How to Become a Sports Psychologist for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Athletes are constantly subject to high-pressure situations on and off the playing court, including those who perform at the highest level. Research from the International Olympic Committee discloses that 33.6% of the top athletes show signs of depression and anxiety, and 26.4% of former athletes experience severe mental health concerns. Sports psychologists are the professionals tasked with helping resolve and manage the mental health issues of athletes.

This guide presents aspirants with an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide on how to become a sports psychologist and explores their responsibilities. It also delves into various areas that aspiring sports psychologists need to know, such as the education requirements, salary projections, and key skills to develop.

Key Facts You Should Know About Becoming a Sports Psychologist

Sports psychologists are essential to improving athletic performance and fostering mental well-being.
Considering the various stages of the process, it takes around 6 to 14 years to become a sports psychologist.
The most common skills found on the resumes of sports psychologists are crisis interventions (56%), clinical psychology (17.7%), performance enhancement (14.1%), professional athletes (8.5%), player performance (2.3%), and competitive performance (1.5%).
The 2024 collective EPPP pass rate of all accredited doctorate programs in the United States is 76.87%, while non-accredited programs have a rate of 48.8%.
The projected employment growth of psychologists, including sports psychologists, in the United States from 2023 to 2033 is 7%.
Sports psychologists in the United States earn an average annual salary of $92,813.

What does a sports psychologist do?
How does one become a sports psychologist for 2025?
What are the degrees needed to become a sports psychologist for 2025?
What are the licensure requirements for sports psychologists for 2025?
What are the different types of sports psychology specializations for 2025?
What key skills should a successful sports psychologist possess?
What are the best certifications for sports psychologists?
How Do Sports Psychologists Maintain Continuous Professional Development?
What challenges do sports psychologists face?
What is the job outlook of sports psychologists?
Can Accelerated PsyD Programs Fast-Track My Career in Sports Psychology?
Can Cross-Disciplinary Certifications Enhance My Sports Psychology Practice?
How can online learning and digital tools boost sports psychology careers?
How Can Applied Behavior Analysis Improve Interventions in Sports Psychology?
How Can Mentorship and Networking Boost Your Sports Psychology Career?
How do sports psychologists address substance abuse challenges in athletes?
How much does a sports psychologist make?
What are possible career paths for aspring sports psychologists?
How Can Further Education Accelerate Your Career in Sports Psychology?
What Are the Emerging Trends in Sports Psychology?
Other Things You Need to Know About How to Become a Sports Psychologist

What does a sports psychologist do?

Sports psychologists are essential to improving athletic performance and fostering mental well-being. Their responsibilities span a variety of activities designed to help athletes meet the psychological demands of their sport. Here are some key functions of a sports psychologist:

Mental Skills Training: Athletes develop crucial techniques like focus, confidence, composure, and relaxation, which are critical for maximizing performance during practices and competitions.
Managing Performance Anxiety: To address fears of failure or embarrassment, sports psychologists teach strategies such as visualization, self-talk, and relaxation exercises that help athletes stay calm and perform under pressure.
Injury Rehabilitation Support: Recovering from injuries often includes mental challenges. Sports psychologists provide tools to cope with setbacks and maintain motivation throughout the rehabilitation process.
Pregame and Preshot Routines: Effective routines enhance focus and confidence. Sports psychologists guide athletes in developing personalized rituals tailored to competitions or specific actions, like penalty kicks or pitching.
Team Dynamics and Communication: By fostering better communication and resolving conflicts, sports psychologists help teams build stronger relationships and work cohesively toward shared goals.
Research and Assessment: Evaluating athletes’ mental strengths and areas for improvement enables tailored strategies to optimize performance. Sports psychologists also contribute to research advancing best practices.
Counseling for Mental Health Challenges: Beyond sports, psychologists support athletes facing anxiety, depression, or identity struggles, helping them navigate challenges and life transitions.

How do sports psychologists assess an athlete's mental state?

