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Sport Psychologist Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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Sport Psychologist information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10.9K

$91.6K

$393.2K

How much do sport psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for sport psychologist in Rochester, NY is $91,576.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $115,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sport Psychologist jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Sport Psychologist jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Sport Psychologist jobs in Rochester, NY? For Sport Psychologist jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sport Psychologist jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Sport Psychologist jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Sport Psychologist jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Sport Psychologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Sport Psychologist job openings in Rochester, NY as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,576 per year, or $44 per hour.
Mental Health Therapist

Mental Health Therapist

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY • On-site

$63K - $80.60K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of Rochester rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 178 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

10 Miracle Mile Dr, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14623

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

500283 University Sports Medicine

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URCE 211

Compensation Range:

$63,003.00 - $80,600.00

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

The Department of Orthopaedics and Physical Performance at the University of Rochester Medical Center is seeking a dynamic professional with strong clinical and performance enhancement skills to join a growing team, led by Dr. Craig Cypher, a clinical and sport psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant. Dr. Cypher is listed in the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee's Mental Performance and Mental Health Registries and is also an approved mentor for CMPC certification by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. The Mental Health and Performance Therapist will also have opportunities to work with athletes and elite performers in a newly built, state-of-the-art facility, the Saunders Center for Orthopaedics & Physical Performance. Recently opened in December of 2023, this center houses CHAMPP, the Center for Human Athleticism and Musculoskeletal Performance and Prevention. CHAMPP offers next-generation orthopaedic medicine that is fully integrated with mental performance and includes functional movement-based physical therapy and athletic performance training, computerized biomechanical motion analysis, and advanced approaches to injury risk assessment and prevention. The successful candidate will have expertise in evidence-based mental health treatment, will be skilled in providing performance enhancement services grounded in research, and will be able to successfully collaborate with an interdisciplinary team that includes professionals in sports medicine, physical therapy, nutrition, and strength and conditioning.

Under general direction and with considerable latitude for independent judgment performs complex psychosocial assessments and diagnostic formulations for patients and their families when indicated.

Provides comprehensive mental health and /or dual diagnosis services for individuals who have a diagnosable mental illness. The therapist functions as the primary clinician and is responsible for assessment, treatment planning, therapy/counseling, and education services for patients and families. Systematically and continually assesses the patient's mental condition in collaboration with the patient and family.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

· Performs complex psychosocial intake assessments that effectively evaluate diagnostic needs for athletes, elite performers, and their families within a collaborative sports medicine program. Ensures the development and implementation of comprehensive and individualized treatment plans for patients with clearly defined therapeutic and performance goals.

· Conducts psychotherapy sessions for athletes and elite performers managing mental health issues and psychological aspects of injury recovery utilizing evidenced based approaches rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy and evidenced-based sport psychology interventions.

· Conducts mental performance sessions for athletes and elite performers utilizing evidenced based techniques rooted in sport psychology research.

· Designs and delivers educational and engaging team interventions and presentations suited to the needs of coaches, teams, and sport organizations in the community.

· Consults and collaborates as a member of an interdisciplinary team of providers within URMC Orthopaedics and Physical Performance and as a member of the UR Fitness Science team, including connection to disciplines in nutrition and strength and conditioning.

· Adheres to documentation and recordkeeping expectations, including recording and entering all patient encounters and related data in the URMC electronic medical record in a complete and timely manner in compliance with program, department, and hospital regulations.

· Participates in ongoing quality improvement efforts for both the sport psychology division and UR Medicine Fitness Science including aspects of program and curriculum development as well as data capture, evaluation, and analysis.

· Assesses successful completion of therapeutic goals and plans termination of treatment accordingly. Coordinates with referring providers to ensure continuity of care.

· Establishes and regularly maintains cooperative working relationships with community and health care agencies, as well as professional and administrative staff of the Medical Center and University. Coordinates with administrative support staff regarding patient scheduling, fees, and insurance issues.

· Maintains professional standards and continuing education requirements by reading, attending seminars, workshops, and conferences, and staying up to date for the NYS requirements for maintenance of licensure as appropriate.

· Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Master's degree from a Counsel for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) accredited program with major course work in mental health counseling required
  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • NYS licensure as a mental health practitioner (e.g., Mental Health Counselor, Creative Arts Therapist) upon hire required or
  • If licensure has not been obtained upon employment, an active limited permit or submitted application to the NYS Department of Education. upon hire required and
  • NYS licensure as a mental health practitioner (e.g., Mental Health Counselor, Creative Arts Therapist) within 36 months required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 2+ years of experience providing mental health services to elite and diverseathlete populations or equivalent combination of education and experiencepreferred.
  • Certification as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) asadministered by the Association of Applied Sport Psychology preferred or
  • Eligible for certification as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC)within one year (supervision by an approved mentor is provided) preferred.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

Notice: If you are a Current Employee, please log into myURHR to search for and apply to jobs using the Jobs Hub. Your application, if submitted using this portal, cannot be moved forward.

Learn. Discover. Heal. Create.

Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world's leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries-always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better.

If you're looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals.

At the University of Rochester, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture and are united by a strong commitment to be ever better-Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.


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