About sports psychologists
Sports psychologists work with athletes and teams on performance, motivation, concentration, competition anxiety, injury recovery and the balance between sport and personal life.
Getting mental health care in Finland
Public health system · Public health services of the wellbeing services counties, with Kela reimbursement
Public mental health care is organised by the wellbeing services counties and is usually accessed through primary health care. Kela, the Social Insurance Institution, separately reimburses rehabilitative psychotherapy for people aged 16 to 67 whose ability to work or study is threatened by a mental disorder. An application needs a psychiatrist's statement that is no more than one year old. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Finnish Supervisory Agency (Lupa- ja valvontavirasto), which replaced Valvira on 1 January 2026. Psychologist is a licensed health profession and psychotherapist is a separately protected occupational title. Check that the person is listed in the public JulkiTerhikki register of health care professionals. Search the official register
- Finnish Supervisory Agency (Lupa- ja valvontavirasto). Doctors, including specialists in psychiatry, are licensed health care professionals. You can check their right to practise in the JulkiTerhikki register. Search the official register
Insurance and coverage
Kela pays up to 57.60 EUR per individual rehabilitative psychotherapy session. Cover is for up to 80 sessions a year and 200 sessions in total, over a maximum of 3 years, and Kela decides one year at a time.
Urgent help in Finland
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 09 2525 0111 · MIELI Kriisipuhelin
- 09 2525 0112 · MIELI Kristelefon
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: kela.fi, valtioneuvosto.fi
What does a sports psychologist do?
A sports psychologist helps athletes, coaches and teams with the mental side of sport and physical activity. Day to day they work on concentration, motivation, confidence, handling pressure, pre-competition routines, recovery from injury, team cohesion and balancing sport with studies, work or family. They see people at all levels, from young athletes and amateurs to professionals, and sometimes advise parents and coaching staff.
When to see a sports psychologist
Consider a sports psychologist if nerves affect your performance, you lose focus in competition, motivation has dropped, you are returning from an injury, there is tension in your team, or you are thinking about retiring. If you notice persistent low mood, disordered eating, substance use or anxiety beyond sport, a clinical psychologist or doctor should also be involved.
How is it different from other professionals?
A sports psychologist is a psychologist specialised in sport, able to assess and work on psychological factors with recognised techniques. A mental coach may work on performance but is not necessarily a psychologist and cannot address mental health problems. A clinical psychologist treats mental health conditions in general. Sports psychologists often coordinate with coaches, physiotherapists and sports doctors.
What happens in the first session
The first session usually explores your sport, level, goals, competition calendar, what is getting in the way and what has helped before. The psychologist may use questionnaires or ask to observe a training session or match. Bring your schedule and examples of situations that worry you, and ask how they work with coaches, what is kept confidential and how progress is measured.
How long does the process take?
Some athletes work on a specific goal, such as competition nerves, over a limited number of sessions; others prefer ongoing support throughout a season. Sessions often last around 45 to 60 minutes and their frequency may increase before key competitions. Duration depends on goals, the competition calendar, injuries and whether work is individual or with a team.
Online or in person?
Online sessions suit athletes well, since they fit around training and travel and allow work with specialists elsewhere. Video can also be used to review performance together. In-person work is preferable for team sessions, observing training or competition, and some techniques such as biofeedback. Many sports psychologists combine both formats depending on the season.
How to check their qualifications
Sports psychologists are psychologists, so first check registration with the psychology licensing body or professional college of their country. Then ask about specific postgraduate training in sport and exercise psychology, membership of sport psychology associations, experience in your sport or level, and whether they have worked with clubs or federations. Be cautious with titles that do not mention psychology.
What affects the price?
Fees vary with the psychologist’s experience in sport, the city, modality and session length, and whether the work is individual, with a team or includes attending training or competitions. Team programmes and travel are usually priced separately. Some clubs or federations cover part of the cost. Ask about packages for a season and cancellation policy around competition schedules.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Finland cover psychological care?
Public mental health care is organised by the wellbeing services counties and is usually accessed through primary health care. Kela, the Social Insurance Institution, separately reimburses rehabilitative psychotherapy for people aged 16 to 67 whose ability to work or study is threatened by a mental disorder. An application needs a psychiatrist's statement that is no more than one year old.
How do I check that a sports psychologist is licensed in Finland?
Finnish Supervisory Agency (Lupa- ja valvontavirasto), which replaced Valvira on 1 January 2026: Psychologist is a licensed health profession and psychotherapist is a separately protected occupational title. Check that the person is listed in the public JulkiTerhikki register of health care professionals.