Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Sport and Performance Psychology, Leadership Development, and Mental Health and Well-Being?
1
How do I know which service is right for me?
Each of our three service areas addresses a different dimension of human performance and well-being. Sport and Performance Psychology focuses on developing the mental skills that help athletes, coaches, and high performers compete and perform at their best. Leadership Development focuses on the psychological work that drives effective, sustainable leadership among executives, coaches, entrepreneurs, and organizational leaders. Mental Health and Well-Being provides licensed psychological care for individuals navigating anxiety, burnout, identity challenges, and the broader emotional and psychological demands of life. While each service has a distinct focus, all three are grounded in the same philosophy. Performance and well-being are not separate pursuits but deeply interconnected ones.
If you are primarily focused on improving your performance in a competitive or high-pressure environment Sport and Performance Psychology is likely the best fit. If you are focused on developing your effectiveness and sustainability as a leader Leadership Development is designed for you. If you are navigating mental health challenges, emotional difficulties, or simply want support in building a more fulfilling and meaningful life Mental Health and Well-Being is where we would start. If you are unsure do not worry. That is exactly what the complimentary consultation is for. We will listen carefully and help you identify the right path forward together.
5
7
9
11
13
15
What is the difference between a psychologist and a sport psychology consultant?
2
Are sessions confidential?
How do I get started?
Do I need a referral to get started?
Do you offer in-person or remote sessions?
Do you work with clients outside of North Carolina?
What happens in a session?
Can parents join their child in the session?
Do I need to be an elite athlete or executive?
A licensed psychologist has completed a doctoral degree in psychology, fulfilled supervised clinical training hours, passed licensing examinations, and is regulated by a state licensing board. This licensure allows a psychologist to provide therapy, diagnose mental health conditions, and offer a full range of psychological services. A sport psychology consultant, by contrast, may hold a certification in mental performance but is not a licensed clinician and cannot provide therapy or diagnose. At Dunthorne Psychological Services, we are licensed psychologists with specialized training in sport and performance psychology, which means we can provide both performance consulting and licensed mental health care within the same practice.
Yes. Confidentiality is a fundamental and legally protected component of all psychological services. What you share in sessions remains private with the following exceptions required by law:
Risk of harm to yourself or others. If you disclose information suggesting that you are at imminent risk of harming yourself or another person, we are required by law to take steps to ensure safety. This may include contacting emergency services or other appropriate parties.
Child abuse or neglect. If there is reasonable suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected, we are mandated reporters and are required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities.
Elder or vulnerable adult abuse. If there is reasonable suspicion that an older adult or vulnerable individual is being abused, neglected, or exploited, we are required to report this to the appropriate authorities.
Court orders and legal proceedings. In certain legal situations a court may order the release of confidential records or require testimony. In these cases we are legally obligated to comply.
Consultation with other professionals. In some cases we may consult with other licensed mental health professionals to ensure you are receiving the best possible care. These consultations are conducted confidentially and without identifying information wherever possible.
We will discuss confidentiality in detail during our first session and you will always have the opportunity to ask questions. Your privacy is something we take seriously and protect with the utmost care.
Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact page or schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation directly. That first conversation is simply about getting to know you, understanding what brings you here, and determining whether we are the right fit. There is no commitment required and no pressure. We are here when you are ready.
No referral is needed. You can reach out to us directly to schedule a complimentary consultation and we will take it from there.
How long does the process typically take?
Currently, all of our sessions are conducted remotely via secure telehealth. This allows us to work with clients wherever they are without the constraints of geography or travel schedule.
We are currently licensed to practice only in North Carolina. We are also awaiting PSYPACT approval, which will allow us to work with clients in additional participating states. If you are located outside of these states, please reach out, and we will do our best to help you find the right support.
Do you work with young athletes and what is the age range of clients you serve?
Every session is different depending on where you are in the process and what you are working toward. Generally sessions involve a combination of reflection, skill building, and strategic planning. We begin by checking in on your current goals, challenges, and progress and then work together to address what is most relevant and meaningful for you at that point in time. You will always leave a session with something concrete to take into your daily life, whether that is a new perspective, a skill to practice, or simply a clearer understanding of what is getting in the way.
6
8
10
12
14
16
Is sport psychology only for athletes?
The length of the process varies significantly depending on the individual, their goals, and the nature of the work. Some clients come with a specific and focused goal and find that a handful of sessions gives them what they need. Others find ongoing support valuable over a longer period of time. We do not operate with a fixed timeline. We work with you to determine what makes sense for your situation and adjust as your needs evolve.
Our one-on-one sessions are suitable for individuals of all ages. Our current clients range in age from young athletes in the early grades to high performers well into their professional careers and even retirement. We tailor our approach to the developmental stage, goals, and specific needs of each individual client regardless of age.
For clients under the age of 18, parents are always welcome to participate. While many of our younger clients prefer one-on-one sessions, we also offer sessions with parents individually and group sessions with parents and athletes together. We work with you and your athlete to determine which format best serves your goals and can adjust our approach as needs evolve. For clients 18 and older, a parent or support person may join a session with the client's consent.
Not at all. While sport psychology originated in athletic contexts, the mental skills and psychological principles it is built on apply to anyone who performs under pressure or strives to reach their potential. At Dunthorne Psychological Services, we work with athletes, coaches, executives, entrepreneurs, and high performers across a wide range of fields and industries. If you are serious about growing, performing at your best, and living a more purposeful and meaningful life, sport and performance psychology has something to offer you.
No. Dunthorne Psychological Services is designed for high performers at every level. From young athletes just beginning their competitive journey to seasoned professionals at the peak of their careers, and from emerging leaders stepping into their first leadership role to senior executives leading large organizations, our work is always individualized and always built around you. The common thread across all of our clients is not their title or their level but their commitment to growing and performing at their best.
What is the cost of sessions?
3
Our session rate is $250 per session. Sessions are 50 minutes in length. We accept multiple forms of payment, including major credit cards and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Please see the insurance question below for more information on reimbursement options.
Are sessions covered by insurance?
4
We do not accept direct payment from insurance companies, which means we cannot submit a claim to your insurance provider on your behalf. If you are looking to be fully or partially reimbursed by your insurance company for services rendered and you have received a mental health diagnosis, you will be responsible for submitting claims to your insurer. We can provide you with itemized receipts to support your claim, but cannot guarantee reimbursement. For most insurance companies, we are considered out-of-network providers, so the cost of services will be out of pocket.
Many of our clients use their HSA or FSA to pay for services. However, we strongly recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm what your account can be used for, as many companies have restrictions. We can process HSA and FSA payments via credit or debit card.
If you are planning to submit a claim to your insurance provider, a few helpful questions to ask them include: Does my plan cover mental health services, do you cover out-of-network providers, and do I have a session limit?