Sport Psychology - 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.

Zac Bruback, M.A. is a sport psychology consultant with six years of experience working with athletes. Following completion of his bachelor's degree at The Ohio State University, he received his Master's in Psychology from The University of Akron and is currently working on finishing his doctoral degree. Zac completed his pre-doctoral internship at the Dallas VA Medical Center and has worked primarily with athlete and Veteran populations. He provides mental health and performance enhancement services and adheres to a collaborative "coaching" approach to help athletes overcome obstacles and reach their goals, both in and out of sport. Zac is in the process of completing his doctoral degree and works under the license and supervision of Dr. Maniar.

Mayur Pandya, D.O. is a board-certified physician specializing in the diagnosis and management of behavioral and neuropsychiatric conditions. Dr. Pandya's areas of expertise include mood & anxiety disorders, behavioral manifestations of concussion, and neurodegenerative disease. Dr. Pandya is a member of the International Society for Sport Psychiatry and has served as a team psychiatrist and psychiatric consultant for active and retired elite athletes and sports professionals in the NFL, NBA, MLB, MiLB, PGA, and Division I collegiate sports.

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

Zac Bruback, MA
(330) 703-7733
zac.bruback@gmail.com

Mayur Pandya, DO
(440) 941-8326

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:

Student-Athlete Concern Report: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UnivofAkron&layout_id=25
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

The University of Akron Athletics