Texas Tech launches DTVC Cares Program
April 24, 2025 | Double T Varsity Club
New initiative will provide mental health assistance to all Texas Tech letterwinners
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech Athletics announced Thursday the launch of a new mental health support initiative, the Double T Varsity Cares Program, offering mental health assistance to all Red Raider letterwinners and their immediate families.
The new initiative, one of the first in its kind in college athletics, is being funded through the generous support of football letterwinner Michael Henthorn and his wife, Donna. Michael Henthorn, a football letterwinner from 1970-71 and longtime supporter of his alma mater, is the owner of Henthorn Commercial Construction in Lubbock.
"Texas Tech Athletics is committed to providing our Red Raiders who once proudly wore the scarlet and black with the top mental health care possible," Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt said. "The Double T Varsity Cares program allows us to do just that with a great partner in The Hope Desk. We are thankful for the Henthorn family for their support of this life-changing initiative for our letterwinners."
The Double T Varsity Cares Program, which will be managed and implemented beginning this spring by The Hope Desk, is one of the first in its kind in college athletics as Texas Tech is the first Big 12 Conference school and the first athletics program in the state of Texas to offer extended health support to its alumni student-athletes.
As part of the program, The Hope Desk will offer concierge service and a network of trusted mental health and substance use programs nationwide to ensure those seeking assistance are directed to the most appropriate resources in a confidential and timely manner.
"We're proud to start the Double T Varsity Cares Program for our letterwinners," said Will Culpepper, executive director of the Double T Varsity Club. "When the playing careers of our student-athletes are finished and they transition to a letterwinner, we want to be able to assist as needed as they enter this new phase in life. We're thankful for the Henthorn family who recognizes this need and wants to help provide our letterwinners this tremendous resource."
Additional features of the Double T Varsity Cares Program include:
- Dedicated Concierge Call Line:Â A 24/7 dedicated concierge call line, reachable at 877-309-6888, providing personalized assistance and immediate crisis support. Non-crisis communication is also available at ttvarsitycares@hopedesk.co.
- Preferred Access to Clinical Programs:Â Alumni and their immediate families will have preferred access to select clinical programs tailored to meet their specific mental health needs.
- Nationwide Network of Providers:Â The program grants access to a nationwide list of vetted and accredited mental health providers, ensuring Red Raider letterwinners have a broad range of options for receiving quality care.
- Discounted Provider Pricing:Â Participants in the program benefit from discounted pricing on mental health services, ensuring affordability and accessibility for all.
The Double T Varsity Club is the official letterwinners association for Texas Tech student-athletes. It has more than 3,000 active members and offers numerous opportunities annually to stay up to date with Texas Tech Athletics through on-campus reunions, speaking events and more. To become a member, please visit DoubleTVarsityClub.com.
About Hope Desk
At The Hope Desk, we understand the complexities and challenges associated with navigating mental health and substance misuse issues. We help with simplified and accessible solutions to individuals who are seeking help. Our job is to make the process of finding the right resources and support as effortless as possible. With our concierge services, we work with organizations to help their members or employees struggling with mental health and substance misuse problems. We help navigate towards the mental health resources and services best suited to the specific circumstances, including geography, level of care, and finances/insurance. We have established a network of trusted mental health and substance use programs nationwide to ensure that those seeking assistance are directed to the most appropriate resources in a confidential and timely manner. By streamlining the process, we eliminate the confusion often associated with finding the right help. We also offer in-person mental health educational events and anti-stigma campaigns. For more information visit https://hopedesk.co/