How to Become a Sports Psychologist Guide

by Alex Morgan · January 3, 2024

Focusing solely on physical mastery is easy when watching your favorite professional athletes sprint down the field. But, beneath the surface, another type of coach often assists them in reaching peak performance – a sports psychologist! In this guide, we’ll look at how to become a sports psychologist and help athletes succeed.

What Does a Sports Psychologist Do?

Sports psychologists play an important role in the world of sports, where making a difference between victory and defeat can be a fraction of a second or a flash of doubt. These professionals, who focus on the psychological aspects of performance enhancement, are similar to mental trainers for athletes. If you are aspire to become a sports psychologist because you like to work on developing critical mental skills such as focus, motivation, stress management, and confidence, then you’ve picked the right career.

Consider a golfer experiencing first-tee jitters or a basketball player attempting to maintain focus in a high-pressure game. These are the times when sports psychologists come into play. They don’t perform miracles, but they are experts at fine-tuning an athlete’s mental game.

Another area of emphasis is confidence, which is the secret sauce to victory. Sports psychologists help athletes believe in their abilities, even when the odds are stacked against them.

While athletes enjoy the limelight, sports psychologists working behind the scenes ensure that when the crucial moment arrives, the athlete is mentally prepared to deliver their best.

Where Do Sports Psychologists Work?

From what we’ve already discussed, you know that to become a sports psychologist means being an adaptable professional – you work in a variety of settings, not just on the pitch or court. Here are some of the places sports psychologists are most likely to work.

Academic Institutions – Sports psychologists are in high demand in schools, colleges, and universities. They help student-athletes navigate the unique challenges of balancing academic responsibilities with the demands of sports.

Professional Sports Organizations – Sports psychologists are a common sight in the exciting world of professional sports. They collaborate closely with athletes to help them achieve and maintain peak performance levels, ensuring that they are mentally prepared for the intense competitions that professional sports entail.

Rehabilitation Centers – Sports psychologists are also important in the recovery of injured athletes. They aid in the rehabilitation process by assisting athletes in regaining physical strength and, more importantly, the mental fortitude to return to their sport confidently.

Private Practice – Some sports psychologists choose to run their own businesses. They provide athletes and sports enthusiasts with tailored and individualized services that address specific mental challenges and goals.

Types of Jobs Sports Psychologists Can Get

Now that we know that these professionals use psychological principles to assist athletes and teams in overcoming obstacles, reaching their full potential, and maintaining their mental health, here’s a more in-depth look at the various job roles available to sports psychologists.

Performance Enhancement Specialist – These experts concentrate on directly working with athletes and sports teams to improve their performance. They assist athletes in fine-tuning their mental skills by utilizing psychological strategies such as imagery, goal setting, and stress management. These abilities are critical for success in the intensely competitive world of sports.

Clinical Sports Psychologist – This position is concerned with mental health in sports. A clinical sports psychologist can help athletes who are suffering from anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or other mental health issues. Their counsel and advice can make a big difference in an athlete’s life, both on and off the pitch, encouraging not only better athletic performance but also overall well-being.

Academic Specialist – Academic sports psychologists, who are mostly found in educational institutions, play an important role in assisting student-athletes. These individuals must balance rigorous academic demands with the rigors of sports, which presents a unique set of challenges. Academic sports psychologists assist students in effectively managing their academic and athletic responsibilities. They make certain that student-athletes excel in their studies while also performing well in their chosen sports.

Rehabilitation Specialist – Injuries are an unfortunate reality in sports. Athletes recovering from injuries frequently face not only physical but also mental challenges. Sports psychology rehabilitation specialists can help these athletes on their road to recovery.

Researcher and Educator – Many sports psychologists are also active in academia. They conduct extensive research to broaden the field of sports psychology knowledge. It is persons from this field who teach the next generation of sports psychology professionals, passing on their practical knowledge and insights to newcomers. Their research contributions are also critical to advancements in the field, ensuring that the next generation of professionals is well-prepared to meet the changing needs of athletes.

Do You Need a Sports Psychology Certification or Degree?

As in any other field, consideration to become a sports psychologist also involves earning relevant qualifications. This can come in the form of both degrees or sports psychology certifications in your area of specialization

Applied sports psychology
Clinical sports psychology
Academic sports psychology

But above all, training is a very essential part of your journey as a sports psychologist.

