Membership
Membership Levels
Level 1: Mental Health and Performance Service Provider
Level one membership is for mental health providers licensed to practice independently who are also trained in sport and performance psychology. CCSPA recognizes this as the ideal for our role as providers to athletes. To obtain Level one membership, one must provide proof of a mental health license that allows for independent practice as well supporting documents indicating a proficiency in sport psychology service delivery.
Examples of support would include (but not be limited to):
- Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification from AASP
- A letter from a supervisor documenting supervised experience in the delivery of sport/performance psychology services
- A degree from a program that trains in both mental health and sport/performance psychology
- Documentation of a specialized internship or post-doctoral fellowship in sport psychology
- Documentation of 10+ years providing sport psychology services specifically to athletes
($150 Annually)
Level 2: Mental Health Provider
Level two membership indicates that one is a licensed provider of mental health services to athletes but is not trained specifically in sport/performance psychology. Level two members are encouraged to continue their education to meet the needs of the whole athlete as performance and engagement in their sport is essential to their identity as an athlete.
($150 Annually)
Level 3: Professional in Training
Level 3 membership applies to those providing services to athletes under a provisional license or who are in training to become a provider. To obtain Level 3 membership, individuals must demonstrate either pursuit of graduate training (e.g., evidence of enrollment in a Master’s or Doctoral program) in both mental health and sport psychology or a similar training position such as a postdoctoral fellowship in sport psychology. The applicant must provide documentation of provisional licensure or a letter from a current licensed professional providing sport psychology and mental health services to athletes stating that the professional in training is in formal training under that professional’s supervision in order to obtain a job in the future with elite athletes. This advancement could be through the use of consultation and accessing webinars that supplement training. Upon membership renewal, the professional in training must also provide a statement of progress toward completion of training.
($50 Annually)
Affiliate Status
Affiliate membership is appropriate for professionals who have a vested interest in athlete mental health and well-being but who may not meet criteria for another category. These individuals may include (but are not limited to) coaches, administrators, individuals who teach, do research, and/or provide expertise and knowledge in the field of sport psychology or human performance. CCSPA provides networking opportunities for individuals in a variety of disciplines and positions. CCSPA can be a valuable resource for those who are in positions to make decisions impacting athlete well-being by providing these individuals with information regarding best practices as well as opportunities to consult with professionals across the country who specialize in providing services to athletes. Affiliate members could provide CCSPA with information and assistance in producing educational components of CCSPA (e.g., webinars, podcasts, etc.). Affiliate members will not have a voting stake nor will they be able to hold advisory board positions in the organization.
($100 Annually)
Level 1 & 2 Membership Requirements
- Current, active license in mental health. Documentation should include license number.
- A formal relationship with an athletic organization providing services to athletes. Documentation should indicate status as a preferred provider for mental health/sport psychology services for athletes. Examples include:
- A letter from a senior administrator or sports medicine staff verifying status as a preferred provider,
- A website listing psychologist on staff with the department,
- A statement from the director of the university counseling center indicating athletic department liaison.
- This list is not exhaustive. Other documentation can be submitted for review by the membership chair and advisory board.
- If you do not currently have a formal relationship with an athletic organization, but have in the past, your application will be reviewed by the Advisory Board and approved on a case-by-case basis. Please provide thorough documentation of past relationships with athletic organizations and current work with athletes