Sports psychologists are dedicated professionals who specialize in assisting athletes in managing mental health challenges that can affect their performance. At University of Western States, we offer various graduate-level programs within the field of Sport and Performance Psychology that can help you on your path to becoming a sports psychologist. Though to have clinical responsibilities, a license is required, our Sport and Performance Psychology programs prepare graduates to become certified through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)
Olympic Committee
The International Olympic Committee is a non-profit organization that focuses on celebrating the Olympic games while supporting healthy athletes and furthering sports development.
A CMPC works to address the mental health of the Olympians during their training and competition levels. Athletes work to build good habits, awareness and reflection, and healthy coping mechanisms for the journey to the big stage. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) provides a 24/7 mental health hotline in case of a crisis or need for resources. The United States Olympians have a fully staffed psychology team with several Certified Mental Performance Consultants.
For those interested in becoming a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, the UWS Ed.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology with Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization could set you up for success in the sports medicine field. Our highest level of degree offers a program that combines counseling licensure preparation and advanced sport and performance psychology training simultaneously. When paired with the sport and performance psychology consulting concentration, this program prepares students to apply for the CMPC credential and for the National Counselor Exam (NCE)/National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCHMCE). This unique degree can offer graduates a competitive edge in the job market when looking to work with Olympic athletes.
How much does an Olympic Sports Psychologist make?
According to a study performed by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology in 2020, the average compensation for a sports psychologist in the Olympic Committee is $115,000.
University Athletics
Some university athletic departments utilize sports psychologists to address mental health issues or concerns for collegiate athletes. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) does not require all collegiate athletic departments to retain sports psychologists. At least 20 NCAA Division I schools retain Certified Mental Performance Consultants or sports psychologists as about 70 to 100 schools refer athletes to local psychologists.
Those working in sports, such as athletic coaches, trainers, and other staff are typically trained to recognize signs of mental health decline or issues with their student-athletes. By recognizing symptoms of poor or declining mental health, a course of action can be curated for that athlete. This can include therapy, time off, or just talking with the athlete to see what they need.
For those interested in working at a university in the sports psychology field, the UWS M.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology program could be the right fit. This 100% online program helps students enhance their knowledge and abilities to inspire and maximize athletic and human potential. The Applied Practice concentration for this program meets the coursework requirements to prepare students to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant.
How much does a sports psychologist make in collegiate sports?
According to a study performed by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology in 2020, the average compensation for a sports psychologist in university athletics is $80,000.
Professional Athletics
Another sports psychology career path is working for professional teams. The National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), and the National Basketball Association (NBA) are still working towards growing their mental health services. The NFL has added sports psychologists to their team, working towards helping athletes mentally and improving their on-field performance. Sports psychologists for professional teams have become more popular in recent years, but still have a long way to go.
It is still to be determined which ways are the best for implementing mental health care and psychologists into a team. A study in 2022 took a deep dive into elite soccer and how the players responded to sports psychology. This study emphasizes the barriers involving mental health stigma in competitive sports.
While not required to get a sports psychology job in professional athletics, an Ed.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology provides extensive knowledge in the field that is invaluable in experience and standing out in the job market. Graduates of this program will be eligible to pursue a Certified Mental Performance Consultant certification and will be able to use their learned knowledge of predominant theories and trends within professional sports psychology on clients. Graduates will be able to use this knowledge of sports science to lead practitioners who treat and counsel the athletes they work with.
How much does a professional team sports psychologist make?
According to a study performed by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology in 2020, the average compensation for a sports psychologist in university athletics is $80,000.
Private Practice
In private practice sports psychology, the clients can be referred, like in university athletics, collegiate athletes may be directed towards a local sports psychologist. At other times a team or organization may hire a sports psychologist to work with the athletes or coaches to improve their performances.
Sports psychologists working in sports teach athletes how to improve their performance which may be impacted by mental health. This includes the struggle of coming back to competition after an injury or performance anxiety. Sports psychologists also work with coaches or leaders within a sports field to help educate them on how to help their athletes by creating healthy environments and recognizing signs of mental distress.
Within private practice, some clients review certifications and graduate degrees in their search for a sports psychologist. If you are within private practice or looking to get into private practice as a sports psychologist, an Applied Sport Psychology Graduate Certificate can be a great option for you. Not only does the online program meet the requirements for AASP’s Certified Mental Performance Consultant certification, but it also can provide students with the skills to evaluate clients with specific expertise on athletes’ physical and mental health.
What is the average compensation for a private practice sports psychologist?
According to a study performed by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology in 2020, the average compensation for a sports psychologist in university athletics is $62,500.
Career Paths in Sports Psychology
Certified Mental Performance Consultants (CMPC) and sports psychologists find employment in various work settings such as the Olympic Committee, university athletics, and professional sports. While additional credentials are not always mandatory, they are often preferred by employers. As sports organizations continue to recognize the importance of mental health, the role of sports psychologists is likely to expand and evolve further. There has been a sharp decline in the sports psychologist unemployment rate. The most recent year in a study by The Career Expert, 2021 had a 0.58% unemployment rate. The sport psychologist work settings are likely to diversify in upcoming years as mental health becomes a focus at the younger levels of athletics, such as club or high school teams.
For those looking to pursue a career in sports psychology, the University of Western States Sport and Performance Psychology programs provides you with the specialized knowledge to enter the field. If you’re interested in pursuing one of these sports psychology career paths and are ready to take the next steps, request more info.