Sports Psychology Degrees

Undergraduate programs include Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Sports Science. These programs will teach you the fundamentals of human psychology, physical education, and the world of sports. To truly enter this world and become a sports psychologist, however, you must obtain a graduate degree in Sports Psychology. These advanced degrees are your ticket to become a licensed sports psychologist, which opens many doors and allows you to work with elite athletes. These graduate programs will immerse you in the complexities of the human mind, honing your skills in understanding and guiding athletes. Some programs are listed below by Positive Psychology.

On Campus Sports Psychology Degrees

Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology, University of Denver, Colorado, US
Master of Science and Master of Education in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Springfield College, Massachusetts, US
Master of Arts in Sports and Exercise Psychology, Minnesota State University–Mankato, Minnesota, US
Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology, University of Western States, Oregon, US

Online Sports Psychology Degrees

Bachelor and Master of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion, California University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, US
Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology, National University, California, US
Master of Arts in Performance Psychology, National University, California, US
Master of Arts in Psychology, Sports Psychology, Northcentral University, California, US
Master of Arts in Sport Psychology, John F. Kennedy University, California, US
Master of Science in Performance Psychology, Bangor University, Wales, UK

Sports Psychology Certification

This is the exciting next chapter of this journey. While it is not always a must, it is akin to adorning your professional journey with shining stars. In this regard, consider the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) to be your guiding North Star. The AASP is the grand mentor of the sports psychology world, and they offer certifications that can greatly improve your credibility and job prospects. An illustrious example is the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification. It’s like receiving a prestigious award in sports psychology, indicating that you’re among the elite. You’re not just a theoretical expert with this sports psychology certification; you’re a hands-on expert ready to face the unique challenges of the sports world.

Sports Psychology Training

The real fun begins with training to become a sports psychologist–in which you apply everything you’ve learned through your degrees and certifications to real-world sports situations. This is the stage at which your theoretical knowledge becomes practical expertise. Internships and supervised practice allow you to immerse yourself in the world of athletes. You’re in the locker room, the sidelines, and the huddles. You gain an understanding of what athletes go through in the high-stakes world of sports, both mentally and physically. This practical experience provides you with invaluable tools to help athletes navigate the ups and downs of their careers.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Sports Psychologist?

A significant aspect of this adventure is the cost of becoming a sports psychologist. It varies according to your educational path. Let’s take a look at some of the general costs, even though these figures can vary a lot depending on factors like location and institution.

Undergraduate Degree – The cost of pursuing an undergraduate bachelor’s degree is often the first step and can range from a few thousand dollars at public institutions to as great as tens of thousands of dollars at private universities. It’s like your initial investment in the sports psychology treasure map.

Graduate Degree – The cost of pursuing a Master’s or Doctorate degree program may be higher. Tuition for these advanced sports degrees can range from $10,000 to $60,000 or more per year. It’s similar to progressing to the next level of the quest; the challenges get tougher, but the rewards get bigger.

Certification – Getting certified is a crucial step in your journey. These fees can vary, but they usually fall between $400 and $800. Consider it similar to collecting rare artifacts that will help you improve your skills and abilities.

Internship and Practical Experience – This stage of your journey may have varying costs. While some positions may provide paid sports psychology internships, others may not. So you have to be fully prepared to pay for your transportation, living expenses, and any additional costs that may incur.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Sports Psychologist?

To become a sports psychologist can be a time-consuming but rewarding journey. Roughly, taking into account the timelines, undergraduate studies typically last four years. A Master’s degree could take two years longer, while a Doctorate could take four to six years. Certification as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) or similar may take several months to a few years, depending on your specific path. Internships provide hands-on experience and can last from a few months to a year or more. To become a sports psychologist requires dedication and hard work, but it leads to a rewarding career in which you help athletes achieve their goals.

Conclusion

Sports psychology is an intriguing intersection of sports and psychology in which professionals help athletes reach their full potential. To become a sports psychologist, a commitment to education, practical experience, and often certification is required, but it is a rewarding path for those who are passionate about both sports and psychology. In this role, you will be more than just a bystander; you will be an important member of the team.