Sports psychologists assess an athlete’s mental state through a variety of methods designed to understand their cognitive, emotional, and behavioral patterns. Here’s how they do it:

Structured and Informal Interviews: Sports psychologists conduct one-on-one conversations to learn about the athlete’s goals, motivations, challenges, and overall mindset. These interviews often include open-ended questions to explore the athlete’s performance history, stressors, coping mechanisms, and personal concerns.
Psychological Testing: They use standardized assessments to measure traits like focus, anxiety, resilience, or personality factors. Tools such as the Sport Anxiety Scale (SAS) or the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory (ACSI) provide objective insights into an athlete’s mental and emotional state.
Observational Analysis: During practices, games, or training sessions, sports psychologists observe the athlete’s behaviors, communication style, and reactions to pressure or setbacks. This helps them understand how mental factors influence performance in real-time.
Performance Data Review: They analyze performance statistics, video footage, or trends to identify patterns linked to psychological states, such as lapses in focus or moments of peak performance under pressure.
Self-Report Techniques: Athletes are encouraged to reflect on their emotions, thoughts, and stress levels through tools like mood diaries, journals, or questionnaires. This self-reported information provides valuable insights into their mental state.
Feedback from Coaches and Peers: Sports psychologists often seek input from coaches, teammates, or trainers to gain a well-rounded perspective on the athlete’s interactions, attitude, and overall performance.
Personalized Evaluations and Goal Setting: After gathering data from various sources, the psychologist creates a tailored mental training plan that may include strategies to build confidence, reduce anxiety, or improve focus based on the athlete’s unique needs.

Being a sports psychologist gives you a great foundation for a future in sports management. If this career option is something you are interested in, check out our article on the requirements to be a sports manager.

The chart below shows the employment growth of psychologists and related positions in the next decade.

How does one become a sports psychologist for 2025?

Similar to child psychologist requirements, the process on how to become a sports psychologist requires earning undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as completing practical supervised activities, which simulate what truly goes on in a psychologist's job. Although one can seek opportunities without a license, obtaining licensure is ideal, as it offers more opportunities. Here is a simple step-by-step guide aspirants can follow:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: This first step provides the essential groundwork for understanding the psychological factors influencing athletic performance. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field like psychology, sports psychology, or exercise science is the starting point.
Pursue a Master’s Degree: A master's program allows for specialization in the field of sports psychology, providing advanced training in theories, assessment, and interventions specific to athletes. The inclusion of internships and practicums offers invaluable practical experience.
Gain Professional Experience: Hands-on, supervised experience is crucial for developing the clinical skills and ethical judgment necessary for professional practice. The typical requirement of 1,500-3,000 hours allows aspiring sports psychologists to apply their knowledge under expert guidance.
Obtain a Doctorate (Optional but Recommended): While a master's degree may qualify professionals for some positions, a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) is highly recommended for those seeking independent practice, research, or academic careers. These programs offer more in-depth training and expand career opportunities.
Meet Licensure Requirements: State licensure is generally required to practice independently as a clinical sports psychologist, ensuring professional standards are met. This typically involves a doctoral degree, supervised hours, and passing the EPPP.
Consider Certification: Professional certifications, such as the CMPC from AASP, demonstrate specialized expertise in mental performance consulting, enhancing one's professional standing and marketability.

Considering the various stages of the process, it takes around 6 to 14 years to become a sports psychologist. After all, earning a bachelor's degree normally takes four years, completing a master's degree takes two, and finishing a doctorate degree takes about four to eight. To speed up the process, aspirants can pursue accelerated psychology programs online.

What are the degrees needed to become a sports psychologist for 2025?

