FAQs
What is a sports social worker?
A sports social worker is a licensed professional who specializes in supporting athletes’ mental health, emotional well-being, and social development. Unlike traditional therapists, sports social workers focus on the unique challenges of athletes at all levels, from youth and teens to adult and retired athletes.
Sports social workers help athletes:
Cope with performance anxiety, stress, and pressure from competition
Navigate injury recovery, setbacks, and transitions in sports careers
Develop resilience, confidence, and emotional regulation skills
Support identity development, especially during life transitions or retirement from sports
Collaborate with families, coaches, and schools to create a healthy environment for the athlete
Essentially, a sports social worker combines mental health expertise with an understanding of sports culture, helping athletes thrive both in their sport and in life
Do I need to be an athlete to benefit from your services?
No. While we use sports-informed strategies, our approach works for anyone. We help clients build resilience, confidence, and coping skills whether they’re involved in sports, school activities, or none at all.
What can I expect in the first session?
The first session is a relaxed, getting to know you conversation. We discuss your goals, what’s been going on, and what type of support feels right. There’s no pressure just a safe space to talk, ask questions, and start building a plan that fits your needs.
Do you meet with families and coaches too?
Yes. We offer support for families, caregivers, and coaches who want to better understand and support the young person in their life. This may include communication tools, behavior strategies, mental health education, or guidance through challenges like stress, trauma, or substance use.
How can sports therapy help my teen athlete?
Sports therapy for teen athletes helps young athletes improve not only their physical performance but also their mental and emotional well-being. Teen athletes face unique challenges such as performance anxiety, stress from competition, burnout, injuries, and balancing school and sports. Sports therapy can help by:
Teaching stress management and coping skills to handle pressure before, during, and after games
Building confidence, focus, and resilience both on and off the field
Supporting recovery from injuries and helping teens process setbacks emotionally
Improving communication, teamwork, and sportsmanship
Preventing burnout by promoting healthy training habits and balance
By addressing both the mind and body, sports therapy helps teen athletes perform at their best while maintaining emotional health and enjoyment of their sport.
Keywords: sports therapy for teen athletes, mental health support for teen athletes, youth athlete performance, athlete anxiety, teen sports counseling.