The Hidden Struggles of Sport Psychologists Supporting Athlete Mental Health

When we think about elite athletes, we often focus on their physical prowess and competitive achievements. But behind the scenes, sport psychologists face complex challenges as they navigate an increasingly important but poorly defined role: supporting athlete mental health.

A recent study involving 12 experienced sport psychologists in the UK reveals significant confusion within the profession about what their job actually entails when it comes to mental health support. This uncertainty creates ripple effects that impact both the quality of care athletes receive and the wellbeing of the psychologists themselves.

A Profession Divided

Sport psychology originally focused primarily on performance enhancement, helping athletes develop mental skills to excel in competition. However, as awareness of mental health issues in sport has grown, practitioners find themselves in uncharted territory.

The research shows a striking lack of consensus among sport psychologists about whether mental health support falls within their professional boundaries. Some practitioners maintain that their role should remain strictly focused on performance, viewing mental health concerns only through the lens of how they might affect athletic achievement. Others believe that supporting athlete mental health and wellbeing should be central to their practice.

This division creates inconsistency in the care athletes receive. Depending on which sport psychologist an athlete encounters, they might receive comprehensive mental health support or be quickly referred elsewhere, even for relatively minor concerns that could be within a sport psychologist's capabilities.

When Expectations Don't Align

The confusion becomes even more complicated when sport psychologists work within elite sporting organizations. Many practitioners described feeling pressured to prioritize performance above all else, even when their personal philosophy emphasized a more holistic approach to athlete care.

Some psychologists found themselves trying to fit into organizational cultures that valued only winning and viewed discussions about mental health as "soft" or unnecessary. This misalignment forced practitioners to choose between staying true to their values or conforming to organizational expectations to keep their jobs.

The situation becomes particularly challenging when sporting organizations expect sport psychologists to focus solely on performance but then turn to these same professionals when mental health crises arise. This contradiction leaves practitioners feeling unprepared and overwhelmed when faced with serious mental health disclosures from athletes.

The Emotional Weight of the Work

Perhaps most concerning is the emotional toll this work takes on sport psychologists themselves. When athletes disclose mental health concerns or thoughts of self-harm, practitioners described feeling an enormous weight of responsibility to respond appropriately and quickly.

Many sport psychologists in the study spoke about the anxiety they experience when having difficult conversations with athletes about mental health. The pressure to "do the right thing" in potentially life-threatening situations, combined with uncertainty about their professional boundaries and competencies, creates significant stress for practitioners.

Some described cases that haunted them for years, questioning whether they had missed important warning signs or handled situations appropriately. The emotional burden of caring for athletes struggling with mental health issues, while lacking clear guidelines and adequate training, takes a real toll on practitioners' own wellbeing.

Training Gaps and Professional Identity

The study highlights significant gaps in how sport psychologists are prepared for mental health-related responsibilities. Unlike other healthcare professions, sport psychology training programs vary widely in their approach to mental health education. Some programs provide comprehensive training, while others offer minimal preparation for these situations.

This inconsistency in training contributes to the profession's unclear identity. Without standardized competencies and clear guidelines, individual practitioners are left to determine for themselves what falls within their scope of practice. This creates confusion not only for sport psychologists but also for the athletes and organizations they serve.

The researchers suggest several important steps to address these challenges. Professional organizations need to provide clearer guidance about the sport psychologist's role in mental health support, ensuring that training programs prepare practitioners appropriately for these responsibilities.

Prior, E., Papathomas, A., & Rhind, D. (2025). A balancing act: Sport psychologist insights into supporting athlete mental health in elite sport. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 1-21.

Sporting organizations also need better education about what sport psychologists can and cannot provide, helping to align expectations and reduce the pressure on practitioners to work outside their competencies.

Perhaps most importantly, the profession needs to prioritize ongoing support and supervision for practitioners throughout their careers. The emotional demands of supporting athlete mental health require proper support systems to prevent burnout and ensure quality care.

The Bigger Picture

As mental health awareness continues to grow in elite sport, the role of sport psychologists will likely expand further. Rather than leaving practitioners to navigate these challenges alone, the profession must evolve to provide clear guidance, adequate training, and ongoing support.

Athletes deserve consistent, high-quality mental health support, and sport psychologists deserve clarity about their professional responsibilities and the tools needed to fulfill them effectively. Addressing these issues isn't just important for the individuals involved but for the future of mental health care in elite sport as a whole.

The path forward requires honest conversations about professional boundaries, better preparation for practitioners, and recognition that supporting athlete mental health is both a privilege and a significant responsibility that requires proper institutional support.