S. A. F. E. - D.

Our young athletes often face pressure to perform in the game that can be extremely challenging for a person’s mental well-being. Additionally, they must tend to the pressure of maintaining classwork and acceptable grades while also devoting time, energy, and consistent efforts to practices and games. Student-athletes find themselves needing to grapple with injuries taking them out of the game they love to play, pressure to deliver in high-stakes moments that may decide their team’s fate, the stress of trying to stay in top physical shape, and much more. These compounding pressures may manifest as low self-esteem, stress, burnout, depression, anxiety, eating or sleeping disorders. If an athlete gets hurt, they receive care, attention, and time to heal. But what happens when those injuries are invisible? Facing failure as a student-athlete, whether through team or individual competition, can bring about discouragement, negative self-talk, and fear of losing out on future opportunities to succeed as an athlete in school, or beyond graduation for those who aspire for the pros.

Davis Therapeutic Services, LLC has developed a positive and effective therapeutic program that nurtures student-athlete mental health and wellness. S.A.F.E. – D. is a program that was created to ‘Support Athletes Facing Emotional Distress’ before, during, and after competitive events. Sports can bring out the best and worst in student athletes. S.A.F.E. – D. aims to maximize the best outcomes and eliminate the worst outcomes. To accomplish this goal, DTS, LLC staff will work with the school officials to create a safe, supportive, and empowering space for athletes to focus on their mental well-being.