Why Student-Athletes Need Therapy During Big Life Changes
Being a student-athlete can feel like living two full-time lives at once. Between the demands of schoolwork, athletic performance, and personal life, it’s no surprise that so many young athletes find themselves under tremendous pressure. While physical conditioning and performance are often prioritized, mental health is just as crucial—especially during times of big change, like recruitment, injury, or the transition to a new academic level.
“The pressure of being a student-athlete can sometimes feel like the weight of the world. Mental health support is not just important—it’s essential.” — Michael Phelps, Olympic Gold Medalist
Performance Pressure Goes Beyond the Game
Athletes often push their bodies to the limit. But the unseen toll is the constant mental pressure to succeed. Studies show that nearly 30% of student-athletes experience anxiety or depression at some point in their careers.¹ Constant comparisons, fear of letting the team down, and the pursuit of scholarships can take a toll on confidence and well-being.
Therapy can provide tools to:
Build resilience against burnout.
Reframe negative self-talk.
Manage stress without it spiraling into overwhelm.
The Hidden Stress of Recruitment
Recruitment is often described as “exciting,” but for many athletes, it’s also overwhelming. Balancing highlight reels, interviews, visits, and keeping grades up can feel like a full-time job. According to the NCAA, only about 2% of high school athletes receive athletic scholarships—a sobering statistic that fuels stress and self-doubt.²
Therapy gives athletes a safe space to:
Process the uncertainty of recruitment.
Set realistic expectations.
Protect self-worth from being tied solely to athletic outcomes.
Coping with Injury and Recovery
One of the hardest challenges an athlete can face is an injury. Beyond the physical pain, there’s the emotional strain of sitting on the sidelines. Injuries can lead to feelings of isolation, loss of identity, and fear of not returning to prior performance levels. Research shows that athletes recovering from injuries are at higher risk of depression and anxiety than their uninjured peers.³
Therapy helps by:
Supporting identity outside of athletics.
Teaching coping strategies during downtime.
Encouraging hope and patience in recovery.
Big Life Transitions Need Extra Support
Transitions—like moving from middle school to high school sports, or from high school to college—come with new routines, expectations, and social dynamics. These changes can intensify stress and create moments where even the strongest athletes feel unsteady. Therapy provides a foundation to navigate these shifts with confidence and clarity.
Why Therapy Matters
Mental health support isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s part of becoming a stronger, more balanced athlete and person. Therapy equips student-athletes with lifelong skills: managing stress, balancing priorities, and understanding themselves beyond their performance.
Call to Action
At Phases Virginia, we specialize in supporting student-athletes through every phase of life—whether it’s performance pressure, the stress of recruitment, or the challenges of injury and transition. Our online therapy services are available to athletes and their families across Virginia, including McLean, Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Richmond, and beyond.
👉 If your student-athlete is facing a big life change, reach out today at phasesvirginia.com. Therapy isn’t just about surviving challenges—it’s about thriving through them.
References
Wolanin, S. A., Gross, M., & Hong, E. (2015). Depression in athletes: Prevalence and risk factors. Current Sports Medicine Reports.
NCAA Research (2022). Estimated probability of competing in college athletics.
Yang, J., Peek-Asa, C., Lowe, J. B., Heiden, E., & Foster, D. T. (2007). Social support patterns of collegiate athletes before and after injury. Journal of Athletic Training.