The primary aim is to determine if MST will improve coping skills in young athletes returning to sport after ACLR as measured by ACSI-28. Participants will undergo MST led by masters-level mental skills specialist pre-operatively, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months post-operatively. Power analysis suggested at least 52 pairs are needed (α=0.05, β=0.80). There will be 65 patients enrolled in both the MST group and the control group (no MST) for a total of 130 patients. This will allow for a 4-point difference in ACSI and a 20% dropout rate.
The secondary aim is to determine if MST will improve psychological readiness and athletic identity as well as decrease psychological stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms of young athletes returning to sport after ACLR as measured by ACL-RSI, AIMS, PROMIS-PSE, GAD-7, PHQ-9, and CRIES, respectively.