To become a sports psychologist, aspirants must complete undergraduate and graduate degrees that build the foundation of psychology knowledge before branching out to the concepts and practices of sports psychology. Here are the programs needed:

Bachelor’s Degree: The first step is earning a bachelor's degree in psychology, sports psychology, exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field. This foundational education usually takes about four years and provides an understanding of psychological principles and basic concepts related to sports and physical activity.
Master’s Degree: After completing a bachelor’s degree, aspiring sports psychologists often pursue a master’s degree in sports psychology, counseling psychology with a sports focus, or a related area. This program, typically completed in two years, offers specialized training in sport-specific psychological theories, assessment techniques, and intervention strategies.
Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.): While some positions may be accessible with a master’s degree, a doctoral degree is highly recommended for those seeking independent clinical practice, research opportunities, or academic positions. A Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology or sports psychology typically takes four to seven years and provides advanced training in research, clinical skills, and theoretical frameworks.

What are the licensure requirements for sports psychologists for 2025?

Becoming a licensed sports psychologist grants one access to significant opportunities in the market, including working for well-known sports organizations. Here are the general licensure requirements:

Educational Requirements: Most states require candidates to hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology or a closely related field. While some positions may accept a master's degree, a doctorate is generally preferred for those seeking independent practice. To fast-track a doctoral education, aspirants can take accredited online PsyD programs.
Supervised Experience: Aspiring sports psychologists must complete a set number of supervised clinical hours, usually ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 hours, which is equivalent to about two years of post-doctoral experience. This hands-on training is crucial for developing essential practical skills in a clinical environment.
Examination: Candidates must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), a standardized exam designed to evaluate foundational knowledge in psychology. Successfully passing this exam is a key milestone toward licensure. According to the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB), the 2024 collective EPPP pass rate of all accredited doctorate programs in the United States is 76.87%, while non-accredited programs have a rate of 48.8%.
State-Specific Requirements: Since sports psychology is not always governed by specific laws, individuals must consult their state’s licensing board to understand the exact requirements, which may include additional exams or criteria.
Certification Options: Although not required for licensure, obtaining certification from professional organizations like the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) or the American Board of Sport Psychology (ABSP) can boost professional credibility. These certifications often require verification of education, supervised experience, and successful completion of an exam.
License Renewal: Sports psychologists must renew their licenses periodically by completing continuing education (CE) hours. Requirements vary by state, typically ranging from 20 to 40 hours every two years. Renewal involves submitting proof of completed CE courses, an application, and the required fee to the state licensing board. Some states may also require documentation of ethical training or specific coursework relevant to their practice.

What are the different types of sports psychology specializations for 2025?

Although sports psychology itself is a specialization under the psychology umbrella, the subdiscipline has various branches, from rehabilitation to performance enhancement. The most prominent specializations include the following:

Performance Enhancement: This specialization focuses on helping athletes improve their performance through psychological techniques. Sports psychologists in this area work with athletes to develop mental skills such as concentration, confidence, and motivation, using strategies like visualization and goal setting to maximize their potential.
Rehabilitation and Injury Recovery: Sports psychologists specializing in rehabilitation and injury recovery assist athletes in coping with the emotional challenges that arise from injuries. They provide support during the recovery process, ensuring that athletes maintain a positive mindset and adhere to treatment protocols while collaborating with medical professionals.
Team Dynamics: This specialization addresses the interpersonal relationships and communication within athletic teams. Sports psychologists work on improving team cohesion, role identification, and conflict resolution, helping teams develop effective strategies for collaboration both on and off the field.
Youth Sports Psychology: Focusing on young athletes, this specialization involves working with children and adolescents to help them navigate the pressures of competition. Sports psychologists in this area assist youth athletes in overcoming mental challenges, fostering healthy relationships among teammates, and promoting positive experiences in sports.
Sport Psychology Research: Sports psychologists engaged in research focus on studying mental health issues related to athletic performance. They develop evidence-based strategies to address these issues, contributing to the broader understanding of sports psychology through empirical studies and practical applications.

If you want to manage sports teams and organizations as whole, you can look for the best jobs for masters in sports management to pursue.

