Mental Health
At Cross Court Connections, we recognize that conversations around mental health are becoming less stigmatized within the athletic community. Athletes and their support networks at all levels benefit from performance management, mental wellness, sports psychology, and other forms of therapy and personal coaching. We understand that every individual has a unique relationship with their mental health, and we strive to meet you wherever you are on that journey.
Below, you’ll find our mental health and wellness offerings designed for players, parents, and anyone who may benefit from these resources. We’ve also included information from trusted organizations that provide support in nutrition, overall wellness, and emotional resilience. Whether you’re a parent, player, coach, or institutional partner, we are committed to elevating the conversation around mental health in athletics while providing the tools and support to back it up.
Not sure where to start when it comes to mental performance, therapy, or coaching?
Whether you’re an athlete, a parent seeking guidance, or a coach/support figure looking to better understand how to support your athletes, it can be difficult to know which pathway offers the right kind of support. Our Athlete Support Compass is a simple chart that outlines the key differences between various athlete supports such as therapy, performance coaching, and sports psychology, including focus areas, training, credentials, and who each is best for so you can make a more informed decision.
Book with Us
If you’re seeking a holistic approach to your mental health journey within the athletic space, Cross Court Connections offers a range of support options. You can book a 1:1 individual consulting or coaching session directly through our platform.
For those interested in more in-depth, long-term therapeutic care, you can schedule a session with Gabby Bennett, LSW at Wellington Counseling Group to begin that process.
Local Mental Health Resources
At Cross Court Connections, we believe in the power of community and collaboration to support mental well-being. That’s why we’re proud to partner with a trusted provider of expert counseling services for teens, young adults, and families in the Chicagoland area.
RISE Therapy Chicago offers a personalized, holistic approach to mental health, helping clients unlock their full potential. Their team specializes in treating a range of concerns, including social anxiety, loneliness, relationship issues, self-confidence, quarter-life crises, college transitions, and self-discovery. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of adolescence or seeking personal growth in adulthood, RISE provides compassionate support tailored to your unique needs.
With a commitment to fostering resilience and self-awareness, RISE Therapy Chicago empowers individuals to build meaningful connections and lead fulfilling lives.
Led by sports psychologist Karla Steingraber, Everest Strong Coaching provides mental game coaching, personal training, and holistic support for athletes. With a focus on both mental and physical performance, Everest Strong offers powerful opportunities to elevate every aspect of your game.
Josh Zoldan is a mental performance coach and the founder of Pure Potential Consulting, LLC. In June 2024, Josh received his MA in sport and performance psychology from the University of Denver. In addition, in August 2024, Josh began his doctoral training to become a licensed clinical psychologist at Roosevelt University in downtown Chicago. Josh aims to support athletes through utilizing the knowledge, skills, and abilities he’s gained throughout his education and experience in the field of sport & clinical psychology to help athletes and teams build the confidence, resilience, and mental wellness needed to perform at their best and find fulfillment in their sport.
Chicago Mind Solutions offers performance psychology services tailored to athletes, performers, and high-achieving individuals looking to optimize focus, manage pressure, and unlock their full potential. Their evidence-based approach blends neuroscience with mental skills training to enhance confidence, consistency, and overall performance on and off the court.
Millennium’s Athlete Wellness Division offers a holistic approach to mental health and performance enhancement for athletes. The team is composed of both sports psychology experts and licensed clinical mental health professionals who are dedicated to helping athletes at all levels achieve peak performance and overall well-being. Each athlete is paired with a licensed counselor, many of whom are former Division I athletes themselves. This lived experience, combined with clinical expertise, creates a supportive environment rooted in empathy, understanding, and results.
Morgan’s Message is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health in athletics. Through education, community outreach, and peer-led ambassador programs, they empower student-athletes to speak openly, seek support, and prioritize mental wellness as part of their overall performance and identity. A powerful resource for players, parents, and coaches committed to mental health advocacy in sports.
Generation Next Project is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth through sport, mentorship, and community engagement. By creating access to high-level training, leadership development, and college prep resources, they help young athletes grow both on and off the court. Their mission centers on equity, opportunity, and building the next generation of confident, capable leaders.
This webpage hosts the largest directory of certified sport psychology professionals. Whether you’re seeking mental performance support, team consulting, or individual coaching, the AASP directory is a trusted resource for finding qualified experts in the field of sport and performance psychology.
The Coach in Your Corner provides user-friendly resources for coaches, parents, and mentors who work with girls in sport. It offers clear guidance on mental wellness, from basic mental-health concepts to deeper explorations of anxiety, depression, and identity challenges, and provides hands-on tools you can use right away. The toolkit includes a “Coach’s Playbook” with communication strategies, team activities, check-in prompts, coping-skills exercises, and guidance for creating inclusive, supportive team environments. It also includes a “Coaching Toolbox” with printable resources, a crisis-lifeline list, and a glossary of mental-health terms.
Whether you’re a veteran coach or new to working with youth, this toolkit helps you support athletes’ emotional well-being, foster resilience, and build a team culture rooted in awareness, safety, and belonging.
Use it as a starting block to guide conversations, build empathy, and make sure every athlete you work with feels seen, supported, and empowered on and off the court.
Mental Health in Social Media
For today’s athletes, social media is a major part of both personal and competitive life. It can build community, highlight achievements, and support personal branding, but it can also create comparison, distraction, pressure, and challenges around identity and confidence.
The resources below are curated to help athletes and their families navigate social media with intention. They offer practical perspectives to encourage healthier habits, protect emotional balance, and support long-term development on and off the court. While there are countless high-quality pages and creators in this space, these recommendations serve as a starting point for guiding your algorithm toward content that promotes confidence, awareness, and a growth-focused mindset.
A nonprofit and advocacy organization dedicated to student-athlete mental health. It provides community, education, and storytelling opportunities to reduce stigma and promote well-being in sports culture.
Dr. Bescoby specializes in the mental side of injury recovery. His content provides tools for resilience, motivation, and confidence as athletes heal and return to play mentally stronger.
Natasha is an Eating Disorder and Intuitive Eating Therapist. She shares content focused on intuitive eating, body image, and building a balanced relationship with food and fitness, which is particularly relevant for individuals navigating nutrition, performance, and self-worth.
A digital mental health community offering real stories, articles, and resources from people living with various mental health and chronic health conditions—including athletes. The platform fosters honest, stigma-free dialogue and peer support.
Former Division I volleyball player at USC and founder of The Hidden Opponent, Victoria uses her platform to speak candidly about mental health, body image, and the realities of athlete life, sparking a movement that empowers athletes to share their stories.