New mental health training requirement for athletic coaches

9/18/2023

Effective Oct. 3, 2023, Ohio law requires all athletic coaches to complete a student mental health training course approved by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

The new training requirement will help coaches recognize risk factors, signs of suicidal ideation and symptoms of common mental health disorders and learn strategies to support youth experiencing mental health concerns.

Individuals can access more information about the requirement on the Department’s coaching permits webpage. Athletic coaches can access the approved trainings through the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services webpage.

Contact MHCoachesTraining@mha.ohio.gov for questions regarding approved training programs and educator.licensure@education.ohio.gov for questions related to licensure.