By Ashley Miller
Nature of the Work: What happens when a pitcher suddenly stops performing? If there isn't anything physically wrong, management may send her to a sports psychologist who will try to address and treat the player's concerns. Sports psychologists are psychologists first and foremost, but have specialized during their education to work with athletes' unique stressors. Once a fringe profession, sports psychology has gained currency as managers have come to realize the importance of the mental aspect of sports, and as a result more teams have added them to their staff.
Sports psychologists work with people involved in sports at all levels looking to enhance their performance and enjoyment of sports. As specialized counseling psychologists, sports psychologists use their extensive training to help an athlete determine which “mental tools” suit him or her best and, using that knowledge, establish a mental training routine, a sort of strength training for the mind. This often includes defining and setting goals and evaluating past performances. Sports psychologists also find themselves working to bring athletes who have suffered multiple concussions back to their physical and emotional peak. A psychologist's duties may include travel with the team and he or she must be able to integrate him/herself effectively in order that athletes feel comfortable seeking guidance.
Education and Training: Psychologists need an advanced degree, usually a doctorate, and state certification in order to practice. Sports psychologists will have taken extra classes related to sports and may have even majored or minored as an undergraduate in a sports-related field. Thousands of schools nationwide offer doctoral degrees in psychology. Athletic experience helps psychologists better understand and better relate to the stresses associated with sports and, in turn, can help them become better clinicians.
Outlook: Psychology as a profession is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all jobs. A growing awareness of the importance of mental health in sports performance has lead to more opportunities for sports psychologists at all levels and in professional sports especially.
Average Salary: $58,000 to 90,000 per year