Sports psychologists in Australia: what they do, registration and how to choose

They assess what is getting in your way, then teach skills such as goal setting, attention control, routines, managing pressure and recovery from setbacks. Many also support mental health concerns and work with coaches and teams.

Psychologist is a protected title in Australia: it can only be used by people registered with the Psychology Board of Australia, and you can check the public register on the Ahpra website. 'Sport psychologist' is not the same as being registered. The Psychology Board offers an endorsement for the area of practice 'sport and exercise psychology'. The endorsement reflects additional training; it is not a different registration.

If someone calls themselves a 'mental performance coach' or similar, they might not be registered. That is allowed, but it is not the same as a registered psychologist, so ask.

• An initial session covering your goals, history and what you want from the work.
• Practical skills practised between sessions.
• Confidentiality explained, including its limits.
• Referral to a GP or other service when needed.

Psychologists set their own fees. Under Medicare's Better Access initiative, eligible people with a diagnosed mental health condition can claim for a limited number of sessions a year, usually after a referral or mental health treatment plan from a GP, with an initial course that is capped. The Department of Health publishes the current rules, so check them or ask your GP; the endorsement does not by itself decide eligibility. Purely performance-focused work is unlikely to qualify. Private health extras may cover some sessions.

• Pre-performance routines and managing nerves.
• Concentration and re-focusing after mistakes.
• Handling injury, rehabilitation and returning to sport.
• Team communication and dealing with coaches or selection.
• Balancing sport, study, work and relationships.
• Anxiety, low mood, burnout or sleep problems that affect performance.

If a club, school or team is paying, ask in advance what will be reported and to whom. Registered psychologists must keep your information confidential except in limited situations, such as serious risk of harm, and they should explain those limits at the start. You can choose to see a psychologist privately, separate from the team, if you prefer.

Many psychologists offer video or phone sessions, which can help if you travel for sport or live far from a specialist. Choose a private space, check that the practitioner is registered in Australia and confirm how they would support you in an emergency while you are in another location.

1. Are you registered with the Psychology Board, and do you hold an endorsement in sport and exercise psychology?
2. Have you worked with my sport or level?
3. How many sessions do you expect, and how will we review progress?
4. What are your fees and cancellation terms, and can I claim a rebate?
5. How is my information shared with coaches or clubs?

• 'Only struggling athletes need it.' Many seek help to perform consistently.
• 'It is just positive thinking.' Good work uses structured skills, not slogans.
• 'Seeing a psychologist means weakness.' It is a normal part of health care.

Check with a professional first. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call 000 or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. See your GP for persistent low mood, anxiety, sleep problems or changes in eating. A sports psychologist is not an emergency service.