September 18, 2025

Ferris State Athletics partnership providing comprehensive mental health services for student-athletes

Ferris State University is providing student-athletes with comprehensive, athlete-specific mental health care through a new partnership.

The university has entered a multi-year relationship with Onrise, Knoxville, Tennessee-based healthcare company that provides services to organizations across the country, to support student-athletes at a time when mental wellness assistance is increasingly recognized as essential to athletic program success and student-athlete wellbeing.

"This is a strategic investment that allows our student-athletes to perform at their highest level both on and off the field," Athletics Director Steve Brockelbank said. "Mental health support has become as essential to athletic programs as strength and conditioning. Onrise has a proven system that has improved outcomes at the professional level, and we're committed to giving our student-athletes that same level of support."

Ferris State's decision comes as collegiate athletics across the nation undergoes unprecedented professionalization, with universities recognizing the need for professional-grade support infrastructure.

Onrise notes recent data indicates that 20 percent of elite athletes experience mental health challenges, making comprehensive mental health services a critical operational necessity rather than an optional benefit.

"Ferris State understands what forward-thinking athletic programs across the country are realizing – that mental health infrastructure isn't a luxury," Onrise CEO and Co-Founder Kim Quigley said. “Just as universities are investing in state-of-the-art facilities, they're now investing in advanced mental health support that protects and enhances their student-athletes."

All Ferris State student-athletes across all seven men's sports and nine women's sports will have access to peer support from retired athletes, licensed therapy, psychiatric care, nutrition counseling, and sports performance support – all delivered through a secure, athlete-specific platform.

Flexible scheduling options that extend to after-hours and the offseason will help Ferris State student-athletes have access to the support they need, when and how they need it. 

Onrise has seen average utilization increases of 160 percent year-over-year across its client network. The platform's peer support model – featuring retired athletes trained and certified to provide culturally competent care – has proven particularly effective in reducing stigma and increasing help-seeking behavior among competitive athletes.

The relationship also exemplifies Onrise's strategic approach to the higher education market, where athletic departments are increasingly adopting professional-grade infrastructure to support their student-athletes.