generalAthletics

Sports Psychology

OUR MISSION

The goal of the Sports Psychology service is to help athletes improve performance, facilitate injury recovery, overcome mental barriers and improve emotional health by using mental training and psychological skills. Our department offers two main types of services: Sports Psychology and Mental Health Counseling.

Sports Psychology:  This service is designed to help athletes with the mental side of their performance. Learning skills such as visualization, mindfulness, mental toughness training, concentration training, building self-confidence, and self-talks are just some of the mental skills athletes can learn. Some of the most common reasons athletes use the sports psychology services are performing well in practice but not in competition, anxiety and nervousness before games, low self-confidence, poor concentration or focus, low motivation, and making technical corrections.

Mental Health:  This service is designed to help student-athletes with their emotional wellness and psychological well-being. Some of the concerns that are addressed in the mental health service include, difficulty adjusting to college, relationship concerns, stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders, substance misuse, and any other concerns that are impacting your life.

Confidentiality:  All meetings with the sports psychologist are confidential. Information is only shared if you give your written permission.

  • Individual sessions (includes phone coaching)
  • Crisis services –crisis support for student-athletes who are experiencing distress themselves, or who are concerned about a teammate who may be in distress
  • Neuropsychological testing (in conjunction with Academics) – we work with Academic Staff to support student-athletes who may need additional testing for ADD, ADHD, and Learning Disabilities
  • Team interactions – we participate in pre-season meetings with compliance, nutrition, etc.
  • Coordination of care and referrals – we work with each student-athlete seeking treatment to determine the best course of care for them and their treatment needs on an ongoing basis
  • Collaboration with UHealth and community partners for services and providers
  • Administrator and staff consult(s)
  • Coach and team consult(s)
  • Diversity and Inclusion Committee
  • Eating Disorder Treatment Team
  • Drug Treatment Team
  • Rehabilitation Team
  • Medication Management
  • Mental Health Task Force
  • Parent Consult
  • Pre-Participation Evaluation Screenings
  • SAAC guest speakers
  • Mental Health Student Ambassador Program
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-4673
  • ReSolve Crisis Network (you can call from anywhere 24/7): 1-888-796-8226
  • The Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741-741
  • The National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-NAMI
  • The Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
  • University of Miami Counseling Center: 305-284-5511
  • Sandler Center for Alcohol and Drug Education: 305-284-5353

How to make an appointment: You can make an appointment by emailing our staff using this staff directory link. You can also make an appointment by contacting your Athletic Trainer.