A licensed sport psychologist is typically a doctoral-level trained clinician who has achieved formal state board qualifications as a licensed psychologist, with additional specialized training in sport and exercise science and/or other applicable areas of human performance. When you choose to work with a sport psychologist (distinguished from a mental skills coach, performance specialist, or other non-licensed individual), you are making a choice that helps to ensure a high and broad level of mental health training, and adherence to the legal, ethical, and privacy standards adopted by the clinician's state psychology licensure board. Credentials matter!

 

Although there is variation based on individual background and training, sport psychologists generally offer the following types of services. Many of these services can also be applied to performing arts, business, and optimal functioning in everyday life.

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• Managing psychological aspects of sports injury

• Navigating transition in athletics

• Managing performance anxiety

• Reducing mental blocks (avoiding “choking”)

• Getting in the Zone (Achieving the Zone of Optimal Functioning)

• Promoting mental toughness

• Facilitating team cohesion/dynamics