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Sport Psychologist Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

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Sport Psychologist information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$10.7K

$90.6K

$389.1K

How much do sport psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for sport psychologist in Decatur, GA is $90,616.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $114,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sport psychologist?

A Sport Psychologist is a professional who helps athletes and teams enhance their performance and well-being through mental strategies. They work with individuals to manage anxiety, improve focus, set goals, and recover from setbacks or injuries. Sport Psychologists also collaborate with coaches and support staff to create positive environments and address team dynamics. Their expertise combines knowledge of psychology with sports science to help athletes achieve their full potential.

What does a sport psychologist do?

As a sport psychologist, you may work with athletes from any sport, functioning as a consultant, therapist, or trainer. Your duties include fostering well being in the emotional, mental, and physical life of athletes, facilitating workshops or counseling that focus on visualization, goal setting, and relaxation, and developing mind strategies to assist an athlete with coping with injuries and setbacks. Other duties include treating and advising athletes who have mental health conditions, helping athletes to study different coping strategies, and using modern research to allow athletes to enhance their physical performance in overall healthy ways.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sport psychologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sport Psychologist, you need a solid background in psychology, counseling, and sport science, typically supported by a master's or doctoral degree and licensure or certification as applicable. Familiarity with psychological assessment tools, biofeedback systems, and specialized software for data analysis is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to motivate and communicate effectively are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for helping athletes enhance performance, manage stress, and maintain mental well-being in competitive environments.

What are some common challenges sport psychologists face when working with athletes and teams?

Sport Psychologists often encounter challenges such as building trust with athletes, overcoming resistance to psychological interventions, and managing confidentiality within a team environment. They must balance individual athlete needs with team dynamics, while also addressing performance anxiety, motivation, and recovery from setbacks or injuries. Collaborating closely with coaches, medical staff, and family members requires strong communication skills and adaptability to different team cultures and expectations.

What is the difference between Sport Psychologist vs Athletic Trainer?

AspectSport PsychologistAthletic Trainer
CredentialsDoctoral degree in psychology, licensure, certification (e.g., Certified Mental Performance Consultant)Bachelor's or master's degree in athletic training, certification (e.g., ATC)
Work EnvironmentSports teams, clinics, private practice, mental health settingsSports facilities, hospitals, schools, clinics
Industry UsageFocus on mental skills, motivation, and psychological well-being of athletesInjury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletes

While both roles serve athletes, a Sport Psychologist specializes in mental skills and psychological health, often requiring advanced psychology credentials. An Athletic Trainer focuses on injury management and physical rehabilitation. They work collaboratively but have distinct training and responsibilities within the sports industry.

Do sport psychologists make good money?

Sport psychologists typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Those with advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong client base can earn higher incomes, especially if they work independently or in private practice. Salary can also vary based on whether they work with professional athletes, teams, or in academic or clinical environments.

Is there a high demand for sport psychologists?

The demand for sport psychologists is growing as athletes and teams increasingly recognize the importance of mental health and performance. Employment opportunities are available in professional sports, colleges, and private practice, often requiring relevant certifications and experience. Job growth is expected to be steady, reflecting the expanding focus on mental skills in sports.

What can you do as a sport psychologist?

A sport psychologist helps athletes improve mental skills such as focus, confidence, and stress management to enhance performance. They may provide counseling, develop mental training programs, and work with teams or individuals to address psychological barriers and promote overall well-being. Certification and knowledge of sports science are often required for this role.

What job categories do people searching Sport Psychologist jobs in Decatur, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Sport Psychologist jobs in Decatur, GA are:

What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Sport Psychologist jobs?

Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Sport Psychologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Sport Psychologist job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 59% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,616 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Independently Licensed Master Level Therapist - SHARE Military Initiative

Shepherd Center

Atlanta, GA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Shepherd Center rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 1,059 rated hospitals


Job description

About Shepherd Center

With five decades of experience, Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center ranked byU.S. Newsas one of the nation's top hospitals for rehabilitation, Shepherd Center is also recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems. Shepherd is the only rehabilitation facility in the nation with an intensive care unit on-site, allowing us to care for the most complex patients and begin the rehabilitation process sooner. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.

Shepherd Center's culture is one of hope, humor, and hard work. You will enjoy career growth, strong relationships with co-workers, strong support from leadership, and fun activities that have kept over 12% of staff members working at Shepherd for more than 20 years.

The Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia, is recruiting for a full-time, on-site outpatient mental health counselor with our SHARE (Shaping Hope and Recovery Excellence) Military Initiative.


The SHARE Military Initiative began in 2008 to provide interdisciplinary, personalized rehabilitation care for post-9/11 military Veterans. Many of our clients experience symptoms of or have a diagnosis of mild to moderate traumatic brain injury or concussions, co-occurring psychological or behavioral health concerns, post-traumatic stress, sleep disturbance, mood issues, substance abuse issues, and/or family concerns.

Since SHARE's inception, the program has served more than 300 individuals from all service branches. The program typically treats 10-15 wounded warriors at a time, for typically 8 to 12 weeks, with plans to expand our service capabilities.
The counselor for this position will join a team of 3 psychologists with specialties in neuropsychology, addiction, and sport and rehabilitation psychology. The Department of Psychology currently has a large staff with services in brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, comprehensive rehabilitation, and pain management.

Applicants must be fully licensed in GA (e.g., LPC, LCSW, LMFT) and have proficiency in working with military or veteran populations, mild to moderate traumatic brain injury, concussions, substance misuse, group therapy, psychoeducation, and/or military trauma issues. The ideal candidate would also have interdisciplinary treatment team experience.

Primary responsibilities for this position include active interdisciplinary team participation, and providing rehabilitative counseling services for veterans, concussion patients, and their families/caregivers, which may include individual, group, and family therapy/interventions, assessments, consultations, and education.

The Shepherd Center is a private, not-for-profit, 152-bed expanding facility, specializing in the medical treatment, research, and rehabilitation for people with neurological injuries or illnesses. The Shepherd Center is accredited by the Joint Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 10 best rehabilitation hospitals in the nation. This position includes a comprehensive benefits package including competitive salary, health/dental/vision insurance, CEU opportunities, 403(b) with employer match, paid time off, and more.


Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, or related field with training in brain injury or military patient populations and trauma/grief counseling. CACREP-accredited program training is preferred.
  • Ability to demonstrate strong conceptual, interventional, and communication skills. Must be capable of providing client, family, and team education regarding critical issues related to adjustment/coping associated with trauma and medical conditions. Must exhibit strong teaching and communication skills for patient, family, staff and community education.
  • Licensed in the State of Georgia.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION:

  • Master's Degree in social work, counseling, or related field with training in patient and family systems theory and counseling/crisis management/grief counseling.

REQUIRED MINIMUM CERTIFICATION:

  • Licensed by the State of Georgia- Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers or Marriage and Family Therapists.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

  • Prefer experience in (1) working with medical population patients/families (2) participating on interdisciplinary teams; (3) providing individual, family, and group therapy services; and (4) providing crisis/grief counseling.

REQUIRED MINIMUM SKILLS:

  • Demonstrate strong clinical skills.
  • Knowledgeable in counseling theory.
  • Address crisis situations directly and effectively.
  • Knowledge of medical patient population and related cognitive, behavioral, and emotional issues.
  • Understand and have knowledge of the rehabilitation process for the patient population.
  • Ability to educate patients, families, and team members on critical issues related to adjustment/coping for patient population.
  • Must exhibit strong professional communication skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Basic office physical demands.
  • Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time or exerting up to 15 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION:

  • Master's Degree in social work, counseling, or related field with training in patient and family systems theory and counseling/crisis management/grief counseling.

REQUIRED MINIMUM CERTIFICATION:

  • Licensed by the State of Georgia- Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers or Marriage and Family Therapists.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

  • Prefer experience in (1) working with medical population patients/families (2) participating on interdisciplinary teams; (3) providing individual, family, and group therapy services; and (4) providing crisis/grief counseling.

REQUIRED MINIMUM SKILLS:

  • Demonstrate strong clinical skills.
  • Knowledgeable in counseling theory.
  • Address crisis situations directly and effectively.
  • Knowledge of medical patient population and related cognitive, behavioral, and emotional issues.
  • Understand and have knowledge of the rehabilitation process for the patient population.
  • Ability to educate patients, families, and team members on critical issues related to adjustment/coping for patient population.
  • Must exhibit strong professional communication skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Basic office physical demands.
  • Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time or exerting up to 15 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified.


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