United in Play
We believe that every child deserves the chance to play, grow and thrive - as sports and play have a demonstrable positive impact on youth mental health. We partner with recreational programs to ensure all kids have access and that coaches have mental health resources to support their teams. Together, we're united in play.
Eliminating Financial Barriers to Play
We build partnerships with schools and corporations to ensure all kids have the resources they need to thrive in school. From providing school supplies to eliminating school lunch debt, ensuring kids have access to vaccines and health screenings, we are committed to ensuring that kids can start school strong.
Supporting Mental Health on/off the field & court.
Sports play a critical role in youth mental health and yet barriers exist that limit participation. We partner with youth recreational programs address the barriers such as eliminating fees and providing equipment. We partner with coaches to provide critical mental health training and arm them with referrals.
Mental Health Counseling
Young athletes face increasing pressures—from competition and performance expectations to school, relationships, anxiety, depression, and the everyday challenges of growing up. Yet for many families, accessing mental health care isn’t easy. Long waitlists, provider shortages, cost, and transportation barriers often mean young people go without the support they need when they need it most.
Through our partnership with BetterHelp, United in Play is helping remove those barriers by connecting eligible individuals ages 13 and older with free, confidential online therapy from licensed mental health professionals. Whether you’re navigating stress, building resilience, coping with life’s challenges, or simply looking for someone to talk to, support is available from wherever you are.
No young person should have to sit on a waiting list when they’re ready to ask for help. Together, we’re making mental health care more accessible—so every athlete has the opportunity to thrive both on and off the field.
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has described the youth mental health crisis as the “defining public health challenge of our time.” He has emphasized the urgent need to address this issue, noting that “we are living in the middle of a youth mental health crisis.”
1 in 5
youth (ages 13-18) experience a mental health disorder at some point during their life.
44%
of high school students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless.
32%
Anxiety disorders affect nearly 32% of adolescents.
17%
Depression affects about 17% of adolescents.
