St. John's University Athletics
Sport Psychology
St. John’s Sport Psychology
MissionAs a part of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the St. John’s University Sport Psychology Team is a dedicated resource for Red Storm student-athletes, coaches, athletic administrators, and staff to support the psychological challenges of competing at the highest level of NCAA Division I athletics. Our primary goal is to support, educate, and empower student-athletes to navigate the pressures of elite competition, while promoting holistic well-being and peak performance.
We take an interdisciplinary approach by working collaboratively with sports medicine, athletic training, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and academic advising. This ensures that student-athletes receive confidential, specialized, and evidence-based psychological care that is embedded within the broader athletics ecosystem at St. John’s. Aligned with BIG EAST mental health and wellness initiatives and NCAA best-practices, St. John’s Athletics and the Sport Psychology Team is committed to fostering a culture where mental health is prioritized as an integral part of holistic student-athlete development.
Clinical Team
Dr. Alexander Gamble – Associate Director of Sport Psychology
Email: alexander.gamble@stjohns.edu
Briana Kreamer – Lead Mental Health & Performance Counselor
E-mail: kreamerb@stjohns.edu)
Our Services
Sport Psychology services are short-term, confidential, and completely free of charge for all St. John’s student-athletes. To support your experience in school, sport, and in life, the Sport Psychology Team offers the following services:
- Mental Health Screening
- In compliance with NCAA mental health best practices, the Sport Psychology Team conducts annual mental health screenings with all St. John’s student-athletes. This annual screening process is designed to identify any challenges student-athletes may be facing and provide proactive mental health and/or performance support
- Individual Treatment
- Short-term mental health counseling and/or mental skills training
- Groups
- Topics vary, including mindfulness, injury recovery, and more
- Team Workshops
- Confidence, team cohesion, communication, and more
- Referrals
- Access to a network of specialists and providers to best support and coordinate the care of student-athletes
- Education
- Training and consultation to coaches, administrators, and staff
How to Get Connected
- Email sportpsych@stjohns.edu expressing your interest in services and provide your availability to initiate the scheduling process
- Schedule a brief consultation meeting to discuss your goals and how the Sport Psychology Team can best support you
- Get referred to a clinician based on your needs, preferences, goals, and availability
- Make a plan with your designated clinician
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Student Health Services
Wellness Education and Prevention
Student Accessibility Services
Sexual Violence Outreach, Awareness, and Response (SOAR)
Off-Campus Resources
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text “START” to 741-741
- NYC Well: Talk. Text. Chat. 1-800-NYC-WELL
Crisis Services
Student-athletes have access to in-person and virtual walk-in sessions if they are in urgent need of speaking to a counselor through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Student-athletes may seek walk-in services by coming to the counseling center and identifying their situation as urgent and in need of speaking to a counselor immediately. Alternatively, student-athletes may call 718-990-6384 during office hours and identify the situation as urgent and the receptionist will connect you with an on-call clinician. Walk-in appointments are NOT therapy, but rather an appointment to assess and ensure your safety and well-being.
To speak with a counselor after business hours (evenings, weekends, holidays), please call our After-Hours Helpline at 718-990-6352. The After-Hours Helpline counselor will be able to assist you with your concerns and provide specific recommendations. A CAPS and/or Sport Psychology staff member will also follow-up on the call the next business day.
Please be aware that there are additional resources you can access if you are in distress or crisis:
- Queens Campus Public Safety: 718-990-5252
- In the event of an emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost?
As a student-athlete at St. John’s University, services are free of charge.
Q: What kinds of challenges are appropriate for counseling and/or mental performance?
The Sport Psychology Team encourages you to be proactive when it comes to taking care of your mental and emotional health in the context of school, sport, and in life. We will be glad to talk to you about whatever is on your mind as there is no problem too big or too small to seek consultation. Some of the most common reasons student-athletes may seek support are due to symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use. Other reasons include, but are not limited to, family issues, body image and eating concerns, sleep-related issues, injury, performance difficulties (low confidence, overthinking), identity/transition out of sport, and general adjustment to college.
Q: What is a typical session like?
In a typical session, you’ll meet one-on-one with your clinician in a supportive and confidential environment. The first few sessions often focus on building a trusting relationship and understanding your background, current challenges, and identifying goals. You will engage collaboratively with your clinician to begin working towards your goals and tailoring the plan along the way to meet your individual needs.
Q: How long does counseling last?
We offer short-term counseling and mental performance support. Some challenges may be resolved in one or two sessions while others require a series of sessions. Sessions typically last between 30-45 minutes. If more intensive or specialized therapy is indicated, we will work with you to find an appropriate outside provider.
Q: How often will I meet with my clinician?
You will work with your clinician to find a day/time that fits with your schedule. Clinicians work to be flexible and accommodating of your schedule around practice, games, academics, and travel. Initially, you will meet on a weekly basis before possibly transitioning to biweekly or as needed.
Q: Will my coach and athletic trainer know if I’m engaged in therapy? Will my family know?
Our services are confidential, meaning that we will not share any information related to your treatment unless given written consent by you, except in emergency situations when there is a clear indication of imminent harm.
Sport Psychology Training Opportunities
As part of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the St. John’s University Sport Psychology team offers a variety of training opportunities for graduate students (master's and doctoral levels) interested in pursuing a career in sport psychology. Positions run during the academic calendar year (beginning in August and ending in May). The time commitment is 16-20 hours per week, and all trainees are required to be in-person on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Training experiences include but are not limited to:
- Individual work with student-athletes (mental health and/or performance)
- Group work with teams
- Assist in conducting annual mental health screenings
- Receive supervision from licensed mental health providers and certified mental performance consultants
- Training in mindfulness, performance, and multicultural considerations in sport
- Potential involvement in ongoing research projects in the field of sport psychology
To apply, email a CV, Cover Letter, and 2 letters of recommendation to sportpsych@stjohns.edu.