What key skills should a successful sports psychologist possess?

Sports psychologists need an expansive repertoire of skills to effectively deal with the issues faced by athletes. Not only do they need to communicate well and show empathy, they should also be competent in providing care and interventions. Here are some of the critical skills that they need:

Clear Communication: Enables athletes, coaches, and teams to understand and implement psychological strategies effectively.
Empathetic Understanding: Creates a supportive environment where athletes feel comfortable sharing their challenges.
Targeted Interventions: Allows for the development of personalized strategies to address specific performance and well-being issues.
Evidence-Based Support: Ensures that athletes receive effective and scientifically sound interventions.
Contextualized Approach: Enables the development of interventions that are relevant to the specific demands of each sport.
Flexible and Tailored Support: Allows for effective work with diverse individuals and teams in various sporting environments.
Enhanced Motivation and Resilience: Helps athletes develop the mental fortitude to achieve their goals and overcome setbacks.
Positive Team Dynamics: Contributes to a more cohesive and supportive team environment.
Trust and Safety: Ensures that athletes feel comfortable sharing sensitive information and seeking support.
Long-Term Growth and Development: Supports athletes in making lasting positive changes to their mental skills and well-being.
High-Quality, Effective Support: Ensures that athletes benefit from the latest research and best practices in the field.
Efficient and Organized Practice: Allows sports psychologists to serve multiple clients and teams effectively.

All these skills make sport psychology a good background for a future career in sports management. Is sports management a good major? Check out our article on the topic to find out more.

Meanwhile, according to Zippia, the most common skills found on the resumes of sports psychologists in the United States are crisis interventions (56%), clinical psychology (17.7%), performance enhancement (14.1%), professional athletes (8.5%), player performance (2.3%), and competitive performance (1.5%).

What are the best certifications for sports psychologists?

The ideal certifications for sports psychologists can considerably enhance their professional standing and provide legitimacy in the field. As such, they open up more career opportunities, including higher-paying roles. Here are some of the top certifications:

Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC®): Offered by AASP, the CMPC certification authenticates expertise in mental performance enhancement and well-being. Requirements include a master's or doctoral degree, 400+ supervised hours, and passing the CMPC exam. It is ideal for professionals working with athletes and teams.
American Board of Sport Psychology (ABSP) Certification: The ABSP certification focuses on advanced sport psychology knowledge, including diagnostics, assessment, and interventions. Candidates need a graduate degree and ABSP-approved training. It is designed for those seeking advanced clinical and research expertise.
Board Certification in Psychology (ABPP – Sports Psychology Specialty): Offered by ABPP, this certifies specialized sport psychology expertise within psychology. Candidates need a doctoral degree, state licensure, and completion of the ABPP process. It is suited for licensed psychologists working with athletes.
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS®): Complementary to sports psychology, the CSCS certification focuses on sports training, fitness, and conditioning. A bachelor's degree and a passing mark on the CSCS exam are required to qualify. It is ideal for integrating physical and mental training.
International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP) Certification: The ISSP certification highlights global sport psychology practice standards. Candidates need graduate education, professional experience, and completion of the ISSP process. It is ideal for those seeking international recognition.
Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP): Offered by ACSM, the CEP focuses on exercise physiology and athlete wellness. Candidates need a bachelor's degree and to pass the CEP exam. While not specific to psychology, it is valuable for integrating physical fitness and mental health strategies.

How Do Sports Psychologists Maintain Continuous Professional Development?

Sports psychologists regularly update their expertise through structured professional development and targeted academic pursuits. They leverage continuing education courses, seminars, and peer-reviewed research to integrate best practices and ethical standards into their practice. Additionally, many professionals enhance their credentials by pursuing higher-level academic achievements such as an online doctorate in psychology, which expands their methodological toolkit and reinforces their competitive edge in the evolving sports psychology landscape.

What challenges do sports psychologists face?

