I am both a licensed psychologist in the state of Nevada holding license number PY0560 and a certified sport psychology consultant holding certification number 414 from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). I am listed in the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Sport Psychology and Mental Training Registry, a directory of qualified sport psychology and mental training specialists.
What is Sport Psychology?
Sport psychology consulting is the use scientifically validated mental skills training and techniques to maintain and enhance optimal human performance. Sport psychology is “the scientific study of people and their behaviors in sport and exercise contexts and the practical application of that knowledge” (Gill, 2000).
How to Find a Sport Psychology Consultant.
According to Jack J. Lesyk, Ph.D., CMPC, former president of AASP, if you are considering working with a sport psychology consultant and you want to know whether one is qualified, there are a few questions you should ask. First, ask if they are a member of AASP or Division 47 of the American Psychologist Association (APA). An answer of “yes” is a good sign. An answer of “no” is not – Dr. Lesyk “wouldn’t continue the conversation” after that point. If they are a member of AASP or Division 47 of the APA, next you should ask if they are a certified by AASP as a sport psychology consultant. AASP ensures that sport psychology consultants meet high standards in conducting mental skills training. AASP certification requires a graduate degree in sport science and/or psychology, several hours of education and supervised training by sport psychology mentors, and an agreement to adhere to the ethical principles of APA and AASP. Due to demand for mental skills training to improve satisfaction with sport and sport performance, many individuals advertise sport psychology services. Many are competent to provide mental skills training, and many are not. The easiest way to find a competent sport psychology consultant is to visit the AASP website and conduct a search for a sport psychology consultant. Find an AASP Certified Sport Psychology Consultant
How to Choose a Sport Psychology Consultant
The Importance of Certification
Find a Certified Sport Psychology Consultant
What is a Sport Psychology Consultant?
A sport psychology consultant is a person who conducts mental skills training. Like a sport psychologist, a sport psychology consultant should have education, supervised experience, and competence to practice mental skills training. Unlike a sport psychologist, a sport psychology consultant may not have a license to practice in the mental health field. If they do not have education, training, and supervised experience in providing mental health services, they may not be able to evaluate, assess, and treat psychological problems (e.g., disorders). If this is the case, for ethical and legal reasons, they should refer clients to licensed mental health providers for evaluation, assessment, and treatment of psychological problems (e.g., disorders). Depending on the state in which they practice, a sport psychology consultant may or may not be able to legally practice and provide mental skills training. You should check your state psychology licensing board to determine the criteria for practice in your state.
What is a Sport Psychologist?
Education – a professional with a doctoral degree from an accredited educational institute in an area clearly related to sport science or psychology.
Supervised experience – substantial educational knowledge, supervised training from a sport psychology consultant (i.e., hundreds of hours).
Competence – demonstrated competence within sport or exercise experiences (e.g., coaching, clinics, participation in sport) and understanding and practice of scientifically-based sport psychology interventions in an ethical, legal, and competent manner. Certification by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) demonstrates competency.
License to practice – in the state of Nevada, the Nevada Revised Statutes require a license in the mental health field to practice and deliver mental health services and requires anyone practicing as a psychologist to be licensed as a psychologist. LeUnes (2008) states that placing “sport” in front of ‘psychologist’ does not change the fact that a person must be licensed as a psychologist to practice sport psychology.
What is NOT Sport Psychology?
-Psychotherapy
-Life coaching
-Motivational speaking
Are You a Student?
If you are a University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) student, you may be eligible for these or similar services at a reduced-fee through UNR Counseling Services. You may also be able to see myself or another professional staff member. See this link for more information:
