigmatizing Language – NCAA Fact Sheet
SUNY Mental Health Resource Finder

Crisis Resources

Binghamton University Resources
Life-Threatening Emergencies – Binghamton University Police: 607-777-2222 or 911 from a campus phone
Same-Day Urgent Appointments – Binghamton University Counseling Center: 607-777-2772
After-Hours Phone Counseling – Binghamton University Counseling Center: 607-777-2772 + 2
Harpur’s Ferry Volunteer Ambulance Squad – Call 607-777-3333

Local Resources
UHS Binghamton General Hospital Crisis Center – Call 607-762-2302

Help Lines
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) Hotline – Call 1-800-604-5841
Graduate Student Crisis Line – Call 1-877-GRAD-HLP (472-3457)
LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Hotline – Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
Native American Crisis Line – Text SUPPORT to 33464
Students of Color Text Line – Text STEVE to 741741
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (English & Spanish) – Call or text 988
Trans Lifeline – Call 877-565-8860
Veterans Suicide Hotline – Call 988 + press 1 or text 838255

Sport Psychology

Books
Atomic Habits – James Clear
Beyond Grit: Ten Powerful Practices to Gain the High-Performance Edge – Cindra Kamphoff, Ph.D.
Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why it Matters, and How to Harness It – Ethan Kross
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance – Angela Duckworth
Hanging Up the Jersey: A Guide for Athletes Transitioning Out of Sport – Caitlin Broadwell
Mind Gym: An Athlete’s Guide to Inner Excellence – Gary Mack
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – Carol S. Dweck
Peak Performance: Elevate Your Game, Avoid Burnout, and Thrive with the New Science of Success – Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness
Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries – Carrie Jackson and Cindy Kuzma
The Brave Athlete: Calm the F*ck Down and Rise to the Occasion – Lesley Paterson and Simon Marshall
The Champion’s Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, and Thrive – Jim Afremow, Ph.D.
The Inner Game of Golf – Timothy Gallwey
The Inner Game of Tennis – Timothy Gallwey
The Mental ABCs of Pitching: A Handbook for Performance Enhancement – H.A. Dorfman
The Mental Game of Golf: A Guide to Peak Performance – Patrick Cohn, Ph.D.
The Mental Keys to Hitting: A Handbook of Strategies for Performance Enhancement – H.A. Dorfman
The Mindful Athlete: Secrets to Pure Performance for Everyone – George Mumford
Unlocked: Embrace Your Greatness, Find the Flow, Discover Success – George Mumford

Podcasts
Eighty Percent Mental – Dr. Pete Olusoga
Finding Mastery – Dr. Michael Gervais
High Performance Mindset – Cindra Kamphoff, Ph.D.
Mental Training Lab – Dr. Pete Kadushin
Perform Happy – Rebecca Smith
Sport Psychology Hour – Dr. Andrew Jacobs
The Injured Athletes Club – Carrie Jackson
The Sport Psych Show – Dan Abrahams
The Sport Psychology Podcast – Dr. Patrick Cohn

Meditation Videos
5-Minute Meditation You Can Do Anywhere – Goodful
5-Minute Wind-Down Meditation for Sleep and Calm – Headspace
6-Minute Self-Compassion Meditation for Stress and Burnout – Dr. Kristen Neff
7-Minute Progressive Muscle Relaxation to Relieve Tension – Headspace
10-Minute Body Scan Meditation to Relax and Sleep – Headspace
10-Minute Leaves on a Stream Meditation – Milk & Honey Mental Health
12-Minute Meditation: Breath as an Anchor – U of M Center for Spirituality & Healing
20-Minute Loving-Kindness Meditation – Dr. Kristen Neff

Physical Wellness

Binghamton University Resources
Decker Student Health Services Center
Sexual Health Services
Safer Sex, Menstrual Care, and Drug Testing Supplies
B-Healthy – Health Campus Initiative (HCI)

Binghamton Athletics
Sports Medicine
Strength & Conditioning

Online Sleep Resources
Sleep - USOPC
Sleep for Collegiate Athletics – NCAA Fact Sheet

Nutrition & Disordered Eating

Binghamton University Resources
Eating Disorder Screening and Education
Nutrition Counseling Local Resources Upstate New York Eating Disorder Service

Online Resources
Eating Disorders – NCAA Fact Sheet
Eating Frequency – NCAA Fact Sheet
Energy Availability – NCAA Fact Sheet
Orthorexia Nervosa – NCAA Fact Sheet
Understanding Dietary Supplements – NCAA Fact Sheet

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

Binghamton University Resources
Campus Recovery Support Group (CRSG)
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) Program
Drug Testing Supply Kit

Help Lines
Substance Abuse & Addiction Hotline – Call 1-844-289-0879
Binghamton Alcoholics Anonymous – Call 607-722-5983

Local Recovery Resources
The Addiction Center of Broome County
Helio Health
New Horizons
Voices Recovery Center

Online Resources
Substance Misuse – NCAA Fact Sheet
Drug-Testing – NCAA Fact Sheet
Cannabis – NCAA Fact Sheet

Problem Gambling

Help Lines
Problem Gambling Helpline – Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (697-3738)

Online Resources
Problem Gambling – NCAA Fact Sheet
Sports Betting – NCAA Fact Sheet
Finger Lakes Problem Gambling Resource Center – Call 1-877-846-7369
Draw the Line: NCAA Campaign Against Sports Betting Abuse & Harassment

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Binghamton University Resources
Multicultural Resource Center (MRC)
Office of Equity and Access
Q-Center – LQBTQ Center
UDiversity Educational Institute
Title IX
Bias Incident Report

Binghamton Athletics
Student-Athletes of Color for Success (SACS)

America East Conference Resources
Spread Respect Initiative
Social Justice Toolkit

Online Resources
Black Emotional and Mental Health (BEAM) Collective
LGBTQIA+ Terminology and Definitions – NCAA Fact Sheet
Athlete Ally
You Can Play
National Center for LGBTQ Rights

Interpersonal Violence

Binghamton University Resources
Violence, Abuse, and Rape Crisis Center (VARCC)
Title IX
Anonymous Sexual Assault Reporting Form

Help Lines
Child Abuse Hotline – Call 1-800-422-4453 or text GO to 800-422-4453
New York State Child Abuse Reporting Hotline – Call 1-800-342-3740
Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788
Sexual Assault Hotline – Call 1-800-HOPE (4673) or text HOPE to 64673

Local Resources
Rise Domestic Violence Shelter & Advocacy – Call 607-754-4340

Online Resources
Crime Victims Assistance Center – Call 607-722-4256 Stalking Awareness & Resources

Student Support

Binghamton University Resources
Binghamton Support Network
Consultation, Advocacy, Referral, and Education (CARE) Team
Financial Literacy Program
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
Student Success Coaching