SWARTHMORE, Pa. - The Swarthmore College Department of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation welcomes Dr. Andre Watson, Psy.D. PLY, to the Garnet staff as a licensed clinical psychologist, announced on Monday.

In his new role at Swarthmore, Watson will provide direct clinical services to student-athletes, with some services provided to the broader student population. The position includes outreach programming, consultation, and professional training to student athletes, coaches, and staff on topics central to mental health needs including NCAA and best practice guidelines.

"I am excited to welcome Dr. Watson to the College and the CAPS staff," said L. Simone Collins, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services. "I'm looking forward to how his role will continue to deepen the partnership between Athletics and CAPS as well as provide holistic care focused on the student-athlete experience. Dr. Watson's extensive background in student mental health, commitment to building collaborative relationships, and his passion for working with student-athletes makes him an excellent addition to the team and liaison to campus partners."

Watson has served in private practice in the Philadelphia area since 2001. During his career, he has conducted individual, group, family, and couples psychotherapy to a diverse and underserved population. Watson has experience working with children, adolescents, families, and adults with all sorts of difficulties in relationships, home life, schools, and communities. 

Over the past several years, Watson has specialized in treating medical and graduate students at Temple University and at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. In those roles, Watson focused on helping students succeed in the classroom, meet academic goals and achieve life pursuits. 

While at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Watson served as the Assistant Director of Counseling. Watson acted as a consultant for deans on the best way to help their most vulnerable students, while facilitating groups to assist students with performance anxiety, impostor syndrome, burnout, and other psychological conditions common in medical students.



"I am excited to welcome Dr. Watson to Swarthmore Athletics," said Marie Mancini, Director of Sports Medicine. "We look forward to partnering with him and the CAPS team to enhance the mental and emotional well-being of our student athletes. This new embedded role shows how athletics continues to connect with campus resources and partners for the betterment of our students." 

Before beginning his professional career, Watson participated as a student-athlete while earning his Bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in Africana Studies and Spanish from the University of Pittsburgh. 

Watson is a former paralympic athlete and represented the United States in the 2008 Paralympics in judo at Beijing, China. He has since coached other athletes, while serving as a role model among disabled athletes. Watson has experience with motivational speaking, teaching, and facilitating focus groups among athletes.

After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 1998, Watson furthered his education at nearby Widener University. Watson earned his Masters in Clinical Psychology in 2002, while achieving his Doctorate of Clinical Psychology in 2004. 

"Student-athletes are gifted, talented, and extremely devoted to their teams, communities, and to the college," said Watson. "I am looking forward to working with Swarthmore's student-athletes in helping them balance the rewarding, yet demanding responsibilities of being scholars and athletes. It is important to me that students feel safe, understood, and welcomed to talk and explore ways to be their most fulfilled and healthiest selves."

Watson will begin his role at Swarthmore on Monday, Sept. 23.