Description

Psychotherapist – Sports Performance Therapist

Reports To: Clinical Director 

We are seeking a dedicated and dynamic Psychotherapist with a strong interest or specialization in Sports Performance to join our interdisciplinary team. This role will focus on supporting adolescent athletes within partnered high schools and school districts. The ideal candidate understands the unique social ecosystem surrounding young athletes—including relationships with coaches, teammates, family members, and school personnel—and can skillfully integrate this awareness into their mental performance work.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Mental Performance Training
Design and implement individualized mental skills plans to enhance:
Confidence
Focus and attention control
Emotional regulation
Resilience and adaptability
Goal setting and motivation
Visualization and mental rehearsal
Apply sport and performance psychology principles to optimize preparation, execution, and recovery
Provide psychological support throughout injury recovery and return-to-play processes

Psychoeducation & Outreach
Facilitate team workshops and group sessions on topics such as:
Thriving under pressure
Mental toughness vs. psychological flexibility
Identity and self-worth in sport
Burnout prevention and sustainable success
Develop and deliver research-informed mental performance programs tailored for youth athletes
Create educational resources for athletes, coaches, and school staff

Collaboration & Consultation
Work closely with athletic trainers, strength coaches, and wellness teams to align mental and physical performance strategies
Consult with coaches and athletic staff to support:
Athlete leadership development
Team culture
Interpersonal communication
Provide individual or group mental skills coaching and performance consulting as needed

Preferred Qualifications
Licensed psychotherapist (LCSW, LMFT, LPC, PsyD, or equivalent) New Jersey 
Experience as a child and/or adolescent therapist, ideally in school or youth athletic settings
Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC) or actively pursuing certification
Graduate training in sport or performance psychology
Familiarity with relevant psychological themes in sport, such as:
Identity foreclosure
Perfectionism
Recovery from failure
Motivation theory
Demonstrated ability to translate psychological concepts into practical tools
Experience delivering engaging psychoeducational workshops
Interested in working with a diverse group of athletes instead
Cultural competence and commitment to equity and inclusion

Work Environment & Expectations
Flexible schedule to accommodate team meetings, competitions, and school hours
Some evening/weekend availability may be required
May include on-site visits to high schools, sports practices, and events
Travel between school locations may be necessary (mileage reimbursement available)