National Basketball Players Association puts player health first

Professional basketball players face unique stresses while operating in a high-pressure environment like the NBA, which has led to increased requests for mental health resources in recent years. The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), the players' union founded in 1954, developed a mental health program in 2018 in response to the growing number of elite athletes struggling with mental health issues. It's important to distinguish between the NBA, the league's governing body that oversees the business side of the sport, and the NBPA.

In response to the growing demand for athletes' mental health services, the NBPA has hired Dr. William D. Parham, ABPP, as director of its Mental Health and Wellness Programs. Derek Anderson, a retired NBA player and NBPA mental health counselor, and Michael Grinnell, a licensed clinical social worker and player wellness counselor, have also joined the NBPA's mental health initiatives. “Our programs are focused on maintaining the health and wellbeing of our players and being an extended pillar of support and community during various transitions,” Grinnell said.

Under Dr. Parham's leadership, the Mental Health and Wellness Program developed four main pillars, all of which are active today. The first component is a directory of mental health service providers, including psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers. The NBPA vets these licensed mental health professionals and the directory lists over 200 clinicians. The directory covers every city with an NBA team.

The second component is a mental health literacy portal, a password-protected portion of the NBPA's website with nearly 100 links to various mental health resources offering additional education. “Mental health is a continuum, and our goal at the NBPA is not to lump people into a category of mentally healthy or not, but to think about where you fit on the continuum. We're trying to reframe mental health as mental enrichment, and we apply that analogy to our players,” says Dr. Parham.

The third component is the Rookie Transition Program, where mental health and wellness clinicians bring rookies together to learn about NBA life. One component is mental wellness. “We provide mental health education programs for young players and their parents at various national camps, and we meet with rookies in the transition to the NBA through our Rookie Transition Program,” says Grinnell. Anderson emphasizes that many NBA players are afraid to express their feelings and end up suppressing negative emotions, which then affect them later in life. “Now we can share with others how to be the best version of ourselves without feeling embarrassed or judged. The NBPA's mental health program is a place of peace of mind,” says Anderson.

Finally, the NBPA is expanding its influence through hosting larger conversations, such as the Global Summit on Mental Health in Elite Athletes. Since the summit, there have been ongoing campaigns to raise awareness of mental health and partner with other professional players' associations. When asked about the goals of these programs, Dr. Parham said, “We really wanted to communicate that we're interested in the individual first and the player secondarily.”

The NBPA's Mental Health & Wellness Program is making a positive impact on players' lives. “We're spreading awareness that mental health is just as important as physical health, reducing the stigma around seeking help and receiving therapy, and helping players feel safe and supported through our program,” says Grinnell. Several players have requested services through the NBPA's program and have provided positive feedback about their experience. Dr. Parham says there has been a noticeable increase in inquiries from agents, security guards and staff seeking information about the NBPA's Mental Health & Wellness Program.

Anderson's mental health journey began when he found his parents after they left him in their apartment just before he turned 12. His story highlights the transformative power of offering support to players, which he began doing himself in his role with the NBPA in 2021. “The NBPA's mental health programs have and will continue to help players lead better careers and healthier lives off the court,” Anderson says.

Dr. Parham, Dr. Anderson and Dr. Grinnell have worked diligently to ensure that players not only have access to these mental health services, but also receive education to learn more about the mental health and performance continuum. The NBPA's Mental Health & Wellness Program is a major step forward in professional sports and demonstrates the impact mental health treatment can have on players and the broader community. Dr. Parham aptly stated, “When you invest in the mental health and wellness of your players, everyone benefits.”