Professional sports psychologists encounter various challenges that extend beyond clinical competencies. Balancing confidentiality with the need for performance data, navigating ethical dilemmas in competitive environments, and managing evolving regulatory standards require continuous professional growth. Practitioners must adeptly handle cultural nuances and maintain strict boundaries while working with athletes under high-pressure conditions. Addressing these challenges often involves targeted professional development and adherence to industry best practices, as demonstrated by the highest paying careers in psychology.

What is the job outlook of sports psychologists?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected employment growth of psychologists, including sports psychologists, in the United States from 2023 to 2033 is 7%, faster than the national average (4%). In the same period, graduates can expect about 13,000 openings for psychologist jobs, which includes those for sports psychologists, each year.

Employment website Indeed currently has more than 200 job listings for sports psychologists in the United States. This excludes related jobs that sports psychologists may pursue, like being rehabilitation specialists, mental health consultants, or medical researchers.

Can Accelerated PsyD Programs Fast-Track My Career in Sports Psychology?

Accelerated PsyD programs offer a streamlined educational pathway for candidates seeking to enter the sports psychology field more quickly without sacrificing academic rigor or clinical preparation. These programs integrate intensive coursework with early practical experiences, allowing for rapid development of essential competencies. Targeted accelerated pathways can be especially beneficial for applicants who wish to fast-track licensure and begin engaging with high-pressure, real-world environments sooner. Evaluating options such as the easiest PsyD programs to get into provides a strategic advantage by shortening the overall training timeline while maintaining alignment with industry standards and professional demands.

Can Cross-Disciplinary Certifications Enhance My Sports Psychology Practice?

Integrating cross-disciplinary certifications into your practice can refine intervention strategies and broaden therapeutic approaches. Pursuing specialized credentials—such as those in behavior analysis available through BCBA online—enables professionals to deploy tailored behavioral interventions and support athlete performance more effectively. This additional expertise can complement core sports psychology competencies by promoting comprehensive client care and expanding career opportunities within competitive sports environments.

How can online learning and digital tools boost sports psychology careers?

In today's evolving landscape, leveraging online education and digital platforms can expand access to advanced skills and client engagement techniques. Digital training modules, virtual simulations, and teletherapy tools enable professionals to refine intervention strategies and build a broader network beyond local settings. This approach not only enhances technical competencies but also fosters proficiency in remote client management and data-driven decision making. For those looking to invest in cost-effective, quality education that aligns with contemporary practice standards, exploring the cheapest online PsyD programs can provide a competitive edge in the sports psychology arena.

How Can Applied Behavior Analysis Improve Interventions in Sports Psychology?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) offers data-driven strategies that refine intervention methods to enhance athlete performance. By systematically measuring behavior and applying reinforcement techniques, professionals can develop tailored approaches that address specific mental and performance challenges. Leveraging insights from the best online applied behavior analysis programs further equips practitioners with tools to implement evidence-based interventions that yield measurable outcomes while upholding ethical standards.

How Can Mentorship and Networking Boost Your Sports Psychology Career?

Establishing strategic mentorship and cultivating a robust professional network are critical for advancing in the competitive field of sports psychology. Engaging with experienced practitioners provides insights into nuanced client management, best practices during high-pressure scenarios, and effective strategies for balancing clinical responsibilities with performance enhancement. Furthermore, participation in professional associations and industry-specific events can facilitate access to exclusive research opportunities and valuable referrals that may lead to higher-caliber positions and improved compensation. For those evaluating career prospects, reviewing psychology specialties salaries offers a data-driven perspective on industry benchmarks.

How do sports psychologists address substance abuse challenges in athletes?

In high-pressure sports settings, some athletes face co-occurring substance misuse issues that can impair performance and overall well-being. Sports psychologists are increasingly integrating targeted interventions to address these challenges alongside performance enhancement strategies. They often collaborate with other professionals to design individualized treatment plans and ensure that sport-specific mental skills training considers the risks and implications of substance misuse. This integrated approach not only helps mitigate harmful behaviors but also supports athletes in developing resilience and sustained performance, aligning with established substance abuse counselor education requirements.

