Two key players who are part of the mental health initiatives at the NBPA are Derek Anderson, a retired NBA player and "mental health counselor." And Michael Grinnell, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Player Wellness Counselor. Grinnell stresses that the program serves as a pillar of support and extension of the players’ community during multiple transitions… prioritizing their overall wellbeing.
The Mental Health and Wellness Program has developed a Directory of Mental Health Service Providers, which includes over 200 licensed clinicians who are vetted by, the NBPA. This directory covers all cities with an NBA team, providing players with access to reputable mental health professionals. The organization has also extended its reach through larger conversations, such as the Global Summit of Mental Health in Elite Athletes.
Since the summit… there have been continued efforts to promote mental health awareness and collaborate with other professional player associations. Dr. Parham emphasizes that the ultimate goal of the program is: to put the person first and the player second. This approach is reflected in the work of Derek Anderson, who has used his own mental health journey to provide support to his peers.
Anderson’s story, which includes finding his abandoned parents at the age of 12, “highlights the transformative power of providing support to players.” According to Anderson, the NBPA’s Mental Health Program has and is helping players have better careers and healthy ___s off the court (Source: Forbes). The organization’s dedication to mental health support is a model for other professional sports leagues, “and its impact is likely to be, felt for years to come.”
National Basketball Players Association Prioritizes Athlete Well-Being
• The NBPA has developed a Directory of Mental Health Service Providers, which includes over 200 licensed clinicians covering all NBA team cities. This directory is designed to help players access reputable mental health professionals. 2. The Mental Health and Wellness Program has four major pillars, one of which is holding larger conversations, such as the Global Summit of Mental Health in Elite Athletes. This summit has led to continued campaigns to promote mental health awareness and collaboration with other professional player associations. 3. The program’s goal is to prioritize the individual’s wellbeing over their athletic career, with Dr. Parham stating that the focus is on the “person as primary and the player as secondary.” 4. Derek Anderson’s personal mental health journey, which included finding his abandoned parents at a young age, is an example of the transformative power of providing support to players. He has been involved with the NBPA’s mental health initiatives since 2021 and believes that the program has helped players have better careers and healthy lives off the court.
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What time is the Cedric Doumbe vs. Derek Anderson fight tonight?
His first fight was supposed to be against Derek Anderson. But he was forced to pull out of the contest after picking up a foot injury, and Willis has replaced him for the welterweight contest.
The event will begin at 5 p.m. CET / 4 p.m. UK / 11 a.m. ET, the cagewalks for Doumbe vs. Willis have not been confirmed at the time of writing.
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