The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron Athletics Sport Psychology & Mental Health
At the University of Akron, we understand the unique pressures that student-athletes may face. We also know that student-athletes are not immune from experiencing emotional distress. For that reason, we are committed to providing mental health services for all of our student-athletes.
WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?
Sport psychology and mental health services at The University of Akron are comprised primarily of short-term, solution-focused sessions and are free and confidential for student-athletes. Our team of professionals are available for mental health counseling as well as mental skills training to help individuals respond more effectively to the pressures they face as collegiate student-athletes. Servicing all of Akron's varsity student-athletes, these services are designed to address a variety of common concerns including:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep difficulties
- Substance abuse
- Injury rehabilitation/return to play
- Academic performance concerns
- Other mental health-related concerns
When appropriate, sport psychology services are closely coordinated with a sports psychiatrist who can provide consultations, treatment recommendations, and prescriptions for a wide variety of mental health concerns.
If you are concerned about the mental health of a University of Akron student-athlete, please complete an anonymous referral HERE.
WHO WE ARE:
Sam Maniar, Ph.D. is a sport psychologist with nearly 20 years of experience working with athletes. He has worked with the University of Akron student-athletes since 2016 and previously worked with college student-athletes at The Ohio State University, Washington State University, West Virginia University, and the University of Montana. He also has worked in professional sports (Cleveland Browns, Alliance of American Football, individual golfers), Olympic sports, and high school sports (SPIRE Institute and numerous high schools in Ohio). He is also the President & Founder of the Center for Peak Performance where he helps amateur and professional athletes, as well as executives and businesses, reach their peak potential. Dr. Maniar is a licensed psychologist in the state of Ohio.
Eva Szigethy, MD, PhD. Chair, Pediatric Psychiatry and Psychology; The Lois C. Orr Endowed Chair in Pediatric Psychiatry. Dr. Szigethy joined Akron Children’s in 2023. She earned her medical degree from the University of Rochester, Rochester, Minn. and her PhD in neuroanatomy from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. She completed residencies in general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and a residency in child and adolescent psychiatry at Harvard University. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry (AAPDP), the American Psychosomatic Society (APS), the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA), the Advances in IBD Steering Committee (AIBD), the Crohn’s and Colitis UK Steering Committee, the Medical Traumatic Stress in Chronic Illness Steering Committee, the Rome V “Centrally Mediated Pain Syndrome” Committee and fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).
HOW TO SCHEDULE:
The easiest way to schedule appointments is by clicking here. Alternatively, student-athletes may coordinate an appointment via their athletic trainer or by contacting a sport psychology staff member directly. Individual sessions are confidential, free of charge, and can be accommodated to fit your schedule. You will receive a confirmation and initial paperwork to complete prior to your first meeting. Initial sessions typically last 45-60 minutes, and follow-up sessions are typically 30-45 minutes in duration.
LOCATION:
Stile Athletics Field House
Athletics Training Room (back office)
289 South Union Street
Akron, OH 44325
*Additionally, in some instances, services are delivered outside of the office in other athletics facilities or campus locations, or via a HIPAA-compliant telepsychology (i.e., video) platform.
CONTACT:
Sam Maniar, PhD
(330) 593-9456
smaniar@c4pp.org
ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:
- Help A Zip: https://www.uakron.edu/referral/
- University of Akron Counseling & Testing Center: https://www.uakron.edu/counseling/
- Local Suicide/Crisis Support Hotline: (330) 434-9144
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or go to https://988lifeline.org/
- Text 4Hope to 741741
- University of Akron Police: or (330) 972-2911 (911 from campus phone)
- Rape Crisis Center: (330) 434-7273 (Confidential; Available 24/7)
- Sexual Misconduct Information: https://www.uakron.edu/title-ix/
- CARE Team Referral: https://www.uakron.edu/care/
- Dean of Students: https://www.uakron.edu/deanofstudents/
- Case Management: https://www.uakron.edu/deanofstudents/case-management
- Faculty Athletics Representative: Dr. Matthew Juravich (330) 972-2308
