The Business of Sports Psychology in Youth Sports:
Rising Demand and the Investment by Parents
The Report
Youth sports have evolved dramatically over the past several decades, particularly with the rise of travel and elite sports leagues. In the past, sports psychology was often reserved for professional or elite athletes, but the field has become an essential service for young athletes. The pressures placed on athletes, coupled with the increasing awareness of mental health challenges, have made sports psychologists a critical part of training programs at all levels.
How to Become a Youth Sports Psychologists
Pathway to sports Psychology
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in psychology, kinesiology, or a related field is typically required. This provides foundational knowledge in human behavior, psychological theory, and basic counseling techniques.
Master’s or Doctorate Degree: A graduate degree in sports psychology or a closely related field (e.g., counseling, clinical psychology) is essential. You can pursue:
A Master's degree in sports psychology, which usually takes 2 years.
A Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in sports psychology or a related field, which can take an additional 4-6 years.
Internships and Experience:
During or after completing your graduate studies, completing an internship is crucial. You’ll need hands-on experience working with athletes at various levels (youth, collegiate, professional) or in performance settings.
This is also the time to gain experience in coaching, counseling, or mental performance consulting, ideally in settings related to sports.
Licensing (If Applicable):
Licensed Psychologist: In many states, if you want to practice as a psychologist (especially for counseling or clinical purposes), you will need to obtain licensure, which requires passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and completing a required number of supervised hours (typically 1-2 years).
Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC): The Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) offers certification as a CMPC. This certification is particularly beneficial for those who want to work with athletes without necessarily pursuing a licensed psychologist route.
Continuing Education and Networking:
Sports psychology is an evolving field, so continuing education, attending conferences (e.g., AASP Annual Conference), and engaging with professional networks (e.g., AASP, APA) is important for staying updated on the latest research and practices.
Specialization:
Over time, some sports psychologists choose to specialize in particular areas (e.g., youth athletes, elite performers, injury recovery, mental toughness) to better serve specific populations, which can also lead to higher income opportunities.
Top Academic Programs for Sports Psychology in the U.S.
notable programs for sports psychology at the graduate level in the U.S.:
University of Denver (Graduate School of Professional Psychology)
Program: Master's and Doctoral programs in Sport and Performance Psychology
Reputation: Highly regarded, with opportunities for internships and applied experiences with local sports teams.
Website: https://psychology.du.edu/academics/ma-sport-performance-psychology
John F. Kennedy University (Pleasant Hill, CA)
Program: Master of Arts in Sport Psychology
Reputation: Offers a well-established program with a focus on practical application in sports and fitness contexts.
Website: https://www.jfku.edu/academics/graduate-programs/ma-in-sport-psychology/
University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG)
Program: PhD in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Psychology
Reputation: Known for its research emphasis and involvement with collegiate athletics.
Website: https://kinesiology.uncg.edu/academics/graduate/phd-kinesiology/
Florida State University (FSU)
Program: Master’s and Doctoral programs in Sport Psychology within the Department of Sport Management
Reputation: One of the best programs for combining sports psychology with the business and management aspects of sports.
Website: https://education.fsu.edu/academics/graduate/sport-psychology/
Boston University (BU)
Program: Master of Science in Sport Psychology
Reputation: Well-regarded for preparing students to work with athletes across various levels and for research in mental health and performance.
Website: https://www.bu.edu/sed/academics/programs/masters/sport-psychology/
University of Missouri
Program: Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with a Sport Psychology emphasis
Reputation: Strong program with opportunities for hands-on experience in sports settings.
Website: https://education.missouri.edu/esp/academics/graduate-programs/ms-counseling-psychology/
Earnings for Sports Psychologists - As of 2025
Early Career (First 5 Years):
Salary Range: In the first five years of their career, sports psychologists typically earn between $40,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on their location, education level, and whether they are working in private practice or with an organization (e.g., sports teams, universities).
Factors Influencing Early Earnings:
Location: Salaries tend to be higher in larger metropolitan areas or areas with a higher concentration of professional and elite sports teams.
Type of Employment: Sports psychologists working in private practice may have the potential to earn more, depending on their client base, while those employed by sports teams, universities, or athletic organizations may have more structured salary ranges.
Level of Education: Those with a doctorate (PsyD or PhD) may earn more than those with a master's degree or other certifications.
Mid Career (5-10 Years):
Salary Range: With more experience, sports psychologists can expect to earn between $60,000 to $100,000 annually, especially if they specialize in elite or professional athletes.
Additional Revenue Streams: Some sports psychologists may supplement their income by offering workshops, writing, or consulting.
Top End (After 10-15 Years):
Salary Range: Sports psychologists at the top of their field can earn $100,000 to $150,000+ annually, particularly if they are working with high-profile athletes or large organizations (such as professional sports teams, Olympic committees, or high-performance training centers).
Factors Influencing Maximum Earnings:
Specialization: Psychologists specializing in elite professional athletes, high-performance sports teams, or organizations often earn more.
Private Practice: Those with an established private practice, especially in large markets, may earn significantly more.
Reputation and Networking: A strong professional reputation and network can lead to higher-paying opportunities.