WVU utilizes a solution-focused approach to therapy while also integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relational Cultural Therapy, Mindfulness concepts and performance enhancement strategies into his work. He has experience working with student-athletes with varying mental health (e.g. anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, etc.) and sport performance concerns (e.g. motivation, confidence, injury, etc.). When working with student-athletes he takes a holistic perspective with the hope to help the client become more self-aware, so they can self-regulate in order to be their best self and athlete.

Sofia bases her work on various theories (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Intrapersonal Process theory), and truly believes that the true core of meaningful help and support lies in the connection and relationship that is established between therapist and client. During every session she focuses on strengthening the relationship with the client in order to promote positive change in their lives.

Individual sessions provide a unique opportunity for a WVU student-athlete to talk one-on-one with a licensed mental health professional about their concerns and/or areas they would like to improve in life and/or sport. It is important to understand that you do not need to have "something wrong with you" to schedule an individual session. Given the demands placed on student-athletes, it can be common to need time to discuss mental health, sport performance, or a combination of the two. Typically, student-athletes seek individual sessions for any of the reasons listed below. However, if a student-athlete is unsure what they need, they can schedule a 30-minute consultation with a member of the Clinical and Sport Psychology team.

In addition to individual sessions, the Clinical and Sport Psychology department can provide group sessions for student athletes as necessary.

The Clinical and Sport Psychology staff is a unique part of the athletic department. To schedule an appointment, student-athletes can email any of the staff members listed on the WVU Athletics staff directory under Clinical and Sport Psychology located here. If you decide to contact a staff member by email to schedule an appointment, please include your name, sport, and availability and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

Student-athletes can also seek mental health services through the WVU Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services. To schedule an appointment with Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, call (304) 293-4431.

Please note that starting July 1, 2024, per the Campus Self-Defense Act passed in 2023 by the West Virginia Legislature, designated areas on the WVU campus will be marked with “No deadly weapons” signage in areas where patient care or mental health counseling is being provided.

Additionally, campus maps will show areas where concealed carry is and is not allowed. If you are scheduled for a patient care visit, all weapons are prohibited.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency and would prefer a telehealth visit with a Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services Clinician, please call (304) 203-4431.

Please refer to https://safety.wvu.edu/campus-carry for additional information.

Student-athletes can also seek mental health services through the WVU Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services. To schedule an appointment with Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, call (304) 293-4431.

In the fall 2021, WVU partnered with Talkspace, an online therapy service that connects users to a dedicated therapist from a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Talkspace is available at no cost to all WVU students, student-athletes, graduate assistants, and student managers.

Registered users can send text, voice or video messages to their therapist - anytime, anywhere - including from the comfort of home. Users also have the option to receive two 30-minute live video sessions with their Talkspace therapist, each month. Registration is open year-round. Check out the app store preview video for Talkspace and when you are ready to sign up and begin online therapy, simply enter your WVU MIX email address at talkspace.com/wvu.

Talkspace communication is confidential and secure. No one at the University (or anywhere else) will know who uses the service or for what purpose.

If you have questions about Talkspace, please Sara DiSimone at the Carruth Center, sara.disimone@mail.wvu.edu or (304) 293-0411.

In accordance with NCAA Mental Health Best Practice Guidelines, all student-athletes will complete a mental health screening with a member of the Clinical and Sport Psychology staff.

Sport psychology is a type of mental coaching that is used by athletes, teams, and others who want to improve their performance in any number of areas. Most athletes realize the importance of physical preparation. Exceptional athletes recognize that solid physical preparation combined with excellent mental preparation leads to their best performances. Emphasis is placed on the enhancement of psychological skills, such as confidence in one's abilities, focusing in the moment, and relaxing when under pressure. Time is often spent helping individuals recognize and more effectively utilize personal strengths. You can find more information on sport psychology by visiting the Association for Applied Sport Psychology website.

WVU student-athletes interested in setting up an individual session focused on sport psychology can contact a member of the Clinical and Sport Psychology staff to schedule.