SPRINGFIELD -- Missouri State Director of Athletics Kyle Moats announced today an expansive mental health services plan for student-athletes centered on the hiring of Dr. Shawn Freeman, Psyd, as a full-time staffer.

Freeman, who has been a psychologist and provider representative for Springfield's Mercy Clinic since 2007, will oversee the expansion. His new role as the director of psychological services for intercollegiate athletics will oversee both clinical psychology and sports psychology services for Missouri State's student-athletes. 

According to Moats, this new position would not have been possible without support from the university's administration and will put Missouri State on the leading edge of student-athlete services in the region. Freeman's position will also support the Athletic Medical and Rehabilitation Services department already in place.

"Dr. Freeman has been our team psychologist for the past decade, and he is very familiar with our programs and the increasing need to serve the mental as well as the physical health of our student-athletes," said Moats. "Having a full-time, responsive and dedicate professional to serve both the clinical and performance-related psychological issues our teams face every day is a game changer for Missouri State."

In addition to his experience working with MSU Athletics, Freeman has also been a per-course instructor at Missouri State University for the past year, providing instruction in both graduate and undergraduate Psychology coursework. 

Freeman has professional membership in the American Psychological Association; APA Division of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology; Missouri Psychological Association; and the Association for Applied Sports Psychology.

He owns his Psychology Doctorate from the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology (2000), his undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology from Southwest Baptist University (1995) and his Associates Degree from Labette Community College (1993).

A noted professional in his field, Freeman's expertise at Missouri State will serve a variety of needs, ranging from mental health crisis intervention, eating disorders, concussion protocols, access to mental health screening, policy development, and overseeing clinical assignments of MSU's Psychology and Sports Psychology students.

With an official start date of October 17, Freeman's hire is contingent upon formal approval by the Missouri State University Board of Governors at its next scheduled meeting.