How much does a sports psychologist make?

According to recent data from ZipRecruiter, sports psychologists in the United States earn an average annual salary of $92,813 while Glassdoor offers a higher projection with $107,063. Either way, a sports psychologist's salary is much higher than the collective median annual salary of all US jobs ($48,060). So, aspirants can expect notable sports psychologist salary packages.

Going with ZipRecruiter's data, the US states that offer the highest average annual salaries to sports psychologists are Washington ($105,120), the District of Columbia ($104,881), New York ($101,541), Massachusetts ($101,363), and Alaska ($99,955), as shown by the chart below.

Meanwhile, the US states that offer the lowest average annual salaries to sports psychologists are Florida ($69,358), West Virginia ($71,853), Arkansas ($76,748), Georgia ($78,370), and Louisiana ($79,367).

What are the possible career paths for aspiring sports psychologists?

Aspiring sports psychologists have numerous career opportunities influenced by their education, interests, and preferred work settings. Besides becoming sports psychologists, graduates can enter many other possible fields since they are trained in a diverse range of mental-health-related competencies. Below are some common career paths:

Licensed Sports Psychologist: This direct path involves completing a doctoral degree like online PhD programs in psychology, obtaining licensure, and working with athletes to enhance performance, address mental health challenges, and promote overall well-being.
Mental Performance Consultant: Certified Mental Performance Consultants (CMPC) specialize in helping athletes develop mental skills such as goal setting, visualization, and stress management. They often work independently or with teams to enhance performance.
Athletic Trainer: Professionals with a background in sports psychology can pursue roles as athletic trainers, integrating psychological strategies into injury prevention, rehabilitation, and physical training.
Sports Coach: Sports psychology graduates can transition into coaching roles, using their understanding of mental processes to improve team dynamics, develop strategies, and enhance individual athlete performance.
Academic Roles: Teaching sports psychology at colleges or universities is an option for those interested in academia, often involving research, publications, and mentoring students.
Corporate Consultant: Sports psychology principles are applicable in corporate settings, where professionals train employees in mental skills, team-building, and leadership to boost productivity and morale.
Youth Sports Psychology Specialist: Focusing on young athletes, this role involves helping children and adolescents navigate competition pressures while fostering a positive and enjoyable sports experience.
Researcher: Pursuing a career in research allows individuals to study performance psychology and contribute insights to advance the field through academic publications and studies. Aspirants more interested in psychological research than sports psychology can pursue clinical psychologist programs online.
Sports Psychiatrist: By undergoing additional medical training, some professionals specialize in addressing mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression among athletes, combining psychology and psychiatry.
Consultant for Military or Law Enforcement: Sports psychology skills are highly valued in high-pressure environments like military training or law enforcement, where mental resilience and performance are essential.

Check the best sport psychology jobs with a masters degree for more information.

Here's What Sports Psychologists Say About Their Jobs

"As a sports psychologist, I get to blend science, empathy, and strategy into my daily work. Whether it's applying performance enhancement techniques or helping athletes navigate personal struggles, the role keeps me intellectually engaged and emotionally connected. One of the best parts is seeing the ripple effect—when athletes thrive mentally, it uplifts entire teams and communities. This career isn't just a job; it’s a calling to make a real difference." - Howard

"As a sports psychologist, I have the incredible privilege of helping athletes unlock their full potential. One of my most rewarding experiences was working with a young gymnast who struggled with performance anxiety. Through tailored mental training techniques, we transformed her mindset, allowing her to embrace competition rather than fear it. Witnessing her confidence grow and ultimately achieve her goals was profoundly fulfilling. This profession not only allows me to impact individual lives but also contributes to the overall well-being of athletes, fostering resilience and mental strength. Becoming a sports psychologist was one of the best decisions of my life." - Billie

"I always dreamed of combining my love for psychology with my passion for sports, and becoming a sports psychologist has allowed me to do exactly that. I work with diverse teams, from youth leagues to professional athletes, and no two days are ever the same. The field is dynamic and constantly evolving, offering endless opportunities to grow and adapt. It’s inspiring to know my expertise directly impacts not just performance, but the mental well-being of athletes as individuals." - Pat

How Can Further Education Accelerate Your Career in Sports Psychology?

