Sport psychologists and CMPC providers look at the mental, behavioral, emotional, and relational components behind performance. Research shows psychological skills and techniques help increase performance and consistency. These skills can be used in any performance domain, such as business, the performing arts, and the military.
Sport and performance psychology is practical and individualized. Sessions typically combine education about how the mind and body respond under pressure with the development and practice of mental skills that can be applied directly to training, competition, work, or other high-performance environments. Depending on your goals, sessions may focus on areas such as confidence, focus, motivation, managing pressure and performance anxiety, emotional regulation, resilience, routines, communication, leadership, or recovering from mistakes and setbacks. Rather than simply talking about performance, we practice specific strategies and mental exercises designed to help you perform more consistently and effectively when it matters most. For teams and organizations, sessions can also address communication, leadership, team dynamics, culture, and creating environments that support both individual and collective performance.
We believe high performance and well-being are not in opposition. A mentally healthy performer is a more consistent, adaptable, and fulfilled one, so our work emphasizes not only striving, but also rest, balance, and connection to values.
Why insurance doesn't cover performance work
Insurance plans cover services they consider medically necessary, which generally means treatment for a diagnosable mental health condition. The pressure and nerves that come with competition, high-stakes work, and auditions are understandable responses to challenge rather than signs of a mental health condition. Performance sessions are skills-based and centered on building focus, composure, confidence, and consistency. If other concerns come up along the way, we can talk about them together, and clinical services, which may be covered by insurance, can be arranged separately. Self-pay clients are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate of costs.
Is sport and performance psychology covered by insurance?
No. Insurance plans cover services they consider medically necessary, which generally means treatment for a diagnosable mental health condition. The pressure and nerves that come with competition, high-stakes work, and auditions are understandable responses to challenge rather than signs of a mental health condition, so performance sessions are offered on a self-pay basis.
Is this only for elite athletes?
No. We work with athletes from youth sports through the professional level, as well as performers, students, coaches, teams, business professionals, and people in high-performance or high-stress jobs. Psychological skills can be used in any performance domain, such as business, the performing arts, and the military.
What does a session look like?
Sport and performance psychology is practical and individualized. Sessions typically combine education about how the mind and body respond under pressure with the development and practice of mental skills that can be applied directly to training, competition, work, or other high-performance environments. Depending on your goals, sessions may focus on areas such as confidence, focus, motivation, managing pressure and performance anxiety, emotional regulation, resilience, routines, communication, leadership, or recovering from mistakes and setbacks. Rather than simply talking about performance, we practice specific strategies and mental exercises designed to help you perform more consistently and effectively when it matters most. For teams and organizations, sessions can also address communication, leadership, team dynamics, culture, and creating environments that support both individual and collective performance.
Can you help with burnout?
Yes. Burnout is common among athletes, performers, and professionals in high-pressure or high-stress roles. Sessions can address the exhaustion, cynicism, and loss of motivation that come with sustained pressure, and help you rebuild energy, boundaries, and enjoyment in what you do. If burnout overlaps with depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns, clinical services can be arranged separately.
Can you help with performance anxiety?
Yes. Nerves before competitions, auditions, presentations, or high-stakes meetings are common. Sessions teach practical skills for managing pressure, calming the body, refocusing, and performing with confidence, whether the challenge is stage fright, choking under pressure, mental blocks, or the yips.
Do you work with business professionals?
Yes. The same mental skills that help athletes perform under pressure apply to executives, entrepreneurs, first responders, medical professionals, and anyone in a high-performance or high-stress job. Common goals include managing work stress, preventing burnout, building confidence, decision-making under pressure, leadership, and public speaking.
Do you work with teams?
Yes. Group and team sessions are designed around the unique goals of the participating team. Please contact the office to inquire about team rates and workshops.
How many sessions will I need?
It is individualized. Many people see meaningful progress in about six sessions, and the right number depends on your goals.
What is the difference between a sport psychologist and a mental performance consultant?
A sport psychologist is a licensed psychologist who can address both performance and mental health. A Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) is certified by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology to teach the mental skills behind performance. Dr. Walker is a licensed psychologist and CMPC, and Kaela Little is a licensed counselor and CMPC, so our team can support your performance goals and, when needed, your mental health.
Can sport and performance sessions be online?
Yes. Sessions are available in person in Arvada or online. Online sessions with Dr. Walker may also be available in participating PSYPACT states.
Do you work with injured athletes?
Yes. Sessions can help you cope with injury, stay motivated during rehab, overcome fears of reinjury, and feel confident returning to play. We also offer an
Injured Athlete Group.
Do you work with parents of young athletes?
Yes. Workshops help parents understand mindset training and athlete mental health, and how to support their athlete. Please contact the office to ask about sessions or workshops for your family or team.
