The NCAA once again will sponsor a national program that helps detect alcohol and eating disorders in student-athletes.

The programs are conducted through the Comprehensive College Initiative (CCI), a nonprofit group that provides in-person and online screening for alcohol problems, eating disorders and depression/manic-depression.

CCI offers an integrated approach that gives health and counseling centers more flexibility, with new tools for providing active mental health education and screening.

The CCI urges counseling and health center staff to participate in the screenings and offer special programs for athletics teams. Clinicians can offer special screenings that address issues important to student-athletes, such as how alcohol affects performance and the importance of good nutrition. The screenings also can result in identification and treatment for those with developed problems.

The advantage to involving counseling and health centers is that student-athletes may be more open and honest with a health professional than a coach or an athletic trainer, especially if they are assured of confidentiality. Coaches and trainers however, often are in a position to recognize signs and symptoms of problems and refer those in need. The partnership between athletics department staff and health professionals provides a situation that motivates peak performance and overall health.

Those interested in learning more about screenings should contact their counseling or health center, visit www.mentalhealthscreening.org/college or call the Screening for Mental Health office at 781/239-0071.