Therapy for Student Athletes (and Their Parents): Why Mental Health Support Should Be Routine, Not a Last Resort
At Phases Virginia, we believe therapy isn’t just for a crisis—it’s a routine service for everyday performance, balance, and emotional health. Whether you're a middle school soccer player, a college swimmer, or a parent juggling work, carpools, and endless to-do lists—your mental health matters, too.
For student athletes and the adults supporting them, life often becomes a juggling act of high expectations, tight schedules, and silent stress. And yet, therapy is still often seen as a “last resort” instead of what it truly is: proactive, practical support for life’s mental, emotional, and performance demands.
The Pressure Student Athletes Face
The demands on student athletes have increased dramatically over the past two decades. Balancing academic excellence, athletic performance, social expectations, and (let’s be honest) the pressure to make it all look easy has quietly taken a toll.
While physical injuries get ice packs and doctor’s notes, emotional strain often goes unaddressed—especially in high-performing environments where “toughing it out” is glorified.
“Mental resilience is arguably the most critical trait of a world-class performer.” — Dr. Michael Gervais, High Performance Psychologist
Let’s explore what the data says and why therapy needs to be seen as an essential form of care—not just a last-ditch effort.
Mental Health Challenges by Age Group
Elementary School Student Athletes
Children as young as six can experience anxiety and depression, especially when exposed to high expectations. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 children in the U.S. lives with a mental health condition. Even at the elementary level, kids are managing more structured extracurriculars, academic testing, and social stress than ever before.
Middle School Student Athletes
Middle school is often when the pressure ramps up—and mental health symptoms begin to show more clearly. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes that many mental health disorders begin before age 14.
Organized sports can be protective, offering structure and belonging. However, research from JAMA Pediatrics shows that excessive involvement or high-stakes competition may increase anxiety and depressive symptoms in middle school athletes.
High School Student Athletes
According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), 30% of high school athletes report symptoms of anxiety or depression. These years are filled with rigorous academic demands, changing bodies, evolving identities, and, for some, college recruitment pressure.
A Journal of Adolescent Health study found high school athletes are at greater risk for stress, substance use, and mental health struggles than non-athletes. They may be high achievers, but they’re also human.
College Student Athletes
College student athletes face one of the most demanding dual identities in higher education. The NCAA and the Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology report that up to 33% of college athletes show symptoms of depression, and nearly 40% report overwhelming anxiety.
The intensity of balancing school, sports, and identity can leave student athletes without enough time or tools to care for their mental health—especially when stigma or fear of “looking weak” stands in the way of asking for help.
Therapy Isn’t Just a Crisis Tool—It’s a Performance Tool
If we sought therapy the way we sought athletic trainers, tutors, or nutritionists, we would see stronger, more resilient athletes—and families.
At Phases Virginia, we believe in routine mental health care. Here’s why therapy helps not just student athletes—but also the adults who carry the invisible weight of supporting them:
Therapy Builds Mental Conditioning
Athletes train their bodies; therapy trains their minds. Therapy helps develop emotional regulation, self-awareness, and mental stamina—the same way a coach trains a jump shot or a backstroke.
Therapy Isn’t a Luxury—It’s Maintenance
We don't wait for a car engine to explode before getting an oil change. Similarly, therapy is about prevention and performance, not just fixing what’s broken.
Parents, You Matter Too
Many caregivers prioritize therapy for their kids but forget their own needs. Studies show that mothers of school-aged children are twice as likely to report high stress, and 76% of working parents say they put their own self-care last.
You deserve space to process, recharge, and feel heard. Therapy isn’t indulgent—it’s essential.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” — Unknown
Therapy Supports More Than Just ‘Feelings’
At Phases Virginia, our licensed therapists help with:
Time and energy management
Academic and athletic pressure
Perfectionism and performance anxiety
Family and team dynamics
Identity and motivation struggles
Mental Health Services Are for Everyone in the Arena
Whether you're the student athlete or the adult behind the scenes, the emotional demands are real. Therapy is not a last resort—it’s a proactive tool for managing the complex layers of performance, pressure, and purpose.
At Phases Virginia, we offer accessible, online therapy across the state of Virginia, so you can prioritize your mental health from wherever you are—in between classes, games, or life’s daily demands.
Start Therapy with Phases Virginia
If you're Googling phrases like:
“therapy for student athletes Virginia”
“online therapy for parents”
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“counseling for overwhelmed moms”
“how to find a therapist in Virginia”
You're not alone—and you’ve found the right place.
At Phases Virginia, we offer trauma-informed, practical, and compassionate therapy to help student athletes and their families thrive—not just survive.
👉 Visit phasesvirginia.com to learn more or schedule a free consultation today. We’re here to help you perform better—on the field and in life.