Psychiatry for Athletes
Strong mind. Strong performance.
Confidential, athlete‑centered psychiatric care for teens, college students, and adults—designed around practice, competition, travel, and compliance rules.
Who this is for
Student-athletes in middle school, high school, and college (NCAA/NAIA/club)
Competitive and elite athletes (club, semi-pro, professional)
Endurance athletes, weightlifters, gymnasts, dancers, cheer, combat sports, team sports
Parents, coaches, and athletic trainers seeking trusted support and referral partners
What We Help With
Anxiety, performance anxiety, panic
Depression, mood changes, burnout
ADHD and focus challenges
Sleep issues and travel/competition schedules
Injury‑related distress, identity loss, fear of re‑injury Concussion‑related mood or cognitive changes (behavioral health management; we coordinate with sports medicine)
Disordered eating and body image concerns (in coordination with therapy, nutrition, and medical teams)
Substance use and recovery support
In-person and telehealth
In-person visits at our clinic
Secure telehealth available statewide (where permitted)
How Care Works
Match and intake A brief call or online intake to understand goals, sport, schedule, and any team or compliance constraints.
Comprehensive evaluation A 60–90 minute psychiatric assessment covering mental health history, training load, sleep, injuries, and school/life stressors.
Personal care plan Evidence‑based medication options when appropriate, non‑medication strategies, and a practical plan that fits training and travel.
Collaboration (only with your consent) We can coordinate with sports medicine, athletic trainers, therapists, nutrition, and school supports to keep care aligned.
Follow‑ups built for athletes Short, focused check‑ins that fit around practice and competition. Telehealth available.
MEDICATIONS AND ATHLETIC COMPLIANCE
We discuss how psychiatric medications may interact with eligibility rules and testing programs.
When needed, we provide clinical documentation for legitimate medical use and collaborate with your compliance office or team physician at your request.
Final eligibility decisions are made by your school, league, or governing body. We will help you navigate the process.
WHAT MAKES THIS ATHLETE‑CENTERED?
Awareness of competition schedules, travel, and taper periods
Guidance on documentation athletes may need for accommodations.
Consideration of sport‑specific risks (weight classes, endurance, aesthetic sports).
Coordination with return‑to‑play and rehab plans
Meet Kristina Unseld, PMHNP-BC
Kristina is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a unique blend of expertise in both nursing and exercise science- helping athletes perform at their best both mentally and physically. With a Master’s in Nursing (Psychiatric Mental Health) and a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology (Exercise Science), she is uniquely positioned to understand the intricate connection between body and mind. Her approach integrates performance optimization, recovery support, and medication management to ensure athletes can thrive on and off the field. Whether you’re working toward peak performance or navigating setbacks, she provides evidence-based, individualized care to keep you moving forward.
Kristina combines her expertise in psychopharmacology with a strong foundation in lifestyle medicine, offering evidence-based treatments that may include medication management, therapeutic communication, and individualized wellness plans tailored to each patient's needs. She is deeply committed to meeting each patient where they are and creating care plans that reflect their unique needs, values, and goals.
Outside of her clinical work, Kristina is passionate about travel and cultural exploration. She believes that learning from different environments and perspectives enhances both personal growth and clinical insight. Her mission is to empower individuals to take an active role in their mental and physical health and to help them find balance and resilience in everyday life.