Advanced academic training refines critical competencies and introduces emerging strategies tailored to athlete mental health, providing practitioners with the edge needed to address evolving challenges in the field. Graduate coursework and specialized certifications offer exposure to innovative research methodologies and niche intervention techniques that expand analytical capabilities and improve client outcomes. Evaluating curriculum quality and cost-effectiveness is essential; comparing programs such as masters in psychology online programs can guide professionals toward a curriculum aligned with industry standards and future market demands. This investment in further education not only strengthens theoretical foundations but also cultivates a professional network that can unlock higher-level roles within sports organizations.

What Are the Emerging Trends in Sports Psychology?

Recent developments in sports psychology are increasingly shaping how practitioners address athlete mental health and performance. Innovations such as wearable technology and virtual reality are being tested to simulate competitive scenarios and measure physiological responses, allowing for more precise intervention strategies. Moreover, interdisciplinary practices that integrate mental health with physical training and nutrition are gaining traction, ensuring a holistic approach to athlete care. Professionals are also enhancing their expertise by pursuing additional cross-disciplinary certifications, including those available through online MFT programs, to address evolving client needs in a dynamic sports environment.

Other Things You Need to Know About How to Become a Sports Psychologist

What are the two main types of sports psychologists?

The two main types of sports psychologists are clinical sports psychologists and educational sports psychologists. Clinical sports psychologists focus on addressing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma in athletes, often holding licensure to provide therapy. Educational sports psychologists, on the other hand, specialize in teaching mental skills like focus, confidence, and stress management to enhance athletic performance, typically working in non-clinical settings with teams and individuals.

Is a doctorate degree required to become a sports psychologist?

A doctorate degree is not always required to work in sports psychology, but it is essential for certain roles, particularly for becoming a licensed clinical sports psychologist. Most states mandate a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology for licensure, allowing individuals to provide therapeutic services. However, professionals in non-clinical roles, such as mental performance consultants, may only need a master’s degree and relevant certifications.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a sports psychologist?

A psychologist is a professional who studies and treats mental health issues, emotional challenges, and behavioral problems across various populations and contexts. A sports psychologist, on the other hand, specializes in applying psychological principles to the sports and exercise domain, focusing on enhancing athletic performance, addressing mental barriers, and promoting the well-being of athletes. While both may have overlapping skills, sports psychologists tailor their expertise to the unique demands and pressures of the sports world.

How long does it take to become a sports psychologist?

Becoming a sports psychologist typically takes six to 14 years, depending on the level of education pursued. While a master’s degree is the minimum requirement, many employers prefer candidates with a doctorate for advanced roles. The exact timeline varies based on individual educational and career goals.

References:

ASPPB (2024). 2024 PsychologyLicensing Exam Scores by Doctoral Program. ASPPB
BLS (2024, August 29). Psychologists. BLS
Glassdoor (2024, June 6). How much does a Sports Psychologist make? Glassdoor
González-Hernández, J. (2024, August 14). Mental health after the Olympics: why so many athletes struggle to adapt to normal life after big competitions. The Conversation
Indeed (2024, July 3). FAQ: How Long Does It Take To Become a Sports Psychologist? Indeed
Zippia (2024, June 25). Sports Psychologist skills for your resume and career. Zippia
ZipRecruiter (2024, December 30). Sport Psychologist Salary. ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter (2024, December 30). What Is the Average Sport Psychologist Salary by State. ZipRecruiter