Licensed Psychologist · CMPC
Dr. Ricki Walker
Dr. Walker is committed to helping athletes, performers, professionals, and individuals optimize performance, enhance well-being, and navigate challenges with resilience, confidence, and purpose.
Background
Dr. Walker is a Licensed Psychologist, Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), President-Elect of the Clinical/Counseling Sport Psychology Association (CCSPA), and an adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Professional Psychology at the University of Denver.
She is a preferred assessment provider for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and is listed in the USOPC Mental Health and Mental Performance Directory and the NFL Players Association Mental Health Directory.
She previously served as Associate Director and Training Director of Psychological Resources for OU Student-Athletes (PROS) at the University of Oklahoma, and has worked as a contracted sport psychologist for U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Vanderbilt University Athletics.
Education
- PhD, Counseling Psychology, University of Northern Colorado
- MA, Sport and Performance Psychology, University of Denver
- Bachelor's degree, Colorado State University
She has worked in clinical and athletic settings since 2006.
Areas of practice
Dr. Walker's areas of clinical and performance-focused practice include psychological testing, sport and performance psychology, EMDR, pain management, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, relationship distress, anxiety disorders, and grief.
Dr. Walker does not prescribe medication. When medication may help, she works with preferred prescribing providers, including Peak Sports Psychiatry and Mindful Minds Psychiatry.
Credentials and licensure
- Licensed Psychologist, Colorado PSY.0004283
- Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC)
- Preferred provider, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC)
- Listed in the USOPC Mental Health and Mental Performance Directory
- Listed in the NFL Players Association Mental Health Directory
- Adjunct Professor, University of Denver Graduate School of Professional Psychology
- President-Elect, Clinical/Counseling Sport Psychology Association (CCSPA)
- Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) from the PSYPACT Commission, APIT 8671
Online care
Dr. Walker serves Arvada, Colorado and the surrounding Denver metro area. She holds Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) from the PSYPACT Commission. Online care may be available in participating PSYPACT states. Remote testing is available for adults 18 and older. About remote testing.
Podcast
Bump Set Psych: Ricki Walker (June 2022). Dr. Walker joins hosts Dr. Shane Saenz and Nick Vogel to talk about finding her path, from playing collegiate softball to studying psychology to learning to ski for the first time in front of the U.S. Men's Alpine Ski Team.
Publications
- Foltz, B., Walker, R., & Commander, C. (2019). Cognitive strategies in promoting physical performance: Theory and application. In M. H. Anshel (Ed.-in-Chief), APA Handbook of Sport and Exercise Psychology: Vol. 1. Sport Psychology. American Psychological Association.
- Walker, R. (2014). The role of sexual identity development and attachment style on relationship satisfaction among lesbian couples [Doctoral dissertation, University of Northern Colorado]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.
Presentations
- Foltz, B., Walker, R., & Commander, C. (2018). Learning to fish: How to create mental health and performance interventions. Big Sky Sport Psychology Conference, Big Sky, Montana.
- Walker, R. (2017). Verbal de-escalation for NCAA softball umpires. NCAA Umpire Institute, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
- Walker, R., Softas-Nall, L., Rings, J., & Zwetzig, S. (2015). Attachment style and sexual identity development on relationship satisfaction among lesbian couples. American Psychological Association Convention, Toronto, Ontario.
- Dunn, A., O'Halloran, M. S., & Walker, R. (2011). Athletic identity, perceived sport competence, and self-esteem on disordered eating among female collegiate athletes. American Psychological Association 119th Convention, Washington, D.C.
- Walker, R. (2010). Division I coaches' perception of sport psychology. University of Northern Colorado Graduate School Research Day.
- Nohelani, L., Berman, M., Raaen, G., & Walker, R. (2009). GLBT issues in sport. International Society of Sport Psychology 12th World Congress of Sport Psychology, Marrakesh, Morocco.
- Walker, R. (2009). A review of intrinsic motivation and fitness during an athletic sporting career and its proposed effect on post-career exercise adherence. University of Denver Graduate School of Applied Psychology Research Day.
Professional profiles and resources
Contact us
Contact the practice
Book a testing intake through the scheduler. For therapy, sport and performance, or a free 15-minute consultation, send a secure inquiry, call, or text.
Texts are answered within 1 to 2 business days, during business hours.