Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about mental health support for athletes.
How do I know if I need mental health support?
If you are experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress that impact your daily life, performance, or relationships—it is worth reaching out. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from support.
Is what I share with a therapist confidential?
Yes, all sessions with licensed clinicians are completely confidential. The only exceptions are if there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, which therapists are legally required to address.
How is Onrise different from campus counseling?
Onrise is built specifically for athletes, with peer support from those who understand sports culture, same-day or next-day access, and 24/7 crisis support. Campus counseling centers typically have 2–6 week wait times and generalist providers who are not trained in sport culture or performance psychology. Onrise supplements, not replaces, campus counseling.
Can my coach see what I talk about?
Absolutely not. Your conversations are completely confidential unless you choose to share information. Coaches and athletic staff have no access to your sessions or personal information.
What if I need help outside of business hours?
Onrise provides 24/7/365 crisis support through real humans. Not bots. Whether it is 2am during a road trip or over a holiday weekend, you can reach a licensed crisis counselor any time.
How much does Onrise cost for athletes?
If your school or organization partners with Onrise, the service is provided at no cost to you. All sessions, crisis support, and peer conversations are included.
Do I need a referral to use Onrise?
No referral needed. Once your organization partners with Onrise, you can access support directly through the platform whenever you need it.
What if I prefer in-person therapy?
Onrise works seamlessly with in-person providers. We can supplement your existing care or help connect you to local resources when face-to-face support is preferred.
Does Onrise support NCAA compliance requirements?
Yes. Onrise is aligned with all four NCAA mental health best practices — screening, education, referral pathways, and crisis intervention. Athletic departments use Onrise to meet compliance requirements while actually engaging athletes in care, not just checking boxes.
What is clinician-backed peer support?
Clinician-backed peer support means athlete peer mentors — retired professional and college athletes — are trained, supervised, and supported by licensed mental health clinicians. It is the first step most athletes will actually take, because they are talking to someone who has lived the same experience.
Is Onrise available for NAIA and non-D1 programs?
Yes. Onrise serves professional leagues, NCAA programs at all divisions (D1, D2, D3), NAIA institutions, elite youth academies, and high school programs. Pricing is per-athlete, so smaller programs pay proportionally less.
How does Onrise handle injury-related mental health?
Injury is one of the most psychologically challenging events an athlete can face — it threatens identity, scholarship, and performance. Onrise clinicians are trained in injury psychology and help athletes navigate recovery, fear of re-injury, and the emotional toll of time away from sport.
Can Onrise help with sports performance and not just mental illness?
Absolutely. Onrise offers dedicated sports performance mental training — helping athletes build confidence, sharpen focus, develop pre-competition routines, and manage performance anxiety. You do not need a clinical diagnosis to benefit from performance psychology.
How long does it take to get set up?
Most organizations are live within 2–4 weeks of signing. Onrise handles onboarding, provides launch materials including QR codes and flyers, trains your staff, and supports your first athlete communications.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help. Book a call to discuss your specific needs.