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LSU Athletics Sport Psychology & Counseling

Who We Are?

Mission

The Sport Psychology & Counseling (SPC) area is a unit of the Athletic Training Department that is committed to fostering holistic wellness and positive mental health among all student-athletes at LSU in an effort to enhance their lives both during and after intercollegiate athletic participation. SPC provides clinical support, education, and strategic programming to ensure that wellness and mental health are vital components of all departmental services for the social, cultural, academic, and performance interests of all student-athletes. To that end, SPC works closely with the entire Athletic Department, university committees and task forces, and community affinity groups whose charge is to support the overall wellness and mental health of all LSU students, faculty, and staff.

Vision

The core tenants of the Athletic Department and SPC missions provide a strong platform from which to launch a focused vision for education, transformation, and innovation.

Core Values

  • Efficient, Student-Focused Counseling and Performance Services
  • Culturally competent treatment that addresses concerns related but not limited to race & ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation & gender expression, religion & spirituality, and ability.
  • Strategic Wellness Programming & Initiatives
  • Anchored Departmental Outreach
  • Concentrated Mental Health Development & Research Efforts

What We Do

Services Offered

Individual Counseling

Issues may include, but are not limited to:

  • Homesickness
  • Anxiety
  • Depression/Sadness
  • Test Taking & Academic Concerns
  • Culture & Identity Development:
    – Race, Ethnicity, & National Origin
    – Women
    – LGBTQ+
    – Religion & Spirituality
    – Disability & Ability
    – Non-Traditional Student-Athletes
  • Interpersonal Relationship & Dating
  • Low Confidence & Self-Esteem
  • Lack of Motivation
  • Performance Slumps/Distractibility in Competition
  • Substance Use/Drug & Alcohol Education
  • Anger Management
  • Mental Performance & Skills Training

Group Counseling

Specialized Team Building, Mental Performance, & Wellness Plans/Assessments

Clinical Internship Program for Master’s Level Clinical Mental Health & Social Work Students (LSU Only)

Programs, Initiatives, & Resources

Local Mental Health Resources & Support

24-Hour Hotlines

THE PHONE – 24-hour crisis counseling and emotional support for the Greater Baton Rouge Area.
Phone: 225-924-3900 (call or text)

LA Office of Behavioral Health – Mental Health Services
Phone: 866-310-7977

Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response (STAR)
Phone: 855-435-STAR
Email: info@star.ngo

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Phone: 800-273-8255
Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Meet Our Staff

Contacts by LSU Sport

Sport Clinician(s) Contact Info
Baseball Bruce Buggs Contact Bruce
Men’s Basketball Bruce Buggs Contact Bruce
Women’s Basketball Dr. LaKeitha Poole Contact LaKeitha
Beach Volleyball Dr. LaKeitha Poole Contact LaKeitha
Cross Country Bruce Buggs Contact Bruce
Football All Clinicians Contact Us
Men’s Golf Bruce Buggs Contact Bruce
Women’s Golf Christine Sotile Contact Christine
Gymnastics Dr. LaKeitha Poole Contact LaKeitha
Soccer Bruce Buggs Contact Bruce
Softball Christine Sotile Contact Christine
Spirit Squads SPC Interns Contact Us
Swimming & Diving Christine Sotile Contact Christine
Men’s Tennis Christine Sotile Contact Christine
Women’s Tennis Christine Sotile Contact Christine
Track & Field Bruce Buggs Contact Bruce
Volleyball Dr. LaKeitha Poole Contact LaKeitha