Question 1

Who provides the services and what are their qualifications?

Accepted Answer

All mental fitness coaching services are provided by Dr. Bryan Karazsia—often called “Dr. K,” “Bryan,” or in coaching settings, “Coach Bryan.” He is a licensed psychologist in the state of Ohio, with specialized training in psychological assessment, consultation, and mental skills development. Bryan has worked with clients of diverse ages and backgrounds and brings thousands of hours of documented experience in the applied practice of psychology.
His background includes:
Specialty training in sport and performance psychology
Years of experience in psychological assessment and consulting
Over 15 years as a respected educator and professor at The College of Wooster
While he is a licensed psychologist, these coaching services are educational and consultative in nature—not psychotherapy or medical treatment.

Question 2

Does Bryan know what it's like to be an athlete?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely—and I also know that your experience as an athlete is unique. Here's how I approach that question:
Your journey matters most. Each sport has its own physical and mental demands, and every athlete has a unique set of strengths and areas for growth. My job is to listen, learn, and tailor our work to your experience—not assume it's the same as mine.
Yes, I have personal experience. I’ve been an athlete throughout my life—competing in youth, high school, and college sports—and I still engage in endurance training today. I know what it feels like to push yourself, to embrace challenge, and to grow through effort. One skill I continually practice myself is learning how to push with wisdom—knowing when and how to challenge myself in ways that promote sustainable growth.
I’m also a coach. I’ve spent several years coaching a competitive travel softball team. That gives me additional insight into the demands and pressures athletes face both on and off the field—from practice to game day to team dynamics.

Question 3

Are services only for athletes?

Accepted Answer

No. While my practice emphasizes athletics, the mental skills we focus on—such as emotional regulation, focus, motivation, and resilience—are valuable in many areas of life. Individuals engaged in high-performance or high-pressure pursuits may benefit, including:
Performing artists (e.g., musicians, vocalists)
Executive leaders and professionals
Coaches and mentors
In fact, I also offer "coaching for coaches"—1:1 sessions that help coaches grow through self-reflection, goal-setting, and targeted skill-building. Whether you're leading a team, managing a company, or pursuing personal excellence, this work can help you show up as your best self.

Question 4

What is the cost? Can I use insurance?

Accepted Answer

The fee is $150 per 50-minute session. The initial intake session is scheduled for 90 minutes to allow time for a full understanding of your background, goals, and needs—but it is still billed at the same rate of $150.
Although I am a licensed psychologist, these services are not intended for diagnosis or treatment of mental health conditions. As such, they are not covered by most insurance plans. Payment is due at the time of service.
I accept cash, check, and online payments can be made with a credit card, too.

Please know that I offer an initial phone consultation that is free of charge - this is a brief call to ask and answer questions of each other.

Question 5

Where will we meet? Can we do virtual?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most sessions are conducted virtually using a secure, HIPAA-aligned platform. You can join from your computer or phone—ideally in a quiet, private space. I’ve found that virtual sessions work well for athletes, coaches, and others with full schedules. This format helps reduce travel time and makes it easier to stay consistent, even during busy seasons.
When you schedule a session, you’ll receive a private link that connects you directly to the secure platform.
While these services are not classified as healthcare, I strive to follow the same privacy and security standards as clinical providers, including those under HIPAA.
I’m sometimes asked about meeting at competitions, games, or practice fields. I’m open to discussing special arrangements, but any alternative location must be agreed upon in advance. I take privacy and boundaries very seriously, so we’ll talk through the implications of public or non-traditional meeting spaces together.

Question 6

Will you talk with my coach (either team coach or individual coach)?

Accepted Answer

Possibly—but only with your permission. We’ll talk together about if, when, and how involving your coach could support your goals.
There are times when you might choose to have a conversation with your coach, or when it could be helpful for me to consult with them directly (with your knowledge and written consent). This can be especially useful when aligning mental fitness work with your training environment.
That said, I never share information with anyone without your explicit permission. If this kind of collaboration becomes part of your plan, we’ll decide on the purpose, timing, and boundaries of that communication—together.

Question 7

Do I have to live in Ohio?

Accepted Answer

No - you don't. Although I am a licensed psychologist in Ohio or the United States, clients for my mental fitness coaching services can be from anywhere. Since I live in Ohio, it's natural that many clients I work with are more local, though I can work with athletes/performers from anywhere.

Question 8

Do I have to be a competitive athlete to work with you?

Accepted Answer

The answer here is far less about me and far more about who is most likely to benefit from services. I have found (through training and experience) that individual mental skills training is often most beneficial for athletes who are spending significant time and energy improving their skills.  In general, I work with clients who are on competitive travel teams, transitioning to or in college level sports, are highly competitive within a region, nation or higher.

I do believe that all developing athletes and performers can develop their mental skills (and benefit from this development). I enjoy consulting with coaches and organizations to promote wellness and mental skills develop for youth sports and novice to recreational level programs.

Question 9

What age groups do you serve?

Accepted Answer

I generally work with athletes/performers who are 13 years of age and older. For anyone under age 18, I do require parent/caregiver consent. For potential clients who are interested and under age 13, I encourage a conversation between your parent/caregiver and myself to determine if 1:1 mental fitness coaching will be a good fit right now - it might be.

Note to potential clients: Bryan is trained in many ages. He has worked professionally with adults, and also has dedicated, formal experience with youth, including children, adolescents, and young adults.

Question 10

I'm interested - how can I get started?

Accepted Answer

Awesome! I require an initial (free of charge) consultation to discuss your goals and make sure that services I offer will fit your needs. If we agree that they will, we will then schedule our first session (which will be the intake/assessment). Please call 330.521.0066 or e-mail me at bryan@winathletics.org to schedule that initial phone call conversation, free of charge.

Question 11

Since you are a psychologist, can I come to you for therapy?

Accepted Answer

These services are not the same as therapy. I encourage anyone interested in mental health treatment to seek those services. I can absolutely work with individuals who are engaged in effective treatment services, though the services I offer are not for treatment of mental health diagnoses. As a psychologist, I do have a strong understanding of various mental health diagnoses.

Mental Fitness Coaching Services

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