Therapy for Athletes and Sports Psychology

Train your mental game like you train your body - because peak performance starts in the mind.

What is Sports Therapy or Performance Psychology?

Whether you’re a student-athlete, professional competitor, or the weekend warrior, the mental side of sports matters. Sports therapy focuses on helping athletes sharpen focus, build resilience, recover from setbacks, and perform at their best, on and off the field. Many athletes don’t explore mental performance until college or beyond, missing out on a crucial edge: the mental gear.

Sports Psychology for Athletes

Why the Mental Gear Matters

Athletes know the importance of physical and technical training—but mental conditioning is often the missing piece. The mental gear is where focus, confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience live. It’s what helps you shake off mistakes, rise to the occasion, and stay centered under pressure.

Training your mental gear isn’t just for when things go wrong—it’s a proactive way to gain a competitive advantage. From visualizing success before a game to recovering after a tough loss, mental skills give athletes the edge they need to perform consistently at their best.

Our work enhances the mind-body connection, sharpens your focus, and supports long-term growth and well-being across your athletic journey.

Who we work with:

  • Middle and High School Athletes balancing pressure and growth

  • College and NCAA athletes managing expectations, scouting, and performance

  • Adult recreational or club athletes maintaining motivation and joy

  • Pre-Professional and elite athletes with a focus on in-game mindset and recovery

What We Help With

  • Performance anxiety and game-day stress

  • Recovering from injury or loss

  • Regaining confidence after getting benched or making mistakes

  • Treating anxiety, ADHD, depression and mental health symptoms

  • Managing pressure from parents, coaches, or scouts

  • Emotional regulation before, during, and after competition

  • Navigating burnout, transitions, or retirement from sport

  • Picking college teams and considering prospects

Our Approach to Therapy for Athletes

Led by Brie Scolaro, LCSW, a former collegiate ice hockey goalie with over 30 years of athletic experience, our approach combines performance psychology, emotional insight and behavioral science. Whether you’re bouncing back after a tough loss, navigating pressure from scouts or coaches, recovering from an injury, or just want to keep your mental game sharp between seasons, our work is grounded in:

Performance is personal—and your mindset matters. We’ll meet you where you are. Whether you're in the off-season, mid-season, or in recovery mode, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and strength.

Here's what happens next:

  • Book an Intake Appointment (30 Minutes - Virtual) with an Aspire Psychotherapy Director

  • Get Matched with a sports-specialized therapist

  • Start your plan—tailored for your performance level, schedule, and mindset goals

Client Testimonials

Brie was fantastic! They were kind, empathetic, and patient. They also gave me multiple tangible strategies to address my anxiety in different situations. I can’t recommend them enough if you’re looking for support!
— Past Client
Dr. Scolaro is an incredibly gifted therapist who has helped me learn and practice vital CBT skills that have changed my life.
— Past Client

Meet Our Directors

Portrait of Dr. Anya Scolaro, Clinical Psychologist and Co-Director of Aspire Psychotherapy in NYC and Upstate NY.

Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D., LCSW, BCN

Clinical Director

Portrait of Brie Scolaro, LCSW, Therapist and Co-Director of Aspire Psychotherapy, serving clients across New York and New Jersey.

Brie Scolaro, LCSW, SIFI

Director of Peak Performance

Start Therapy with the Right Fit

Fill out the short form below and we’ll personally match you with a clinician who aligns with your goals.

We offer in-person sessions in NYC & the Hudson Valley, virtual in NY + NJ.

Ready when you are. We’ll follow up with next steps within 1 business day.

“Dr. Scolaro is an incredibly gifted therapist who has helped me learn and practice vital skills that have changed my life.” - Client

Other Services We Offer

Biofeedback training session for athletes using HRV to improve stress recovery and focus

Biofeedback for Peak Performance

Exposure therapy helping athletes overcome performance anxiety and mental blocks

Exposure Therapy

Therapist supporting an athlete through anxiety and pressure in a competitive setting

Anxiety Treatment

Our Office Locations

We offer telehealth and hybrid therapy sessions at two locations in New York State. Reach out today to schedule your intake appointment and start seeing your therapist remotely or in-person.

 

Upper East Side Office

312 E 85th St Suite 1A, New York, NY 10028

 

Upstate New York Office

Healing Arts Center, 3457 Main St Floor 2, Stone Ridge, NY 12484

Still Not Sure or Have Questions?

Check out our Getting Started Guide to read through our FAQs and learn more about our therapist matching process.