INDIANAPOLIS — USA Gymnastics is expanding its mental health coverage for athletes and coaches under a new program unveiled Monday.
The organization will help cover eight visits a year to mental health providers for eligible national team members in all disciplines and four visits to mental health providers for eligible coaches under the new program.
“Being able to fund the services that athletes and their coaches can receive in their hometowns, from their preferred providers, is essential to wellness and something we’ve always wanted to do,” said USA Gymnastics President Li Li. Leung, in a statement.
USA Gymnastics will reimburse athletes/coaches up to $125 per visit. Coaches and athletes can use any health care provider they want if the provider has “appropriate training and licensure in sports psychology or mental health.”
The program will be funded in part by the organization’s agreement with GK Elite, which provides training and competition apparel for USA Gymnastics. A portion of the sponsorship agreement with GK Elite is specifically earmarked to cover the costs of mental health care.
Under the previous model, athletes and coaches had access to mental health specialists while attending USA Gymnastics events, such as training camps and meets. The new model expands that access so athletes and coaches are financially covered when they return to their home gyms.
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