Mental Health Matters in Baseball: Dr. Deanna Nobleza’s Fight to Normalize Support for Players

Dr. Deanna Nobleza is the mental health director for the Philadelphia Phillies, responsible for helping players and coaches manage the highs and lows of baseball. She emphasizes that mental health is just as important as physical health in the demanding baseball lifestyle, which includes rigorous travel schedules and time away from families. In her second season, Nobleza was pleasantly surprised by the players’ willingness to be open to mental health initiatives and ask for help.

While Nobleza doesn’t share specifics about her sessions, she acknowledges that the pressure of playing in Philadelphia is a common topic among players. She sees the city as a good place to practice dealing with pressure. Beyond wins and losses, Nobleza also hopes to inspire other women to pursue careers in mental health and make a difference in the field.

Nobleza believes that seeking help is a brave step towards improving performance both on and off the field. She sees asking for help as a sign of bravery and hopes that her work will pave the way for others to seek mental health support. By normalizing mental health care, she aims to support players in maximizing their potential and well-being.