Finding the Right Sport Psychology Professional
Gaining clarity on professional titles in sport psychology
The field of sport psychology has significantly evolved over the past few decades, with more professionals offering various services that enhance athletic performance. Whether an athlete is recovering from career-ending injuries, managing severe anxiety around balancing school and athletics, attempting to cope with body image issues, or struggling with confidence at the plate, there is a sport psychology professional who can help.
Sport Psychology Professionals
While sport psychology professionals aim to enhance athletic performance, individuals may diverge in their focus, methodologies, education, training, and licensure/certifications. The National Basketball Association (2023) categorized professionals into three common titles (expand each row to learn more):
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Medical degree (M.D. or D.O.)
Medical and mental health expertise
Relationship between brain and body
Coping skills, life skills, and stress management strategies
Referrals: make connections to additional professionals when needed
Work across continuum of mental health
Medication management, counseling, holistic self-care in maintaining brain health, and diagnosing and treating mental health conditions
Crisis management and support
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Advanced degrees (MS, MSW, MA, PhD, PsyD)
Often referred to as Psychologists, Counselors, Clinicians, Therapists, Clinical Social Workers
Mental health expertise
Understanding thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and the relationship between them
Work across continuum of mental health
Counseling, holistic self-care in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions
Team and organizational dynamics, cohesion, and culture
Crisis management and support
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May have an advanced degree, but not required
May be certified by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)
Expertise in mental skills training and strategies for performance
Trained in applied sport psychology and sport science
Performance optimization (individuals and team)
Team & organizational dynamics, cohesion, and culture
Coaches development
Mental Health and Mental Performance
The biggest difference between a mental performance consultant and other sport psychology professionals is the focus on mental performance versus mental health. Psychiatrists and licensed mental health professionals can address and treat psychological issues, such as eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, and trauma. They are qualified to use therapeutic techniques and psychological interventions to help athletes cope with challenges on and off the field.
In contrast, mental performance consultants focus less on psychological issues and more on performance optimization. While they may incorporate some psychological principles, their primary aim is to develop practical mental skills that directly enhance performance in training and competition.
It is important to note that licensed professionals can be dual-qualified to address issues related to mental health and performance enhancement. For this reason, it can be easier to think about sport psychology professionals working on a continuum (see below).
Psychological Services Continuum
Moore, N. W., 2010 (rev. 2015)
Notes: The following chart is meant to provide a conceptual reference between psychological indicators and the appropriate mental health or mental performance professionals. It is not an exhaustive list and athletes could benefit from working with multiple professionals who specialize in different psychological areas.
Conclusion
If you are looking to improve your mental game, there is a sport psychology professional for you. Mental performance consultants are on the rise and professional sports leagues are recognizing the value that these specialists bring in high-performing environments (i.e., sports, business, military, performing arts, etc). Using tools backed by scientific research, these professionals often use techniques such as visualization, attentional control exercises, emotional regulation, and breathing practices to help the client overcome mental barriers and maximize potential.
Moreover, mental performance consultants often work collaboratively with coaches and sports organizations to create a holistic approach to athlete development. This integration ensures that mental training is aligned with strength & conditioning, rehabilitation, team culture, and coach’s leadership styles- fostering a comprehensive development plan that addresses all aspects of an athlete’s performance.
Start working with a mental performance consultant to harness the power of your mind and start making progress toward your goals.
