Sports Psychology therapists in Altoona, Pennsylvania PA
We are proud to feature top rated Sports Psychology therapists in Altoona. We encourage you to review each profile to find your best match.
Sports Psychology
Shannon Mick
Counselor/Therapist, NCC, LPC
Sports psychology isn’t just for elite professionals—it’s for any athlete who wants to perform better, enjoy the process more, and handle the mental side of training and racing. As an endurance runner myself, I understand how the mind can become the biggest limiter: race-day nerves, motivation dips, fear of failure, DNF/DNS recovery, perfectionism, or the mental fog after injury.
In our work together, we blend clinical counseling tools with practical performance strategies. Using CBT to reframe unhelpful thoughts, ACT to stay focused on what you can control, and DBT skills for emotion regulation under pressure, we address the mental barriers that affect your training consistency, race execution, and overall love of the sport.
Many clients experience meaningful gains such as:
Stronger mental toughness and resilience during tough efforts or setbacks.
Better race-day mindset tools (visualization, mantras, pacing psychology).
Improved motivation and consistency even when life gets busy.
Faster recovery from disappointing races or injuries.
Greater enjoyment and presence while running instead of constant self-pressure.
Because I’m also an assistant running coach and semi-professional ultramarathoner, I bring real-world experience to our sessions. For deeper race-specific mental strategies and non-clinical mindset coaching, I offer services through my companion site, Finish Stronger Mindset Coaching.
You don’t have to let your mind hold back your body. Whether you’re chasing PRs, building consistency, or simply wanting to love running again, we can develop the mental tools that help you show up stronger—on the starting line, in training, and across every finish line.
11 Years Experience
Online in Altoona, PA Pennsylvania (Online Only)
Sports Psychology
Alicia Townsend
Psychologist, PhD, BCN
Being your best both physically and mentally are crucial for success in sports and other competitive activities. Sport psychology can help you master mental strategies to perform better. Issues such as injury prevention and recovery, fears and anxiety, goal setting and achievement, and more can be addressed with sport psychology. I studied and trained in sport psychology at the University of North Texas, and I can help you improve your physical and mental game.
21 Years Experience
Online in Altoona, PA Pennsylvania (Online Only)
Sports Psychology
Dr. Samantha Morris
Psychologist, PsyD
I have experience working with athletes from HS, collegiate, professional, and Olympic levels. I have specific knowledge about the stressors that come with being an athlete and performing at high levels. I work extensively with DI college athletes and am listed on the USOPC Mental Health Directory. Some of my interests and specialties within the field of sports psychology include anxiety (including performance anxiety), mindfulness, injury, return to sport after injury, managing chronic health conditions while being an athlete, and high pressure positions.
11 Years Experience
Online in Altoona, PA Pennsylvania (Online Only)
Sports Psychology
Stuart Hellebrand, M.S., C.Ht.
Hypnotherapist
Hypnosis is a valuable tool for those seeking a competitive edge in sports performance. I have been involved with sports performance improvement since the 1970’s through my work with sports competitors to include recreational golfers, collegiate middle-distance runners and swimmers, marathon runners, and others. Noteworthy, among my clients, has been a CIF track and field champion, a swimmer on Cal Berkeley’s 2X national championship team, a collegiate middle-distance champion, and a marathoner who successfully completed the Mount Everest Marathon.
Addressing the performance aspects of sports through hypnosis complements physical training and can lead to breakthrough performances. My use of hypnosis works by reprogramming negative self-talk, empowering performance through affirmations and guided imagery, boosting confidence, and reducing anxiety. In that pre-competition jitters or fear of failure can derail an athlete’s mindset, hypnosis employs subconscious relaxation techniques and guided imagery to reduce cortisol levels and promote a calm composed state of mind, while fostering a winning attitude.
Studies have shown the efficacy of hypnosis in sports. For example, a 2016 review in the International Journal of Sports Science highlighted significant performance improvements in athletes who used hypnosis compared to those who did not. Those who used hypnosis reported better focus, reduced pre-competition anxiety, and enhanced execution of skills after hypnosis sessions.
In sports performance counseling, my use of hypnosis facilitates vivid mental imagery, allowing athletes to visualize successful performance. Research has shown that mental rehearsal can strengthen neural pathways, helping the body to perform as if it has already achieved the desired outcome. Using hypnotic relaxation to tap into an athlete’s subconscious allows the competitor to tap into their commitment to training, discipline, and goal achievement in a stress-free manner.
59 Years Experience
Online in Altoona, PA Pennsylvania
Sports Psychology
Confluence Mind and Motion
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
We support athletes with performance mindset, identity balance, injury recovery, and emotional regulation. Using attachment and whole-person approaches, we help athletes access confidence and consistency. The goal is sustainable performance anchored in emotional wellbeing.
9 Years Experience
Online in Altoona, PA Pennsylvania
Sports Psychology therapists in Altoona, Pennsylvania Statistics
Sports Psychology therapists in Altoona, Pennsylvania average 20 years of experience and charge around $203 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (79%), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (48%), and Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) (41%).
Average years in practice
20 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$203
Accept insurance
28%
Offer sliding scale
52%
Gender ID
| 46% |
Male |
|
| 46% |
Female |
|
| 5% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 3% |
Gender Fluid |
|
Session Type
| 52% |
Online Only |
|
| 48% |
In Person and Online |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 79% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 48% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 41% | Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) |
| 38% | Family Systems Therapy |
| 34% | Internal Family Systems (IFS) |
| 34% | Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) |
| 31% | Psychodynamic Therapy |
Ages Served
| 100% | Adult |
| 83% | Young Adult |
| 62% | Teen |
| 59% | Senior |
| 31% | Children |
Client Focus
| 52% | Women |
| 45% | Men |
| 38% | Military / Veterans |
| 31% | Christian |
| 31% | Jewish |