MSSU and Freeman Health System continue athlete mental health program

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 10:31 PM

Last updated Aug 23, 2026

Summary

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) and Freeman Health System have made their pilot mental health program for athletes a permanent initiative. Introduced nearly two years ago with Brett Miller embedded in football and volleyball, the program aims to integrate mental wellness within college athletics. Vicky Mieseler from Ozark Center highlighted the unique mental health challenges faced by student-athletes, who are often less likely to seek help. This expansion now includes licensed professional counselor Morgan Christy, enhancing access to critical mental health services for athletes. The initiative positions MSSU as a leader in mental health support within the MIAA and Division II conferences.

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Latest Updates
  • MSSU and Freeman Health System began their partnership nearly two years ago.
  • Brett Miller has been embedded with MSSU athletes since September 2024.
  • The program will expand with the addition of Morgan Christy.
  • Athletics director Rob Mallory noted the importance of mental health services for student-athletes.
  • Research indicates collegiate athletes face mental health challenges at high rates.
Latest Updates
  • 10:31 PMYahoo SportsMSSU, Freeman make pilot mental health program for athletes permanent
What they're saying
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For almost two years, Brett Miller, a performance coach and licensed psychologist with Freeman Health System’s Ozark Center, has been embedded in the football and volleyball programs at Missouri Southern State University. It’s part of a pilot mental health program developed by the two institutions. The results of the pilot program have been good enough that Southern and the Ozark Center ...

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