Sports Psychologist Spotlight: Dr. Katie Peterson

Who is Dr. Katie Peterson?

Dr. Katie Peterson is a licensed psychologist (PsyD) specializing in sport and performance psychology, health, and rehabilitation at Achieve Performance Psychology. She blends clinical expertise with lived athletic experience to help athletes strengthen their mindset, navigate challenges, and build confidence that lasts both on and off the ice.

Her Background: Athlete-Turned-Psychologist

Katie’s foundation in sport is personal. She was a three-sport athlete in high school, hockey, soccer, and lacrosse, before continuing her hockey career at the University of Minnesota, where she was part of two NCAA Division 1 national championship teams.

After earning bachelor's and master’s degrees in psychology and counseling from Minnesota, she completed her PsyD at Saint Mary’s University and a fellowship in health and rehabilitation psychology at Hennepin Healthcare.

This combination of elite athletics and advanced clinical training gives her a unique ability to understand the pressures, experiences, and emotions that young athletes face today.

While we know physical activity is excellent for brain health, involvement in sports doesn't fully protect athletes (from youth to Elite) from experiencing mental health concerns. To achieve optimal performance, looking at the whole person - mind and body - is important. This can include peer support from friends or coaches, to meeting regularly with a sport psychologist. From managing diagnosed mental health disorders to performance coaching - any level of mental health support is okay and necessary! 

Her Work: Bringing Mental Strength to Performance

As part of Achieve Performance Psychology, Katie supports athletes through sport & performance psychology sessions, injury recovery support, team training, psychological assessment, and holistic mental health support.

Her philosophy is rooted in evidence-based practice and genuine care: performance thrives when the whole person is supported.

Why She Makes an Impact

Dr. Katie stands out because she understands the realities of sport, not just from the perspective of a clinician, but from the heart of someone who has lived it. Her approach is empowering, grounded, and athlete-centered. She helps young athletes:

• Build confidence rooted in self-awareness

• Handle stress and pressure with practical tools

• Strengthen resilience through adversity

• Balance performance with mental well-being

• Maintain a healthy relationship with their sport

Whether she’s guiding teams, supporting individual athletes, or speaking in educational settings, Katie creates environments where athletes feel seen, heard, and capable.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine ... Approximately 30% of women and 25% of men who are student-athletes report having anxiety, and only 10% of all college athletes with known mental health conditions seek care from a mental health professional.

Upcoming Workshop: Navigating Social Media as a Student-Athlete

Dr. Katie Peterson will be leading a virtual workshop focused on social media and its impact on youth athletes — an essential conversation for players, parents, and coaches navigating today’s digital world.

If you want the young athletes in your life to gain tools for confidence, self-regulation, and healthy online habits, register now to reserve a spot. This workshop is a chance to learn directly from one of the leading experts in sport psychology.