When we neglect the mental game, common struggles include:

• Concentration problems
• Performance anxiety
• Choking or slumps

Developing mental toughness is one of the top challenges for athletes. At Ohio State, we have sport psychologists to help you develop the skills necessary to rise above performance struggles, whether they are mental, physical or a combination of both. This resource helps you go from fear of failure to embracing the process, regardless of the outcome.

Our expertise in mental health and its impact on sports performance can give you a distinct advantage. We understand the demands of the unique athletic culture, and our goal is to help every athlete maintain good mental and physical health, effectively manage the stress of competition, support recovery and build quality relationships. Ultimately, this can improve your performance both on and off the field.

Our comprehensive approach

Sport psychologists are licensed clinical or counseling psychologists with a specialty in sport psychology. They have six or more years of graduate training in mental health treatment and sport science.

Sport psychologists provide counseling to address mental health and mental training for peak sport performance. They listen to athletes to understand their worlds and unique needs. They teach skills to cope with emotion effectively, including treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders and the emotional aspects of injury. Athletes spend countless hours training their bodies, and sport psychologists add an important skillset by training the mind. Athletes and other performers who manage their energy, stay focused, bounce back quickly from mistakes and work harmoniously with their teammates have a distinct performance edge.

These psychologists help with concerns that impact not only sports performance, but also daily life.